WELLNESS
SCENE
Time to take the plunge
Past president honored
DeKalb’s 2016 swim season is set to open on May 28, Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer fun. 7
The DeKalb Lawyers Association has announced a “Legal Warrior Award” in honor of civil rights attorney Mawuli Davis. 9
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
Copyright © 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
May 28, 2016
Volume 22, Number 5
www.crossroadsnews.com
Commissioners delay action on sports bar, gas station Permit applications for the Lemon Drop Sports Bar and Grille and a Circle K gas station and convenience store on Wesley Chapel Road will return to the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on July 26. The board voted 5-0 at its May 19 meeting for full-cycle deferrals on both special land use permit applications on motions from District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson and District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who both represent the area. Johnson represents the side of Wesley Chapel where the proposed sports bar and grill is seeking to operate. Davis Johnson represents the other side of the road where the Circle K wants to build.
Myrio Lemons, who has been renovating and landscaping the property at 2565 Wesley Chapel Road for his sports bar and grill in Commission District 3, says he wants to improve his community. He said he needs the permit to offer a jazz band, to allow his patrons to watch games on the West Coast, and to sell alcohol until 2 a.m. Charles McCorkle, who operates an event center next door to the sports bar and grill, told commissioners that if the rules and regulations were followed, the application would not even be in front of the BOC.
Landscape workers put down fresh sod at the Lemon Drop Sports Bar and Grille on Wesley Chapel Road. The owner of the new bar is seeking a special land use permit to sell alcohol past 12:30 a.m.
Please see WESLEY CHAPEL, page 3
Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
New leadership taking shape in DeKalb County Boston elected DA, Thurmond wins primary
Solicitor General Sherry Boston is all smiles on May 24 as she celebrates her victory over incumbent District Attorney Robert James for DeKalb DA with 61.99 percent.
By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Voters have begun carving new leadership for DeKalb County with the election of Sherry Boston as their new district attorney, Michael Thurmond as their Democratic nominee for CEO, and their rejection of former Commissioner Stan Watson for tax commissioner and Rahn Mayo as their representative for House District 84. When all the votes were counted for the May 24 primary, nonpartisan and special elections, Boston, county solicitor general since 2010, convincingly defeated incumbent DA Robert James with 61.99 percent. Boston, who announced her candidacy for DA nine months before the election, called the path to her election-night victory “a crazy journey.” She said she is excited that all of DeKalb got behind her for a new day in the county. “Today is a turning point for our county,” Boston said. “It symbolizes that our county is excited to bring change and effective and honest leadership to the best place to live, work and play. With my leadership and the great, amazing team of folks we have, we will make a new day.” In a majority Democratic county, voters firmly set Thurmond, the former DeKalb superintendent and former state labor commissioner, on the path to becoming DeKalb CEO, with 71.83 percent of the vote. Even though Thurmond must face Republican Jack Lovelace in the Nov. 8 general election, he is expected to win the office because there aren’t enough Republican votes in the county to elect his opponent. While the voters waffled on who should be tax commissioner, they said loud and clear that they did not want Watson, who was dogged on the Board of Commissioners by ethics questions, including a vote he cast for
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
Former DeKalb Superintendent Michael Thurmond is flanked by his wife, Zola (left), and daughter Mikayla while celebrating his win in the Democratic primary for DeKalb CEO.
Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
a contract for APD Solutions while he was a paid consultant for the company. Watson also was a no-show at candidate forums during the campaign, preventing voters from questioning him about his reasons for running and his plans for the office. The voters also rejected DA James’ chief deputy Nicole Marchand Golden for solicitor
Please see Six DeKalb races in runoffs, Page 6 Turnout for the May 24 elections was low, with only 70,438, or 18.60 percent, of the county’s 378,798 registered voters casting ballots. Thurmond said he was humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement and called May 24 a historic day in DeKalb County politics. “The future of DeKalb County is forever changed,” he said election night to chants of “We like Mike” from several hundred enthusiastic supporters who gathered at the Double Tree Hotel in Tucker to watch the election returns. “Either we will all rise together or surely we will all fall and fail separately.” Thurmond told his supporters he loves
general, choosing instead Donna Coleman Stribling, who won the office Boston is vacating with 53.42 percent of the vote. They also dumped incumbent state Rep. Rahn Mayo in the House District 84 race, choosing instead to elect his challenger, Renitta Shannon, a newcomer to DeKalb Please see ELECTIONS, page 6 politics.
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May 28, 2016
Community
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“We do not need another establishment selling beer, wine and liquor. We are trying to enhance Wesley Chapel Road.”
Lithonia farmers market kicking off June 5 with games, music said, adding that home gardeners South DeKalb residents looking who have too much yield from for farm-fresh fruits and veggies can their gardens also can sell them at head to the Lithonia farmers market the market. starting June 5. The kickoff of the Lithonia The Sunday Market, which will farmers market includes fun, continue weekly from 1 to 5 p.m., games, prizes, music and Zumba will be located in the Lithonia Park classes. Jackson said they also plan at 2501 Park Drive. to have food demonstrations at Mayor Deborah Jackson said the farmers market will offer residents Deborah Jackson future markets. “We plan to work with local chefs who seasonal vegetables and fruits. “We will have local farmers who are can demonstrate quick recipes using fresh growing their produce organically,” Jackson foods,” Jackson said.
The city of Lithonia received a REACH grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the DeKalb Board of Health to help launch the farmers market after residents expressed strong interest in having fresh foods. In November 2014, the city sponsored a farmers market as part of its National Recycling Day program, which Jackson said was well-received by residents. The REACH grant is part of an overall initiative to improve health outcomes in South DeKalb by supporting physical activity
programs and farmers markets. Jackson said the Lithonia farmers market will help to educate the community about eating healthy as well as encourage more people to engage in some form of gardening. “We also want to support gardening projects at the elementary school and recreation center to help our children learn where food comes from and how to grow it,” she said. Farmers and home gardeners who want to sell produce at the market can apply at Farmers.Market@lithoniacity.org.
Community activists line up to oppose applications for special permits WESLEY CHAPEL,
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He said he had 11 pages of more than 280 criminal offenses, including prostitution, child molestation, domestic dispute, attempted rape, and damage to property, that have taken place at the hotels on the property where the sports bar and grill will be located and 190 other incidents that took place at the former Scores Sports Bar that used to be located in the Kroger parking lot up the street. McCorkle, who took up all the time for the opposition to speak on the application, said parking is inadequate for the proposed business and it is located close to four churches. “We have earned a denial,” he told commissioners. “Kick the can down the road.” Lemons’ attorney said McCorkle was attempting to blame all crime on the business that has not even opened and he has ulterior motives for trying to keep the sports bar and grill from coming next to his business. Commissioner Larry Johnson said he is a longtime advocate of Wesley Chapel Road from the CID, to cleanups, to making sure there are no abandoned buildings languishing along the corridor and he wants to see the area be strong and viable. “All that said, what is before us in the Lemon Drop but what cannot be looked over is that hotel,” he said. Johnson said he met the owner of the hotel for the first time in his 14 years as a commissioner. “He said he had been a silent partner but was now there to clean it up,” Johnson said, adding that he said he looked at what was being cleaned up.
