CrossRoadsNews, November 12, 2016

HOLIDAY

PEOPLE

Opportunity to give

Tips for better living

Commissioner Larry Johnson’s 18th annual Tree of Love gift-giving program kicks off Nov. 19 at the Gallery at South DeKalb. 4

Freelance writer Leslie Royal hosted a VIP reception and book-signing to unveil “Leslie’s Lane The Book,” a compilation of tips from her blog of the same name. 6

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.

November 12, 2016

Volume 22, Number 29

www.crossroadsnews.com

Lithonia officials break ground on $10M apartment complex

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

which was first announced in March, is starting three months behind schedule because environmental remediation on the property took longer than expected.

Contractors had to clean up the cityowned site when they demolished the aging 80,000-square-foot former City Hall building, which had asbestos and other issues.

Jonathan Wolf, Wendover’s founder, said Wednesday that the project is a great example of a public-private partnership. He said the city worked with his company to find funding for the project.

“We are here to bring a solution,” he said.

Construction on the much-anticipated 75-unit Granite Crossing Apartments in downtown Lithonia gets underway on Nov. 14.

At a ceremonial ground breaking on the $10 million project on Nov. 9, officials from the city and Wendover Housing Partners LLC, which is developing the complex, said families will be moving into the new apartment community within a year.

“We hope to have families in before Christmas next year,” said Gary Brink, Wendover’s construction manager.

The rent-controlled apartment project, Please see APARTMENTS, page 3

Officials from the city of Lithonia and Wendover Housing Partners LLC participate in a ceremonial ground breaking Nov. 9 for the Granite Crossing Apartments on the city-owned portion of Lithonia Plaza.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Voters say yes to Trump, city of Stonecrest Adams and Mangham in District 7 runoff

Paula Smith (right) and other DeKalb Democrats watch with consternation on Nov. 8 as early election returns showed Donald Trump leading Hillary Clinton in key battleground states.

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

In an upset victory, Republican businessman Donald Trump will lead the United States for the next four years.

Trump clinched the presidency in the wee hours of Nov. 9, amassing 290 electoral votes to become the next U.S. president. His election ended a divisive and bitter campaign with former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was seeking to become the country’s first female president.

On Jan. 20, 2017, he will be sworn in as the naDonald Trump tion’s 45th president.

A majority of polls – 112 of 115 – in the last four days of the election had Clinton winning the election.

Clinton won the popular vote with more than 60.2 million votes, but Trump, who had 59.9 million votes, won the most electoral votes. She got 228 electoral votes.

To win the U.S. presidency, a candidate must get at least 270 electoral votes.

Trump took the stage at 3 a.m., saying it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division.

“We have to get together,” he said. “To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across the nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people.”

Trump also pledged that he will be the president for all Americans.

“For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, for which there were a few people, I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so we can work together and unify our great country,” he said.

Trump said that his movement combined

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs who want and expect our government to serve the people.

“Serve the people it will,” he said. “Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American Dream.”

While Trump won the country, he only managed to get 47,531, or 15.9 percent, of the votes cast in DeKalb. He won Georgia with just over 2 million or 51.2 percent.

In her concession speech on Nov. 9, Clinton said that while the outcome was not what she wanted, she feels pride and gratitude for the campaign she and her supporters built together.

“You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Clinton said she still believes in America and urged her supporters to accept the result and then look to the future.

“Donald Trump is going to be our president,” she said. “We owe him an open mind

and the chance to lead.”

Speaking to women, Clinton said that she has been proud to be their champion.

“I know that we still have not shattered that highest glass ceiling,” she said. “But someday someone will – hopefully sooner than we might think right now. And to all the little girls watching right now, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world. “ Clinton received 239,131, or 79.5 percent, of the vote in DeKalb County where 302,036 or 71.9 percent of the county’s 419,871 active voters cast ballots in the Nov. 8 general, presidential and special elections.

Statewide, 4.1 million or 75.86 percent of Georgia’s voters cast ballots.

In other results, 59.4 percent of the voters said yes to the new city of Stonecrest, and in the eight-person race for the DeKalb Commission Super District 7 seat, top vote-getters Gregory Adams and Randal Mangham ended up in a runoff.