“It was not to my liking in terms of what was being done and how we need to move forward. Those hotels need to be cleaned up. That area needs to be changed.” Johnson said that for legal purposes, the apLarry Johnson plication had to deferred because he did not see how the community was engaged to come and give input into the application before it got to the BOC. “What I have is a notification letter to Community Council,” he said. “What I don’t have is notification to engage the community to come and give input.” Johnson acknowledged that there are a lot of alcohol outlets in the area. “We are not going to put anything over that is not going to bring revitalization,” he said. “I think I told the owner as well. We have got to have things that will make Wesley Chapel a positive place to be and a positive place to move to. Nothing personal to Lemon Drop, but those hotels have been an eyesore.” On the Circle K application, Davis Johnson said the only community meeting that was held took place on Dec. 29 during the holidays. “A lot of residents did not get the opportunity,” she said. “In fact, just one resident attended this meeting.” She said she also has questions that have not been answered and that the deferral will allow time for a meeting with the community. Amin Chitalwala is seeking to open the Circle K gas station with a 4,112-square-foot
convenience store near the I-20 West exit ramp. The 0.91-acre property is zoned C-1 (local commercial), but Chitalwala needs the permit to sell alcohol. Residents who oppose both projects say they are not the kind of development the corridor needs. Community activists Faye Coffield, Charles Peagler, Joel Edwards and Bobbie Sanford were among those who lined up to tell commissioners not to approve the applications. Coffield said there is no need for another gas station on Wesley Chapel Road. “When you look at our crime statistics, a lot of the problems are coming from these gas stations on Wesley Chapel Road,” she said. “The dumping of gas stations and convenience stores is what is slowing our growth of other businesses. It’s just not needed. How much gas can you buy at one location.”
Peagler said the gas station is going to be a traffic problem and that on 0.9 acres, it’s unclear how many fuel tanks can be located there. The Circle K is going to sell as much alcohol as the nightclub and “we don’t need another gas station,” he said. Joel Edwards, who lives in Kings Ridge, said Kroger and a number of other businesses already on the corridor sell liquor. “We do not need an- Joel Edwards other establishment selling beer and wine and liquor,” he said. “We don’t need it. We are trying to enhance Wesley Chapel Road.” The Board of Commissioners’ July 26 zoning meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.
FREE Family Reunion Planning Workshop & Showcase
Discover DeKalb’s Reunion Specialist will teach you everything you need to know to plan the perfect Family Reunion in DeKalb County! Workshop - 10 a.m. to Noon | Showcase - Noon to 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 18th Georgia Piedmont Technical College
495 North Indian Creek Drive Clarkson, GA 30021 Pre-registration is required
Call 770-492-5018
Family Reunion Capital of the South
Register online at AtlantasDeKalb.com/Reunions
FREE Customer Service Training Professional trainer, Donna Satchell of STARR Consulting & Training, will teach you the importance of providing outstanding service and help you enhance your service skills in this motivating free class.
Wednesday, June 8th 9 a.m. to Noon Discover DeKalb Conference Room 1957 Lakeside Parkway Suite 510 Tucker, GA 30084
Pre-registration is required
Call 770-492-5014 Register online at AtlantasDeKalb.com
CrossRoadsNews
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Community
May 28, 2016
“We are committed to reducing wait times and operating the world’s busiest airport as efficiently as possible.” About 700,000 more people will travel for the Memorial Day holiday compared with last year. The lowest gas prices in more than a decade is behind the travel.
2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Graphic Design Curtis Parker 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 advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.
Circulation Audited By
Millions hitting the road for Memorial Day holiday
More than 38 million Americans are expected to travel this Memorial Day Weekend, the second-highest volume on record and the most since 2005. The holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 26, to Monday, May 30. About 700,000 more people will travel compared with last year, spurred by the lowest gas prices in more than a decade, AAA projects. Marshall D one y, A A A president and Marshall Doney CEO, said the great American road trip returns. “Americans are eagerly awaiting the start of summer and are ready to travel in numbers not seen in
more than a decade,” Doney said in a May 23 statement. “The great American road trip is officially back thanks to low gas prices, and millions of people from coast to coast are ready to kick off summer with a Memorial Day getaway.” AAA estimates that Americans have saved more than $15 billion on gas so far this year compared to the same period in 2015, and prices are at the lowest levels in 11 years. The strong labor market and rising personal income also are motivating people to travel for Memorial Day this year. Nearly 34 million holiday travelers – 89 percent – will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.1 percent over last year as a result of lower gas prices. Air travel is expected to increase 1.6 percent over last year, with 2.6 million Americans taking to the skies. Travel by
other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses, will fall 2.3 percent, to 1.6 million travelers. The national average price for a gallon of gasoline on May 23 was $2.26, 45 cents less than last year. AAA expects most U.S. drivers will pay the lowest Memorial Day gas prices since 2005. According to a recent AAA survey, 55 percent of Americans say they are more likely to take a road trip this year due to lower gas prices. According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes will be 26 percent cheaper, with an average round-trip ticket costing $165. Hotel costs are in line with last Memorial Day. AAA Three Diamond Rated hotels will average $183, while a AAA Two Diamond Rated hotel will average
$151 nightly. Daily car rental rates will average $62, 3 percent less than last year. AAA expects to rescue more than 350,000 motorists during the holiday travel period, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires. AAA recommends motorists check the condition of their battery and tires before heading out on a road trip. Also, have vehicles inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the nearly 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.
New security checkpoint opens at Hartsfield-Jackson The South Security checkpoint is open again at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport just in time for the busy summer travel season. Airport officials closed the checkpoint on May 4 for installation of automated screening equipment designed to cut down on long security lines that have plagued airports across the country due to a shortage of TSA screeners. The new equipment includes automated bins equipped with radio frequency identification technology. The system is designed to free screeners from having to
manually recirculate the bins, which slows down the process and causes long lines. The new innovation lanes allow multiple passengers to fill bins with their belongings at the same time. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed attended the reopening of the checkpoint on May 25. “We are committed to reducing wait times and operating the world’s busiest airport as efficiently as possible,” Reed said. “Every day our focus is on running our airport with the highest levels of customer service excellence and efficiency,” interim air-
port General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. said. “These new innovation lanes are a good step forward to providing customers with a smooth traveling experience.” The completion of the project comes just before the Memorial Day holiday, considered the unofficial start to the summer travel season. Concern over passenger traffic in the busy months ahead led to the collaboration between ATL, the TSA and Delta Air Lines. TSA officials believe passenger through-put may increase by 25 percent to 30 percent with full implementation of the new lanes. The TSA will study
the results of the new equipment installation and may extend the ATL-based pilot program to other airports in the United States. With passenger security screening expected to reach more than 85,000 travelers per day over the Memorial Day holiday, ATL officials recommend passengers arrive at least two hours before scheduled domestic departures. Passengers also are urged to download the iflyATL mobile app or visit www. atlanta-airport.com for the most current information on parking, TSA wait times, and departure gate information.
Shooter gets life in prison Man guilty in taxi holdups same incident. Johnie Oliver Jr. of The night of the shootLithonia was sentenced to ing, Oliver called Weems life in prison without the to complain about the chance for parole plus 45 quality of marijuana he’d years for killing Rayonte previously purchased Weems and shooting two from Weems for $13. other people on June 26, Weems, Rollins and Con2014. nor drove to meet Oliver A DeKalb jury conJohnie Oliver Jr. on Swift Creek Drive. victed Oliver, 23, on May When Rollins and Weems got 18 for the fatal shooting in a dispute out of the car they were in, Oliver about a $13 debt. The jury found Oliver guilty of opened fire, striking Weems five malice murder, two counts of felony times. Rollins was hit seven times, murder, three counts of aggravated and Connor – who was in the car – assault, three counts of possession was shot once in the left thigh. Weems eventually died. Rollins of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a fire- was in a coma for two weeks. Oliver was being transferred to arm by a convicted felon. Oliver also shot Theodore Rol- the custody of the Georgia Departlins and Yani Connor during the ment of Corrections.
Tyre James Gay of Stone Mountain has been convicted of leading a 2011 crime spree robbing taxi drivers at gunpoint. A DeKalb jury found Gay, 23, guilty on May 13 of three counts of armed robbery, three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count each of aggravated assault and hijacking a motor vehicle. During a five-day period in July 2011, about 10 cabdrivers in DeKalb, Fulton and Clayton counties reported being robbed and pistol-whipped by a trio of passengers once they arrived at their destination. Gay’s conviction accounted for three of those robberies. He was charged with two other
Tyre James Gay
Jermaine Cheeks
men. Ladarrius Marquas Robinson, 25, of Conyers pleaded guilty and will serve 12 years in prison followed by three years of probation. Jermaine Devonte Cheeks, 23, of Atlanta will stand trial at a later time. Gay will be sentenced at a later date but faces up to four life sentences plus 45 years in prison.
May 28, 2016
CrossRoadsNews
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Vote Irvin Johnson
2016
Susannah Scott
May 28, 2016
“This marks the fifth time the community has given substantial financial support to improve schools.”
Sharon B. Sutton
Stephen Bradshaw Tonya Anderson
D. Dawkins-Haigler
Vernon Jones
Rhonda Taylor
Alan Cole
Meagan Hanson
10 candidates back on the stump in six runoff races By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Ten candidates in four Democratic and one Republican primary and a special election will be seeking to lure voters back to the polls on July 26 for six races that had no clear winners in the May 24 primary, nonpartisan and special elections. To win the races, candidates needed 50 percent of the vote plus one. There were no winners in both the special and primary races for DeKalb tax commissioner, District 4 commissioner, Senate District 43 and House District 91. The three-person Republican primary for House District 80 also ended in a runoff. Interim Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson
will meet attorney Susannah Scott again in both races for tax commissioner. In the special election to finish Claudia Lawson’s term through Dec. 31, Johnson got 38.60 percent of the vote, Scott received 36.27 percent, and former DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson got 25.13 percent. Maxine Daniels, DeKalb Elections director, said that because the special election for tax commissioner is nonpartisan and countywide, anyone who voted Republican in May but is not in House District 80 can vote nonpartisan in the July 26 runoffs to participate in the tax commissioner’s special election. In the Democratic primary for the tax commissioner four-year term starting Jan. 1,
2017, Johnson got 39.51 percent of the vote and Scott, 33.80 percent. Watson came in a distant third with 26.69 percent. Incumbent District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton is in a runoff with Stephen Bradshaw, who got 48.40 percent of the vote to her 43.42 percent. Former state Reps. Tonya Anderson and Dee Dawkins-Haigler will meet again for the Democratic nomination for Senate District 43. Anderson got 46 percent of the vote to Dawkins-Haigler’s 34.4 percent. Former state Rep. Toney Collins got 19.5 percent. The winner of the runoff will meet Republican incumbent Janice Van Ness in the Nov. 8 general election.
In the hotly contested House 91 race, former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones will face community activist Rhonda Taylor in the runoff. Jones got 48.93 percent of the vote, while Taylor got 25.88 percent. Charles Hill and David Neville received 18.23 and 6.86 percent of the vote, respectively. In the House District 80 race, Alan Cole got 36.16 percent of the vote and will meet Meagan Hanson, who got 33.59 percent. Third-place finisher Catherine Bernard got 30.25 percent. Early voting for the runoff elections starts on July 8. There will be one early precinct at the DeKalb Elections Office on Memorial Drive. For more information, visit www. dekalbvotes.com or call 404-298-4020.
Voters overwhelmingly approve DeKalb E-SPLOST to improve schools By Ken Watts
Superintendent R. Stephen Green says voter approval of the E-SPLOST referendum in the May 24 elections will create a better learning environment for DeKalb County’s 102,000 schoolchildren. Voters overwhelmingly approved the district’s E-SPLOST with 71.37 percent, or 48,392, of the vote during the primary, nonpartisan and special elections. Green said the vote means the district will not have to consider other sources of tax revenue to meet the district’s education needs.
“We are ready to move forward with aggressively dealing with the overcrowding in Cross Keys, Clarkston, Dunwoody and Lakeside as well as addressing the conditions in older schools and future capacity demands,” he said at a May 25 news Stephen Green conference called to thank stakeholders for continuing the 1-cent Special Local Option Sales Tax. The new E-SPLOST, which is expected to generate $500 million, will fund new facilities
and additions, technology, transportation, and safety and security improvements. Among other things, it will expand classroom space and ease overcrowding at the Cross Keys, Clarkston, Dunwoody and Lakeside high school clusters where many students take classes in trailers. “This marks the fifth time that the community has given substantial financial support to improve our schools with a penny sales tax,” Green said. “With this vote, we will be able to build a safe, clean, 21st century learning environment for the children who have been placed in our care.” The new tax will kick in July 1, 2017, after
the current $492 million SPLOST that was approved in November 2011 ends. The fiveyear tax will continue through June 2022. Since voters approved the first penny sales tax for education in March 1997, it has raised more than $1.8 billion for infrastructure and other improvements in the district. The Cross Keys Cluster serves six schools with large enrollments of minority students whose primary language is not English. The cluster includes Woodward, Montclair, Dresden and Cary Reynolds elementary schools; Sequoyah Middle; and Cross Keys High. The schools have a capacity for 5,700 students, but more than 7,500 are enrolled.