Adams got 33,449 or 26 percent of the vote. Mangham got 20,921 or 16.3 percent of the vote. The two will meet in a Dec. 6 runoff.

As expected, Democrat and former DeKalb School Superintendent Michael Thurmond won the CEO race in a landslide victory over Republican challenger Jack Lovelace. Thurmond got 230,653 or 80.2 percent of the vote.

In his victory speech, he told supporters that despite the naysayers, DeKalb is moving forward.

“With your help, we are going to do what’s best for the citizens of this county,” he said.

Statewide, voters defeated constitutional Amendment 1 and the Opportunity School District with 2,400,317 or 60 percent of the vote. In DeKalb, 64.3 percent or 198,898 voters said no to the amendment.

Voters approved Amendment 2 with 83.3 percent of the vote, Amendment 3 with 62.3 Please see ELECTION, page 2

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Vote 2016

CrossRoadsNews

November 12, 2016

“We made history. Now we get a chance to build our own identity and our own brand.”

Being your candidate has been New city of Stonecrest expects to be operational by April 1 one of my greatest honors

By Hillary Rodham Clinton

Last night, I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans.

This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for, and I’m sorry we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country.

Hillary Clinton But I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together – this vast, diverse, creative, unruly, energized campaign. You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too. And so do tens of millions of Americans who invested their hopes and dreams in this effort. This is painful, and it will be for a long time. But I want you to remember this: Our campaign was never about one person or even one election. It was about the country we love – and about building an America that’s hopeful, inclusive, and bighearted.

We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America – and I always will. And if you do, too, then we must accept this result – and then look to the future.

Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.

Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power, and we don’t just respect that, we cherish it. It also enshrines other things – the rule of law, the principle that we’re all equal in rights and dignity, and the freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these things too – and we must defend them.

And let me add: Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time. So let’s do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear: making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top; protecting our country and protecting our planet; and breaking down all the barriers that hold anyone back from achieving their dreams.

We’ve spent a year and a half bringing

By Ken Watts

“This loss hurts. But please, please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it. It’s always worth it. And we need you to keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives.” together millions of people from every corner of our country to say with one voice that we believe that the American Dream is big enough for everyone – for people of all races and religions, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities.

Our responsibility as citizens is to keep doing our part to build that better, stronger, fairer America we seek. And I know you will.

I am so grateful to stand with all of you.

To all the young people in particular, I want you to hear this. I’ve spent my entire adult life fighting for what I believe in.

I’ve had successes and I’ve had setbacks – sometimes really painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your careers.

You will have successes and setbacks, too.

This loss hurts. But please, please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it. It’s always worth it. And we need you to keep up these fights now and for the rest of your lives.

To all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.

I know that we still have not shattered that highest glass ceiling. But someday someone will – hopefully sooner than we might think right now.

And to all the little girls watching right now, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world.

Finally, I am grateful to our country for all it has given me.

I count my blessings every day that I am an American. And I still believe, as deeply as I ever have, that if we stand together and work together, with respect for our differences, strength in our convictions, and love for this nation – our best days are still ahead of us.

The new city of Stonecrest, approved by voters Nov. 8, expects to begin operations on April 1, 2017, after electing its mayor and a five-member city council.

Maxine Daniels, DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections director, said the county’s Board of Elections will most likely make the official call for city of Stonecrest elections at its meeting in mid-January.

“By law the city election would be scheduled no earlier than 29 days after the board calls for them,” Daniels said.

The city’s charter says its elected officials will serve four-year terms, and to be eligible to run for office, residents must have lived within the city’s boundaries for at least 12 months prior to the election date.

It sets the mayor’s annual salary at $20,000 and council members’ pay at $15,000.

Jason Lary, chairman of the Stonecrest City Alliance that led a nearly four-year fight to create the new city, said they are Jason Lary ready to get to work.

“We made history,” he said. “Now we get a chance to build our own identity and our own brand.”

The referendum to create the city was approved Tuesday by 12,833, or 59.3 percent,

of the vote.

The 29-square-mile city of Stonecrest has 50,000 residents in neighborhoods surrounding the Panola Road, Evans Mill Road and Turner Hill Road exits in Lithonia.