All incumbent judges retain seats ELECTIONS,
2016 Mobile Market Stops CASH, CREDIT, AND SNAP/EBT CARDS ACCEPTED
Tuesdays
9AM - 11AM Exchange Recreation Center 2771 Columbia Dr. Decatur 12PM - 2PM South DeKalb YMCA
2565 Snapfinger Rd. Decatur
5PM - 7PM Mainstreet Community Association 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr. Stone Mountain
Wednesdays
9AM - 11AM Clifton Springs Health Center 3110 Clifton Springs Rd. Decatur 12PM - 2PM Austin Drive Community at Bethesda Cathedral 1989 Austin Dr. Decatur 5PM - 7PM Tadda’s Fitness Center 2615 Park Central Blvd. Decatur
Thursdays
9AM - 11AM Spring Chase II Apartments 4947 Memorial Dr. Stone Mountain 12PM - 2PM Lou Walker Senior Center 2538 Panola Rd. Lithonia 5PM - 7PM New Life Community Ministries 3592 Flat Shoals Rd. Decatur
Fridays
11AM - 1PM DeKalb County Extension 4380 Memorial Dr. Ste 200 Decatur 2PM - 4PM June 17th and Aug. 19 only @Candler Library 1917 Candler Rd. Decatur July 15 and Sept. 16 only @Clarkston Library 951 N. Indian Creek Dr. Clarkston
Call (404) 298-4080 for more information.
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DeKalb but there is great work to be done. “There are challenges ahead, and this job is, quite frankly, too big for one man,” he said. “But it is not too big for all of us.” Thurmond said DeKalb has all it needs to accomplish anything that its citizens can dream of. “Those folks who want to separate us, those folks whose politics was about division and divisiveness, those folks whose politics was about us versus them, let me tell you, I didn’t necessarily win tonight, but they lost,” he said. When he wins in November, Thurmond said he will move the county in another direction. “We have been through some tough times, but the tough times last just for the night and joy always comes in the morning.” In other results, Sheriff Jeff Mann won with 56.04 percent of the vote, and all of the incumbent judges in contested races retained their seats. State Court Judge Dax Lopez beat back a challenge from former Recorders Court Judge Roderick Bridges by winning 62.87 percent of the vote. In Superior Court races, incumbent Judge Clarence Seeliger won over Stephone Johnson with 58.74 percent, and Judge Gail Flake beat back a challenge from former Recorders Court Judge Angela Brown with 53.75 percent. Incumbent District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon easily won her seat with 80.73 percent of the vote over challenger Warren Mosby. State Rep. Michele Henson beat back a challenge from Joscelyn O’Neil by winning 75.96 percent.
Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Incumbent DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann won his race with 56.04 percent of the vote.
Jim Barksdale won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate with 53.80 of the vote. He will face incumbent Republican Johnny Isakson, who sailed to an easy victory in his primary with 77.40 percent. Incumbent District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who got 43.42 percent of the vote, is in a runoff with Stephen Bradshaw, who got 48.40 percent. The DeKalb School District E-SPLOST also passed overwhelmingly with 71.53 of the voters saying yes. And the voters gave strong support to all four Democratic questions on the ballot. They voted 90.77 percent in support of Medicaid expansion, 93.35 percent in support of paid family leave, 91.58 percent to protect Georgia’s rivers and streams with natural vegetative buffers, and 83.41 percent to automatically register people when they get their driver’s license. – Ken Watts contributed to this report.
CrossRoadsNews
May 28, 2016
Wellness
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Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among people ages 1-54 in the United States.
Breast health, self-exam class
Kids 5 to 12 can find out “What’s in That Lunch Anyway?!?” on June 6 at the Flat Shoals Library in Decatur. The Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre production begins at 11 a.m. Call or visit the branch to register. How much sugar is really in that granola bar? Just because a drink is orange, does that mean it’s orange juice? Is it Fruit or False? And how many roads must a man walk down before he reaches 10,000 steps? The show will reveal the answers and a recipe for a healthier you. Participants will learn about healthy eating and exercising. It is open to the first 60 participants. Groups of five or more should call the branch for appointment. Funding is provided by the branch’s Friends group. The library is at 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, call 404-244-4370.
Car crash deaths costly, preventable More than 30,000 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes each year in the United States, and they are costly but preventable. In 2013, nearly 1,300 people in Georgia were killed in crashes. Medical costs were estimated at $14 million and work loss costs at $1.61 billion for a total cost of crash-related deaths at $1.63 billion in one year. Nationwide, crash deaths resulted in $44 billion in medical and work loss costs in addition to the immeasurable burden on the victims’ families and friends, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Crashes are a leading cause of death among people ages 1-54 in the United States. In 2012, more than 2.2 million adult drivers and passengers were treated in emergency departments as the result of being injured in crashes. In the same year, non-fatal crash injuries resulted in more than $50 billion in lifetime medical and work loss costs. Adult seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. Yet millions of adults don’t wear seat belts on every trip. To save lives and money, the CDC says Georgia can consider the following proven strategies and the enforcement of related policies: n Primary enforcement seat belt law that covers all seating positions. n Child passenger safety policies that require proper car seat and booster seat use through at least age 8. n Ignition interlock device required for people convicted of driving while intoxicated. n Graduated driver licensing system that includes a minimum age provision of 16 for a learner’s permit and restrictions against driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. or longer. Visit www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety.
Get those bathing suits and trunks ready – DeKalb’s 2016 swim season opens May 28 for the Memorial Day Weekend, the official start of summer fun. The season ends Aug. 5. Select pools will remain open on weekends through Sept. 5, Labor Day. The DeKalb Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs operates seven outdoor swimming pools, a splash pad and an aquatic center. N.H. Scott is not in operation for the swim season. Pools are open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at select pools.
Open Tuesdays-Saturdays: n Medlock – 874 Gaylemont Circle, Decatur; n Kittredge – 2535 N. Druid Hills Road, 404-486-5904. Atlanta; 404-679-5925. n Midway – 3181 Midway Road, Decatur; n Gresham – 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta; 404-286-3313.
404-244-4937. n Lithonia – 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia; 770-484-3051. n Tobie Grant - 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale; 404-508-7616. Gresham and Lithonia are also open Sundays. Open Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, Sundays: n Kelly Cofer – 4259 N. Park Drive, Tucker; 770-270-6253.
Browns Mill Aquatic Facility, 4929 Browns Mill Road in Lithonia (770-3234179), is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. MondaysSaturdays and 1-7 p.m. Sundays. The Exchange Splash Pad, 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur (404-687-3430), is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays and noon-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Sundays. For more information, including fees and aquatics programs, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks or call 770-414-2119.
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DEKALB MEDICAL PARKWAY
KP show promotes nutrition, exercise
Area swim pools open on Memorial Day
PANOLA RD
Learn how to do a breast self-exam and find out options for a free or low-cost mammogram on June 1 at the Clarkston Library. The Breast Health Demonstration and Display takes place noon to 2 p.m. A representative from the Avon Community Education and Outreach Initiative, partnering with Susan G. Komen, will discuss what you need to know about breast cancer. The representative will demonstrate how a self breast exam is done and display a breast model that allows you to feel a normal breast versus a cancerous breast. There also will be an opportunity for women who do not have health insurance to sign up for a free or low-cost mammogram. The library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. Call 404-508-7175.
The DeKalb Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs operates seven outdoor swimming pools, a splash pad and an aquatic center.
INGER SNAPF DR S WOOD
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New Practice, Same Great Care DeKalb Medical Physicians Group welcomes Carmen Echols, M.D., and associates Susan Lee, FNP and Ebonique Pillot, PA, to Lithonia Primary Care. Formerly Kendrick Family Practice, Dr. Echols and medical staff offer over 50 years combined healthcare experience and will continue to provide the same great service to their community. To schedule your appointment, visit www.lithoniaprimarycare.com or call 770.268.0174 today.
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CrossRoadsNews
8
Youth
May 28, 2016
“Summer reading is critically important for maintaining and growing reading abilities.�
Six law students land $4,500 in DLA scholarships By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Six law students got $4,500 in scholarships from the DeKalb Lawyers Association at its 28th Annual Scholarship Breakfast on May 21. The top two scholarships – the $1,500 Donald Lee Hollowell Legacy Award – went to Pierce Hand, a third-year Georgia State University College of Law student, and the $1,000 Clarence Seeliger Judicial Award went to Kaylynn Webb, who is in her second year at Emory University School of Law. Four students each received $500 scholarships. The C. Anthony Cunningham Memorial Scholarship went to Morgan Tapp, who attended Emory Law School, and Marcus Sandifer, a second-year Emory Law School student, received the Michael Hancock Book Scholarship. The 2016 Laurene Jackson Work Hard/ Play Hard Award went to David Stokes, a third-year student at Mercer University School of Law, and Ebony Brown, also in her third year at Mercer Law School, received the President’s Award. The Donald Lee Hollowell Legacy Award is named for and honors the memory and legacy of the late noted civil rights attorney who, among his many accomplishments, secured the release of Dr. Martin Luther
Law students, from left, Ebony Brown, David Stokes, Marcus Sandifer, Morgan Tapp, Kaylynn Webb, and Pierce Hand pose with their awards from the DeKalb Lawyers Association.
Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews
King Jr. from a DeKalb County jail during the 1960s struggle for civil rights. The Seeliger Scholarship began in 2014 when DeKalb Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger donated $11,000 to the DeKalb Lawyers Foundation to help fund scholarships to minority law students in DeKalb and metro Atlanta. Since then, he has given $15,000 to the scholarship fund, and during the May 21 breakfast, Seeliger pledged another $5,000 if the audience would match his donation.
It was matched on the spot by U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, DeKalb State Court Judge Mike Jacobs and Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry, who pledged $1,000 each. For the remaining $2,000, Johnson Hopewell Coleman Lawyers, the Davis Bozeman Law firm, Askew Law and Associates, and Dr. Harvey Leslie each pledged $500. The C. Anthony Cunningham Memorial Scholarship is named for Carl Anthony Cunningham, who as a student at Georgia
State University did not let blindness prevent him from becoming a lawyer. He went on to graduate from the University of Georgia Law School and worked tirelessly on behalf of people with disabilities. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams, who was Cunningham’s classmate, established the scholarship in 2005 in his honor to celebrate individuals who like Cunningham “demonstrate positive traits of the human spirit.�
Summer reading programs to help kids stay smart over school break More than 100,000 donated books will help keep kids smart over the summer. The books are part of efforts by the Georgia Department of Education to get reading material in the hands of as many students as possible when school is out for summer break now through the end of July. The state also is hosting reading events and offering other resources because research shows that when students don’t read during the summer months, they lose educational ground. Students can lose up to three months of reading ability over the break. This phenomenon – known as summer loss – can lower achievement potential and widen the achievement gap. Summer reading loss is preventable, GaDOE says. Research also shows that children who read during the summer don’t suffer the same losses and may even show some growth in their reading ability. State School Superintendent Richard
Woods said literacy is a top priority for his administration and a core focus in the agency’s strategic plan. “Summer reading is critically important for maintaining and growing reading abilities, so we strongly urge every Georgia student to read this summer,� Woods said in a May 19 statement. “However, we didn’t want to make that recommendation without providing the resources to make it a reality – and I’m grateful that, with the help of many generous partners, we’ll be able to get books into the hands of Georgia’s kids this summer. I also encourage students and parents to go to their local library and take advantage of the resources they have available and read all throughout the summer.� Students can visit summerreading.gadoe. org to log the books they read this summer. The department will keep track of books read and recognize winning students, schools and districts. Georgia’s public libraries also have
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summer reading programs and activities throughout the summer, and students are encouraged to use this resource and sign up for a library card. Visit www.dekalblibrary. org to check for programs. For those who have access to a digital device, students also have access to more than 10,000 free e-books all summer, thanks to a partnership between myON and Get Georgia Reading. Visit getgeorgiareading. org/myon2016 for directions on how to access these books. Thanks to a partnership with Change
4 Georgia, Better World Books, and Scholastic, the GaDOE is donating 100,000-plus books to Georgia students this summer. Of that total, 25,000 books will go to Georgia’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers, community centers that operate outside of school hours, including during the summer. The remainder will be distributed through the Georgia Food Bank Association and other organizations as well as through summer reading events hosted by the GaDOE. For more information, visit www.gadoe. org.
Soccer fundraiser with Wambach fundraisers will earn rewards, Local soccer players can win including wristbands, pictures, a chance to play with World Cup posters and autographs. champion Abby Wambach. Wambach, a 2012 FIFA WomWambach will meet and play an’s Player of the Year winner and soccer with area players who raise two-time Olympic gold medalist, the most funds to benefit area socis teaming up with Sports DeKalb cer clubs now through Sept. 27. to promote the fundraiser. She says Soccer players who want to play she is thrilled to help raise funds with Wambach, an all-time leading Abby Wambach for local soccer clubs. goal scorer and five-time winner of “I can’t wait to meet everyone on Oct. the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, must raise $250 to attend an Oct. 2 soccer 2,� she said. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 clinic and a Q&A session with her. The top 32 overall fundraisers will par- p.m. at Henderson Park, 2803 Henderson ticipate in a soccer game with Wambach. Road. Fundraising ends on Sept. 27 at 11:59 The top 10 overall fundraisers will have a p.m. For more information, visit www.Everyprivate lunch with her, and the top 2 overall fundraisers will sit next to her at lunch. All GoalCounts.org.