When it is operational, the city is expected to have annual revenues of $9.8 million and expenses of $7.9 million. It will deliver three services initially – code enforcement, parks and recreation, and planning and sustainability. Residents will continue to receive police, fire and water/sewer services from DeKalb County.

The city will be run by a city manager, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.

Lary said he expects to have a leadership role in the city’s government, but he declined to say whether he’ll run for mayor.

He said he wants the city to move rapidly to deliver on the promise to bring more economic development to the Stonecrest area and the rest of South DeKalb.

“I’m talking about within the first 30 days having an economic development department initially with two people and then build it out from there,” he said.

Lary said the city’s downtown will be the area around the Mall at Stonecrest. They are planning to establish city offices in the vacant Target building on Mall Parkway or former Best Buy building on Stonecrest Parkway.

“We’ll start out by leasing space,” he said.

“We’re checking to see what the prices are.”

Johnson, Lewis retain House seats ELECTION,

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1

percent, and Amendment 4 with 62.5 percent.

Amendment 2 authorizes the state to tax operators of adult entertainment establishments to create a safe harbor fund to help children who are sexually exploited.

Amendment 3 reforms and reestablishes the Judicial Qualifications Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews Commission to grant the governor Democrat Michael Thurmond, wife Zola and daughter powers to appoint members to the Mikayla celebrate his landslide victory over GOP commission that oversees judges. challenger Jack Lovelace for DeKalb CEO. Amendment 4 dedicates revenue from existing taxes on fireworks to trauma with 66.6 percent of the vote over Libertarian challenger Tim Buckley. care, fire services, and public safety.

In the congressional races, 4th District In state Senate and House races, Democrat and former state Rep. Tonya Anderson U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson received 219,500 defeated GOP incumbent Janice Van Ness or 75.7 percent of the vote to beat back with 50,370 or 70.4 percent of the vote to Republican challenger Victor Armendariz, Take the 43rd District seat. In Senate District and 5th District incumbent John Lewis got 55, Democratic incumbent Gloria Butler de- 245,731 or 84.5 percent of the vote to defeat feated Republican challenger Annette Davis Republican challenger Douglas Bell.

Incumbent Republican Sen. Johnny IsakJohnson with 61,762 or 77.8 percent.

In the open House District 91 race, for- son got 2.1 million or 54.9 percent of the vote mer DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones defeated to beat back challenges from Democrat Jim Republican Carl Anuszczyk with 18,128 or Barksdale and Libertarian Allen Buckley.

Barksdale received 40.9 percent and Buckley 72.3 percent of the vote.

Tim Echols, the Public Service Commis- got 4.2 percent.

Ken Watts contributed to this report. sion’s District 2 incumbent, retained his seat

November 12, 2016

Community

CrossRoadsNews

3

“All the paint comes off on our skin when we take a bath and the toilet has the apartment smelling like sewage.”

Wynview tenants call Stone Mountain apartments a health hazard

By Ken Watts

Tenants at the Wynview Apartments in Stone Mountain say they are tired of trying to get managers to clean away mold and fix other problems that threaten their health and safety.

One was fed up enough to fight an eviction notice with a counterclaim in DeKalb Magistrate Court over living conditions.

Renter Kevin Tramble pays $707 a month for a three-bedroom apartment in the complex’s Central Drive where he, wife Vanessa, and adult son Taronn have lived for a year.

Tramble told CrossRoadsNews that his family has been battling since fall 2015 to get landlord Bedrock Realty to make repairs.

“There’s mold from when the carpets got soaked with water that leaked from a clogged pipe in the air conditioner,” Tramble said.

“They fixed the clogged air conditioner pipe, but I’ve got skin irritation probably from the mold that’s still here.”

A maintenance crew cut out and replaced some of the water-damaged carpet and

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Kevin Tramble points to mold in a kitchen cabinet Oct. 24 at his home in the Wynview Apartments in Stone Mountain.

put padding underneath to protect against moisture.

Tramble pointed out kitchen cabinets with missing doors and mildew inside. In one of the two bathrooms, he said the toilet has been backed up for months and the bathtub’s

finish is peeling.

Other tenants described similar conditions in their apartments.