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CrossRoadsNews
May 28, 2016
Scene
9
“We are beginning to get a handle on the contributions of and challenges for women during … civil rights movement.”
Legal Warrior Award created to honor attorney Mawuli Davis By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
A newly minted “Legal Warrior Award” has been created by the DeKalb Lawyers Association to honor civil rights attorney Mawuli Davis, its immediate past president. Incoming DLA President Miguel Dominguez announced the award at the group’s 28th Annual Scholarship Breakfast at the Lou Walker Senior Center on May 21. Davis, who is a partner in Decatur-based Davis Bozeman Law firm, leads many of the firm’s fights for clients injured by the actions of law enforcement and other government agencies. Dominguez, an attorney with Thomas Kennedy Sampson Tompkins law firm in College Park, said it is important that the DLA recognize Davis, its 2015-2016 president, for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community.
and inspiring young attorneys to do right by the community. “Moving forward, we will be awarding one young attorney, considered to embody your leadership, your courage and your tremendous dedication to the community, the Legal Warrior Award in your name,” he said. Davis also was presented with a plaque and a gift of bow ties thanking him for his service to the organization, established in 1983 by black lawyers when they were not welcomed at the DeKalb Bar Association. Davis, who was described as a “leader that people want to follow,” was visibly moved by the honor. Wiping tears from his face, Davis said he Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews loves the DLA. “I appreciate this honor,” he said to loud Dominguez, joined onstage by members Superior Court Judge JP Boulee, said it is applause from the audience of attorneys, of the 2016 board of directors who had his intention as the incoming president to judges, elected officials and others. “Thank just taken the oath of office from DeKalb continue Davis’ work of mentoring, engaging you very much.” Outgoing DLA President Mawuli Davis received gifts, an award named for him, and applause from Miguel Dominguez, Rachel St. Fleur and Gerald Griggs.
SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. papers find home at Emory library Researchers and the public can view the records of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N., including its work fighting the HIV epidemic, at Emory University’s Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library. Evelyn G. Lowery (1925-2013), wife of the Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, founded SCLC/Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now Inc. in her home in Atlanta in 1979. It was originally part of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and encouraged women’s participation and leadership in the organization. The group focused on serving the needs of women and families and developed programs in support of family values, education, wellness and human rights. In 1989, it separated from the SCLC. It operates in the historic Auburn Avenue neighborhood of downtown Atlanta. Carol Anderson, professor of African American studies at Emory, said the collection adds to the growing body of research on the role of women in the struggle for equality. “We are beginning to get a handle on the contributions of and chal- Carol Anderson lenges for women during the traditional era of the civil rights movement,” Anderson said in a May 19 statement. “We are beginning to uncover the role of women in the Black Panthers. How the women of the SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. identified, then mobilized, strategized and organized to take on the HIV/AIDS crisis that engulfed the black community, the injustices of the criminal justice system, and more is now open and ready for scholars to explore.” The collection at the Rose Library pri-
Staff members of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N.’s National AIDS Program are pictured in a circa 1990 photo at left. Evelyn Lowery (above), the late wife of civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, founded the organization in her home in Atlanta in 1979. It was originally part of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
marily documents the activities and business of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. from 1979-2013. Materials include administrative files, program files, and printed material such as fliers, posters, programs and brochures. Rosemary Magee, director of the Rose Library, said the materials give “insight and texture to the daily workings of an important organization that initiated important community, educational and health programs.” “In f a c t , not abl e Rosemary Magee among the materials are extensive records of the National AIDS Minority Information
and Education Program, commonly known as the National AIDS Program, which began in 1988,” Magee said. The National AIDS Program, funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was a multiyear effort that emphasized church and community involvement in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It was managed from the national headquarters of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. The records of the program document meetings with community leaders and educational workshops that often included surveys to gauge community knowledge of the disease. The surveys offer an important window into contemporary popular conceptions about HIV and AIDS. SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. was involved in AIDS
education and awareness as early as 1986 when the group hosted the first annual Conference on AIDS in the Black Community. SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. also offered educational programs through the Family Life Learning Center and led efforts to honor and promote civil rights activists. The Drum Major for Justice Award, first given in 1982, honors national and local community leaders for their achievements, while students on the Civil Rights Heritage Tour experience the history of the civil rights movement in the locations where events took place. The records may be accessed at the Rose Library Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a visit, contact rose. library@emory.edu.
Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb! R Don’t Litter R Mow, Trim & Paint R Clean the Curb, Too! A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS
CrossRoadsNews
10
Scene
May 28, 2016
The Panola Mountain State Park 10K/5K is the second in the five-part 5K Greater Atlanta Run Series.
Tap the secrets to drawing nature Run and hike on National Trails Day Discover or enhance your artistic skills at a Georgia Museum of Art workshop on June 4 at the Salem-Panola Library in Lithonia. The class, part of the On Your Mark series, begins at 10 a.m. Learn some of the secrets to drawing plants, flowers and other natural objects using techniques that are fun, effective and easy to practice at home.
The workshop is ideal for those who believe they cannot draw and for those who would like to enhance their drawing skills. Groups of five or more should call the branch for an appointment. The class is open to the first 24 participants. The library is at 5137 Salem Road. Call 770-987-6900.
Genealogy Basics 101 at Redan-Trotti Library
Celebrate National Trails Day on June 4 with the Panola Mountain State Park 10K/5K or the Morning Mountain Hike in Stockbridge. The Panola run, which starts at 8 a.m., is the second in the five-part 5K Greater Atlanta Run Series. Register at http://www.greateratlantaathletes. com/panola-mountain-state-park-10k5k.html. The three-hour Morning Mountain Hike begins at 9. Learn about the history and the unique ecology on the 3.5-mile guided tour that includes
Friends hike at Panola Mountain
Residents interested in tracing their family’s history can attend Genealogy Basics 101: How to Get Started on June 4 at the Redan-Trotti Library. The workshop begins at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the first 20 participants. Call or visit the branch to register. It will teach the basics of starting family history research and share some of the available resources. The library is at 1569 Wellborn Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-3821.
See the natural beauty of Panola Mountain’s restricted Conservation Area at a Friends hike on June 1 and June 18 and help support park programs. The three-mile, moderately strenuous guided hike takes place 9 a.m. to noon both days. Take in beautiful views at the Conservation Area and up to the summit. All proceeds go to the not-for-profit Friends of Panola Mountain State Park, a group of volunteers who work diligently to support the park and its programs. The park is at 2620 Highway 155 S.W. in Stockbridge. For more information, including fees, visit http://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain or call 770-389-7801.
its conservation area. Meet at the Nature Center and wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Register by calling 770-389-7801. National Trails Day is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that occurs annually on the first Saturday of June and inspires the public to discover and celebrate trails while participating in outdoor activities and stewardship projects. The park is at 2620 Highway 155 S.W. Visit http://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain for fees.