Deborah McCurtis, who has lived at the complex since August, said no one should have to live like that.

“All the paint comes Deborah McCurtis off on our skin when we take a bath and the toilet has the apartment smelling like sewage,” she said.

Several neighbors complained but declined to be quoted for fear of retaliation.

In a response to phone calls from CrossRoadsNews, a woman claiming to be a representative of Bedrock Realty said the company can’t discuss Tramble’s case because of the pending litigation.

“In general, any time a resident expresses a concern about their unit we follow up to make sure that it is addressed,” she said.

She refused to give her name.

After months of asking for remediation,

Tramble said he called Code Enforcement to the complex on Aug. 22. The county officers cited Wynview for numerous violations.

As the dispute escalated, Wynview began eviction proceedings against Tramble, who said he has never missed a rent payment.

“I paid by money order and I have all my receipts to prove it,” he said.

Since he called Code Enforcement officers to inspect the property, Tramble said he has paid $1,700 in rent.

A hearing was scheduled for Oct. 27 in DeKalb Magistrate Judge Cornell Stephens’ court. Wynview officials failed to show up.

Tramble’s attorney, Catherine Gibson McCauley, who said the eviction is retaliation for Tramble’s complaints, filed a counterclaim and a motion to transfer the case to DeKalb State Court.

The judge granted the motion.

Tramble, a security guard, said he and his family want to move but feel trapped.

“It’s harder to go find another place because they’re gonna run your rental history which comes back to this place,” he said.

Site work to begin after Thanksgiving for Granite Crossing complex APARTMENTS,

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“We need to be doing more communities like this.”

Granite Crossing, which will face Max Cleland Boulevard, is being built with federal housing tax credits from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. In November 2015, it was one of 33 projects statewide awarded $25.8 million in housing tax credits to construct or rehabilitate affordable rental housing properties for working families, seniors and people with disabilities.

Deborah Jackson, Lithonia’s mayor, said

the project evolved from the city’s 2003 Livable Centers Initiative study, which identified a mixed-use project as a way to redevelop the city-owned portion of the Lithonia Plaza.

“We were not able to have mixed use, but this project is going to bring families to Lithonia,” Jackson said. “Everybody needs a decent place to live.”

Richard Carbone, vice president of Roger B. Kennedy Construction, which is building the apartments, said they will start Monday by demolishing the final two buildings on the property.

He said the old Public Works Office

building on Swift Street will be demolished and the final piece of the old City Hall building will be taken down.

“Site work will begin after Thanksgiving, and we will begin laying the foundation in January,” he said.

Granite Crossing will be the newest construction in the city since the 80-unit Terraces at Parkview apartments were built in 2009.

It will have a mix of one-, two- and threebedroom units ranging from 760 square feet. to 1,153 square feet.

The units will feature walk-in closets,

washers and dryers, and kitchens with islands. Amenities include a clubhouse with a fitness area, an activity room for an afterschool program, a computer room, outdoor grill and a splash pool.

Eligible individuals and families must meet federal income guidelines, and their annual rent cannot exceed 30 percent of their household incomes.

Individuals can make $23,000, and a family of six, up to $47,520.

Units will rent for $498 to $800.

For more information, visit www.granitecrossingapts.com.

4

Holiday

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 Ken Watts 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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November 12, 2016

“The holiday season is a great time for people to give back to the community and help someone in need.”

Donors needed for Tree of Love gifts Individuals and families can bring holiday cheers to disadvantaged kids with the kickoff of the 18th annual Tree of Love gift-giving program on Nov. 19 at the Gallery at South DeKalb.

The program, sponsored by DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson’s, begins at noon inside the mall’s center court.

The holiday program benefits children living in foster care, and in single-parent or low-income households.

Residents, business owners, churches and other organizations can become donors by picking a child’s name and their wish list from the Christmas tree.

Participants are asked to return gifts to the mall on Dec. 17 for the annual Tree of Love Christmas Program.

Johnson, who represents District 3, began the initiative at the Decatur mall in 1999.

Since its inception, more than 9,000 children have received gifts through the Tree of Love.

Johnson said the program exemplies what Christmas is about.