Scott Candler hosts book and bake sales Patrons and residents can pick up a good read and help support Scott Candler Library programs at its book sale on June 4 and June 6 in Decatur. The summer bake and book sale for all ages takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 4. A Special Fire Sale follows from 3 to 4 p.m. The sale on June 6 takes place 3 to 6 p.m. The library is at 1917 Candler Road. For more information, call 404-286-6986.
in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Legal Notices 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Child(ren) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4975-3++ Anndria Robinson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Apr. 22, 2016 to change name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Nailah Robinson-Molley to Nailah Robinson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed In OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Apr. 19, 2016 Name: Anndria Robinson 771 Rockboro Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (678) 361-3473 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4979-3++ Sylvia Soumano Plaintiff Vs. Sikina Soumano Defendant To: Sikina Soumano 2660 Godby Rd. College Park, GA 30345 By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated 04/26/16. You are hereby notified that Sikina Sourmano, 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: Sylvia Soumano, 2260 McAfee Rd., Decatur, 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 26, 2016. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 27th day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV2301-4++ Trenita Wilson-Beals Plaintiff Vs.
Orlando J. Beals Defendant To: Orlando J. Beals By Order of the Court by publication dated 04/22/16; You are hereby notified that on Apr. 21, 2016, 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: Trenita Wilson-Beals, 5280 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Rm#416, Chamblee, GA 30341. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 22, 2016. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 25th day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4769-7++ Kevin Carter Plaintiff Vs. April Carter Defendant To: April Carter 1131 Audubon Circle By Order of the Court by publication dated Apr. 22, 2016; You are hereby notified that on Apr. 19, 2016, the abovenamed 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: Kevin Carter, 2274 Salem Rd., #106, Conyers, GA 30013. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 22, 2016. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr.,, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4774-7++ Deborah Rasheed Plaintiff Vs. Omar Rasheed Defendant To: Omar Rasheed 5354 Fawnbrook Cir. Griffin, GA 30023 By Order of the Court by publication dated Apr. 22, 2016; you are hereby notified that on Apr. 19, 2016, the above-
named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court of DeKalb County, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Deborah Rasheed, 37 Treeview Dr., #70C, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 22, 2016. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Apr., 2016 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4547-1++ Rose Kinsey Smith Plaintiff Vs. Dorcy David Smith, Sr. Defendant To: 3747 Rockbridge Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 By Order of the Court by publication dated Apr. 20, 2016; you are hereby notified that on Apr. 15, 2016, the abovenamed 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: Rose Kinsey Smith, 3747 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 20, 2016. Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 21st day of Apr., 2016 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM5516-3++ Gloria Dorris Plaintiff Vs. Kenny Dorris Defendant To: 32-1 Oil Mills Rd. Sumner, MI 38957 By Order of the Court by publication dated May 13, 2016; you are hereby notified that on Apr. 10, 2016, the abovenamed 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: Gloria Dorris,
2636 Embarcadero Dr., #112, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 13 2016. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 13th day of May, 2016 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV3835-9++ Femela Mitchell Plaintiff Vs. Denoris Carter Defendant To: 1609 Lakeland Circle Lake City, GA 30260 By Order of the Court by publication dated May 09, 2016; you are hereby notified that on Apr. 28, 2016, the abovenamed 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: Femela Mitchell, 513 Creste Dr., Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 09 2016. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 09th day of May, 2016 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
Notice of Petition to Change Name of Child(ren) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM5539-3++ Fedor R. Kozachkov filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 11, 2016 to change name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Zosya Beylya Kozachkova to Zosya Beyla Kozak; Simon Revven Kozachkov to Simon Revven Kozak. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed In OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: May 11, 2016 Name: Fedor R. Kozachkov 4870 Adams Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338 (504) 443-0595 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
Notice of Petition to Name of ADULT
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM5477-3++ Fedor Rolertovich Kozachkov filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on April 27, 2016 to change name from: Fedor Robertovich Kozachkov to Yona Rolertovich Kozak. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr/ 27, 2016 Name: Fedor R. Kozachkov 4870 Adams Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338 (504) 443-0595 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
Notice of Petition to Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM5471-3++ Irina Georgievna Kozachkova filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on April 27, 2016 to change name from: Irina Georgievna Kozachkova to Iris Georgievna Kozak. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Apr/ 27, 2016 Name: Irina G. Kozachkova 4870 Adams Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338 (470) 216-3345 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
Notice of Petition to Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM5496-2++ Simone Brittany McCoy filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 06, 2016 to change name from: Simone Brittany McCoy to Simone Brittany Nappa. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: May 06, 2016 Name: Simone McCoy 5918 Crescent Ridge Ct. Lithonia, GA 30058 (404) 675-7840 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM5557-3++ Marlene Morales Plaintiff Vs Jose Fuentes Defendant To: Jose Fuentes 3496 Pleasant Brook Village Lane, Unit G
Doraville, GA 30340 You are hereby notified that the abovestyled action seeking Petition for Legitimation, Custody and Child Support was filed against you in said court on May 11, 2016, and that by reason of an Order for Service of Summons by Publication entered by the court of May 13, 2016, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the clerk of said court and serve upon Sarah T. Austin, Plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Cobb County Legal Aid, 30 South Park Square, Suite 101, Marietta, Georgia 30090, an answer to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the date of the Order for Service by Publication. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of said court. This 13th day of May, 2016. 05/28, 06/04, 06/11, 06/18
AMENDED Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV4473-3++ Artie Maryland Snell Plaintiff Vs. Kelvin Richardo Snell Defendant To: Kelvin Richardo Snell 5068 Wellborn Trace Lithonia, GA 30038 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 17, 2016. You are hereby notified that the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address Is: Artie M. Snell, 280 Northern Ave., Spt. #16J, Avondale Estates, GA 30002. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Apr. 20, 2016. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 18th day of May, 2016 05/28, 06/04, 06/11, 06/18
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM5621-4++ Mariame Parker Plaintiff Vs. Marcus Parker Defendant To: Marcus Parker By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated May 17, 2016. You are hereby notified that the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address Is: Mariame Parker, 3379 Aztec Rd., #30B, Doraville, GA 30340. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 17, 2016. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 17th day of May, 2016
CrossRoadsNews
May 28, 2016
Finance
11
“Our job growth is outpacing the nation, labor force is showing strong growth, and employers are laying off fewer workers.”
Lithonia hosting job fair, workshops and clothing drive The city of Lithonia is hosting a series of workshop begins at 3:30 p.m. Come profesworkshops, a clothing drive, and a summer sionally dressed. job fair to help unemployed residents get City Hall is at 6920 Main St. For more inback into the work force. formation or to register, contact Nia Harper, city of Lithonia VISTA Economic DevelopJob readiness workshops ment liaison, at Nia.Harper@lithoniacity.org Job seekers can hone their job hunting or 770-482-8136. skills at workshops at City Hall. On June 1, Employment Training with Clothing drive individual coaching takes place from noon Donations of new or gently used profesto 4 p.m. sional clothing are needed to support local On June 2, the two-hour Mock Interview residents who are re-entering the work
force. The Career Clothing and Accessories Drive runs through June 4. Drop-off locations are City Hall and the Lucious Sanders Recreation Center at 2484 Bruce St. in Lithonia.
Job fair The city is hosting a Goodwill of North Georgia Summer Hiring Event on June 4 at the Lucious Sanders Recreation Center. The event, in partnership with the Georgia
Department of Labor North Metro Career Center Veterans Unit, takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gymnasium. It is free and open to the public. Military veterans will have priority admittance. Job seekers interested in attending the event should access employgeorgia.com to create an account, resume or upload a resume once an account is created. Having an account/resume in Employ Georgia will expedite the process at the event. The rec center is at 2484 Bruce St.
Ga. unemployment rate holds steady at 5.5 percent
Workshop, fair for homebuyers First-time homebuyers, homeowners, seniors and veterans can attend the Super Saturday Homebuyer Education Workshop and Resource Fair on June 4 at New Life Church & Community Ministries in Decatur. Morningstar Urban Development Inc.’s free event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign-in begins at 8. To register, visit http://sshousingevent.eventbrite.com. Participants will receive free homebuyer education, financial information and valuable resources from industry experts. They also will get the chance to schedule one-on-one counseling sessions from HUD-approved counselors and receive a certificate that makes them eligible for down payment assistance from $5,000 to $50,000. BB&T, Realtors, closing attorneys and home inspections representatives will be on-site to answer questions. Nonprofit Morningstar Urban Development serves DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties. New Life is at 3592 Flat Shoals Road. For more information, email housing@ gmail.com or call 678-318-3676, Ext. 105.
Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April was 5.5 percent, unchanged from March. The rate was 6.1 percent in April 2015. All 14 metro areas added jobs, as the state gained 10,600 jobs to reach a total of 4,371,300 in April. Georgia’s over-the month growth rate was 0.2 percent, compared to the nation’s 0.1 percent growth rate. In DeKalb County, there were 1,882 initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in April, down 34 or 1.8 percent, from 1,916 in March. In April 2015, there were
1,961 initial claims for an over-the-year decrease of 79 or 4 percent. State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said the market is improving. “We continue to see evidence that our job market is moving in the right Mark Butler direction, even though the unemployment rate remained steady,” Butler said in a May 19 statement. “Our job growth is outpacing the nation as a whole, our labor
Computer lab for job hunt, tests Job seekers and residents preparing for tests will have expanded time on the computer on June 1 and June 8 at the Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library. The two-hour Open Lab for Job Seekers and Test Prep begins at 2 p.m. both days on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. The meeting room will be set up so patrons can have expanded time to conduct job searches; fill out online job applications; update their resume using Microsoft Word, Optimal Resume or Job & Career Accelerator; and improve work skills with online tutorials. The library also will allow access to its Google Chromebooks for those preparing for pre-tests for the GED, TOEFL, GRE, Compass or SAT exams. Staff will be on hand to answer basic questions about the library’s resources for job seekers and those preparing for testing. The library is at 952 Leon St. in Stone Mountain. Call 770-413-2020.
force is showing strong growth, and our employers are laying off fewer workers.” Statewide, the number of initial UI claims, a measure of new layoffs, declined by 1,637, or 5.9 percent, to 26,345 in April. Most of the decline was due to a decrease in claims filed in manufacturing and construction, retail trade, accommodations and food services, and real estate, rental and leasing. The number of claims declined by 1,394, or 5 percent, from 27,739 filed in April 2015. In April, 71,092 jobs were posted throughout the state on EmployGeorgia.com.
Cafe Clarkston job fair for refugees, immigrants Former refugees, legal immigrants and residents of Clarkston looking for work can attend a job fair on June 3 at Clarkston International Bible Church. Employers looking for workers or schools looking for students also can attend. It begins at 11 a.m. Bring three copies of your resume and a folder and wear business attire. Atlanta-based employers will meet refugee members of Cafe Clarkston to conduct interviews for employment. The church is at 3895 Church St. in Clarkston. For more information, including fee, visit http://friendsofrefugees. com.
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TAKE AN EX TR A
May 28, 2016
OFF WITH Y % OU 5 1 R R O M A WOW! PASS %
EXTRA 2O% OFF
R PASS RD O CA ’S CY
2O
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SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE CLOTHING EXTRA 15% OFF SELECT SALE & CLEARANCE JEWELRY, WATCHES, SHOES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, LINGERIE, SWIM FOR HER, MEN’S SUIT SEPARATES & SPORT COATS & HOME ITEMS MACYS.COM PROMO CODE: MEMDAY EXCLUSIONS MAY DIFFER ON MACYS.COM Excludes ALL: cosmetics/fragrances, Deals of the Day, Doorbusters/web busters, electrics/electronics, Everyday Values (EDV), furniture/mattresses, Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, rugs, specials, super buys, All-Clad, Breville, Dyson, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Kate Spade, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, Marc Jacobs, Michele watches, New Era, Nike on Field, Sam Edelman, Samsung watches, Shun, Stuart Weitzman, The North Face, Theory, Tumi, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wüsthof, athletic clothing, shoes & accessories; Dallas Cowboys merchandise, designer jewelry, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, previous purchases, select licensed depts., services, special orders, special purchases, tech watches; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: baby gear, kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA, Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices.
VALID 5/25-5/30/16
NOW-MON, MAY 3O
MEMORIAL DAY
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MEMORIAL DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 5/25-5/30/2016. ‡HOW IT WORKS: For any single in-store transaction* of $50 or more you make from now-5/30/16, we’ll give you a $10 (spend $50-74.99), $15 (spend $75-99.99), $20 (spend $100-149.99), $30 (spend $150199.99) or $40 (spend $200 or more) Macy’s Money Reward Card at the register. *EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PURCHASES: gift cards, Buy Online Pick up in-Store, services & fees, sales tax, macybed, furniture phone sales, lease depts, Espot, restaurants. USE YOUR MACY’S MONEY REWARD CARD from 6/1-6/8/16. May not be: redeemed for cash, used to purchase Macy’s gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your credit card account. If a purchase used to accumulate Macy’s Money is returned, Macy’s reserves the right to void the Macy’s Money Reward card or reduce the corresponding value. For more information, go to macys.com/macysmoney N6040108E.indd 1
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