“The holiday season is a great time

Individuals and groups can “adopt” a child from the Tree of Love and buy a gift. The program kicks off Nov. 19 at the Gallery at South DeKalb.

for people to give back to the community and help someone in need,” he said.

Performers interested to showcasing their talents at the Dec. 17 Tree of Love Christmas Program,

which will also be held at the mall, should contact Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425 or email taturner@ dekalbcountyga.gov.

The Gallery at South DeKalb is at 2801 Candler Road.

First Afrikan offers help with holiday meal Families who need help with Thanksgiving meals have until Nov. 19 to sign up at First Afrikan Church in Lithonia.

To get assistance, contact Sharon Munajj at smunajj@comcast. net or 770-560-2655 or Lynne Young at serwaa1@gmail.com or 678-772-9400 or call the church office at 770-981-2601.

The Deacon Board will distribute the bags of food to disadvantaged families on Nov. 22.

The church is at 5197 Salem Road. For more information, visit http://firstafrikanchurch.org.

Turkey giveaway The DeKalb NAACP Women and District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson will hold their fourth annual turkey giveaway from 9 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 19 at the Gallery at South DeKalb in the parking lot near Macy’s.

About 400 free turkeys are available on a first-come, first-served

The fourth annual turkey giveaway presented by Commissioner Larry Johnson and DeKalb NAACP Women takes place Nov. 19 at the Gallery at South DeKalb.

and Christmas to 50 families from basis – one per household.

The mall is at 2801 Candler South DeKalb schools.

Corey Wilson, chair of the Road in Decatur. For more inforSocial Action Committee, said the mation, call 404-371-2425. fraternity will deliver the ThanksFood baskets for 50 homes giving baskets on Nov. 19 from the The Decatur chapter of Kappa Community Achievement Center.

Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. will proFor more information, email vide food baskets for Thanksgiving ceuuilson@gmail.com.

Santa arriving at three area malls on Nov. 19 Santa will usher in the holidays on Nov. 1 9 at the Mall at Stonecrest, the Gallery at South DeKalb and Nor th Santa Ron DeKalb Mall.

At Stonecrest, Mattel’s Thomas the Tank Engine will help welcome Santa and the Christmas shopping season with live shows at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

The Lithonia mall has a new

Santa this year – Santa Ron makes make an appearance, and dance his first appearance at 10 a.m. groups such as the KIDDS Dance For more information, visit Project also will be in attendance. www.mallatstonecrest.com.

The mall is at 2801 Candler Road. For more information, visit Parade at the Gallery www.galleryatsouthdekalb.com.

Beginning at 6 p.m., St. Nicholas will parade into the Gallery at Santa Hugh returns South DeKalb in Decatur with the Santa Hugh returns to North help of Children’s Healthcare of At- DeKalb Mall for his 35th year. lanta’s mascots Hope and Will, the He arrives at 10 a.m. and will be YMCA “Y” Bear, and the DeKalb stationed near the Clock Court.

Watershed Management’s Blake The mall is at 2050 Lawthe Duck. renceville Highway in Decatur.

The Chocolettes from the pro- For more information, visit www. duction “A Soulful Christmas” will northdekalbmall.com.

Scholar-activist to be Kilombo dinner speaker Dr. Akinyele Umoja will keynote Kilombo Academic and Cultural Institute’s 11th annual banquet on Nov. 19 at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

It t a k e s place 6 to 9 p.m. Music Akinyele Umoja will be provided by SunDJata.

For tickets, visit www.kilomboschool.com, click the donate button, and write tickets in the comment and dedication section.

Umoja is an associate professor and chair of the Department of African-American Studies at Georgia State University, responsible for teaching courses related to the history of people of African descent in Georgia, courses on the enslavement of African people in the New World, African religion and philosophy, and the civil rights movement and other 19th and 20th century black political and social movements.

He is a founding member of the New Afrikan Peoples Organization and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement.

ITC is at 700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive N.W. For more information, call 404-284-0048.

Food giveaways, hoops at Atlanta Turkey Classic A celebrity basketball game and dunk contest on Nov. 19 at the Exchange Park Recreation Center will benefit households that need assistance with the Thanksgiving meal.

The third annual Atlanta Turkey Classic: Bridging the Gap, which pits the semi-pro Georgia Spartans against the DeKalb County Knights, takes place 4 to 7 p.m. Children 12 and under can attend for free.

The family fun event gives back to the community and displays the partnership between citizens and the DeKalb Police Department. The focus is on family, health, education and community service. It is presented by Commissioner Larry Johnson and the Spartans.

The game and dunk contest will start at 4 p.m. The 300 turkeys and sides giveaway begins at 6 p.m. in the parking lot.

For more information, call Jerell Shearin at 404-645-1398.

For tickets, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/3rd-annual-turkey-classic-tickets-28805908247.

The rec center is at 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur.

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Wright Vision Care.......................................... 2 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Rite Aid...................................................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts

November 12, 2016

CrossRoadsNews

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People

November 12, 2016

The book is a compilation of her Leslie’s Lane blog – a one-stop internet resource guide to job vacancies, scholarships, discounts and lots of free stuff.

Fourth-grader wins anti-litter poster contest

SWD grad back with stage play ‘Messy Church’

Marbut Elementary fourth-grader Torrien Jones (left) poses with the $100 iTunes gift card he received for the winning entry in the CrossRoadsNews Litter Bug Contest. Whitney Webb (above), Lucious Sanders assistant director, won a $300 Chick-fil-A lunch for her after-school class that included Torrien. The class had the most entries in the contest. Both are with CrossRoadsNews Publisher Jennifer Parker and the newspaper’s general manager, Curtis Parker.

Stone Mountain author unveils ‘Leslie’s Lane The Book’ Stone Mountain freelance writer Leslie Royal has added author to her long list of accomplishments with her first tome – “Leslie’s Lane The Book.”

The book, published this month, is a compilation of her Leslie’s Lane blog – a onestop internet resource guide to job vacancies, scholarships, discounts and lots of free stuff – that she has written for years.

At the book’s Nov. 6 unveiling, dedication and book signing at Don Janelle Event space in Decatur, Royal recognized some of the people who helped her achieve her dream and who contributed to her book.

For more information about the book, visit www.createspace.com/6490667.

Dr. Tan Goodjoines waits patiently as author Leslie Royal signs her copy of “Leslie’s Lane The Book” on Nov. 6.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV11334-7++ Caleshia McClurkin Plaintiff Vs. William Mann Defendant To: William Mann 2089 Black Oak Lane Ellenwood, GA 30290

By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 07, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Oct. 07, 2016, 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: Caleshia McClurkin, 490 Glenn St., #B422, Atlanta, GA 30312. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 07, 2016, Witness the Honorable Jack M. McLaughlin by designation for the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 10th day of Oct., 2016 10/22, 10/29, 11/05, 11/12

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9044-3++ Evelyn L. Armwood Plaintiff Vs. Norman E. Armwood Defendant To: Norman E. Armwood 2148 Riverbrook Rd. Decatur, GA 30032

By ORDER for service by publication dated Oct. 11, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Aug. 22, 2016, the above-

named Evelyn L. Armwood- Pro Se filed suit against you for Abandoment. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to serve upon the plaintiff’s Evelyn L. Armwood- Pro Se an Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first date of publication.

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

This the 11th day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM11061-2++ Tarieka Lewis Plaintiff Vs. Ottis Lewis Defendant To: Ottis Lewis 2600 A Fieldstone View Ln. Conyers, GA 30013

By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 21, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Oct. 17, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce with minor children. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Tarieka Lewis, 2900 Athena Ln., Apt. 42C, Lithonia, GA 30038.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of publication.

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

This the 21st day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM6660-10++

Renee Meadows Plaintiff Vs. Elwyn Meadows Defendant To: Elwyn Meadows 604 Wild Circle Rd. Clarkston, GA 30021

By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Sept. 09, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Jun. 15, 2016, 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: Donald M. Coleman, Atlanta Legal Aid Society, 246 Sycamore St., Suite 120 Decatur, GA 30030-3434.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Sept. 09, 2016.

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

This the 21st day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM10626-4++ Jamecia Zarur Plaintiff Vs. Karem Zarur Defendant To:

By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 17, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Oct. 03, 2016, 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: Jamecia Zarur, 806 Summerview Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 17, 2016.

Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake,

Students get water lesson at plant Henderson Middle School seventhgraders Caeley Woo and Abigail McHoul got an inside look at the DeKalb Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant on a visit to get answers to their questions about water quality testing for a science fair project.

With the help of state-certified operators and laboratory analysts, the duo tested various water qualities and learned about the critical need to test the quality of drinking water. They also found out about water treatment processes and daily Watershed functions that serve the DeKalb residents.

required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and addrss is: 6128 Creekford Dr., Lithonia, GA 30058.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 17, 2016.

Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of this Superior Court.

This the 17th day of Oct., 2016

Legal Notices 10/22, 10/29, 11/05, 11/12

Southwest DeKalb alumna Dr. Mia A. Simmons returns to metro Atlanta with a tour stop of Ronnie Holman’s “The Messy Church” stage play on Nov. 19 at Bible Way Ministries. The play explores decisions, truth and sin.

Show time is 7 p.m.

Simmons, a 2002 graduate and former band member, now lives in Cleveland and is operaMia A. Simmons tions manager for P.U.R.E. Productions. She is a senior engineering project manager at Rockwell Automation and IT department chair at South University.

For tickets, visit www.ronnielholman.com.

11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 17th day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM6908-2++ Andrew K. Jaa Plaintiff Vs. Ruth K. Jaa Defendant To: Ruth K. Jaa 8102 Paua Way Sacramento, CA 95823

By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 12, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Jun. 21, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Abandoment. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to serve upon the plaintiff Andrew K. Jaa – Pro Se an answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first date of publication.

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

This the 14th day of Oct., 2016 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM10838-9++ Earnest York Plaintiff Vs. Tanzia Graham Defendant To:

By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Oct. 17, 2016, you are hereby notified that on Jun. 21, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Legitimization. You are

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM6279-3++ Amber Ferguson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jun. 02, 2016 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Michael Oscar Toole, Jr., to Michael Oscar Toole, III. 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: Oct. 17, 2016, 2016 Name: Amber Ferguson 3026 Lauren Parc Road Decatur, GA 30032 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM9436-3++ Barbara T. Yarbrough filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Sept. 02, 2016 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Zachariah Aundraw Curney to Zacharah Andre Yarbrough. 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: Aug. 25, 2016, 2016 Name: Barbara Yarbrough 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++16FM11077-1++ Devonta Rashida Johnson filed a peti-

tion in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Oct. 14, 2016 to change name from: Devonta Rashida Johnson to Joel Devonta Rashard Johnson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

Dated: Oct. 14, 2016 Name: Devonta Rashida Johnson 2458 Shoals Terrace Decatur, GA 30034 11/05, 11/12, 11/19

Notice BY PUBLICATION

Clerk of the Circuit Court Montgomery County, Maryland Case No. ++136697-FL++ RODAH KIRERA, Plaintiff Vs. LEONARD CHARLTON, Defendant A Complaint for Absolute Divorce was filed with the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland on June 2, 2016.

The Complaint alleges, in substance: that the Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Maryland for more than one year; that the parties were married on June 12, 2009 in DeKalb County, Georgia; that no children were born of the marriage; that the parties voluntary separated on September 12, 2013, have continued to live separate and apart without cohabitation for more than one year prior to the filing of the Complaint, and there is no hope or expectation of reconciliation; and that ownership of marital property has not been resolved.

Plaintiff requests an Absolute Divorce; that the Court determine the value of marital property; he Court resolve any and all disputes between the parties with respect to the ownership of real and/or personal property; that the Defendant be ordered to pay Plaintiff’s reasonable counsel fees, and the costs of these proceedings; and that the Court award to the Plaintiff suit money.

It is this 26th day of Oct., 2016 ORDERED, that the Plaintiff cause a copy of this Notice to be published at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in DeKalb County, Georgia; publication to be completed by Nov. 12, 2016. Defendant must file a response on or before Dec. 12, 2016. Defendant is warned that failure to file a response within the time allowed may result in a default judgment or the granting of the relief sought.

Filed: Oct. 26, 2016

CrossRoadsNews

November 12, 2016

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10/31/16 1:47 PM