CrossRoadsNews, October 11, 2014 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

WELLNESS

COMMUNITY

Nunn on the scene

Valuable info and more

HartsfieldJackson is one of five U.S. airports taking temperature screenings of passengers arriving from West Africa. A6

U.S. Senate candidate Michelle Nunn made a campaign visit to DeKalb on Oct. 6, stopping by the Green Ginger restaurant in Decatur. A11

There will be lots of information, screenings and entertainment at the 2014 Seniors/Baby Boomer Expo on Oct. 18. Section B

Tighter measures

INSIDE

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

October 11, 2014

Volume 20, Number 24

www.crossroadsnews.com

School Board delays action on charter district application By Ken Watts

After an outpouring of concerns about its speedy application to become a charter district, the DeKalb School Board has put the brakes on its vote for a couple of weeks. Board members were set to vote Oct. 8 on the district’s 49-page application to the Georgia Board of Education to convert into a charter district. Members tabled the vote after parents and other stakeholders complained that the application was being rushed during two Oct. 8 public hearings at the district’s Stone Mountain headquarters. Superintendent Michael Thurmond said

the application would be rescheduled for discussion at a meeting to be called before the end of the month. The district’s charter district application is seeking to implement Local School Governance Teams to help improve academic rigor across the district. The application package, posted at http:// dekalb.k12.ga.us the last week of September, said the district of nearly 100,000 students is challenged by its large population of nonEnglish-speaking students that is almost twice the state average and that it serves a significantly greater proportion of students in poverty as defined by free and reduced lunch status and English learners.

It also said the district’s low-income students under-perform similar students across the state and the district lags behind the state on all standardized tests and on graduation rates. The district said a charter district will allow it to address all of its challenges by allowing local schools the opportunity to implement innovative practices specific to their populations. “All of these challenges can be better addressed in ways that will improve student achievement,” the document said. “In the areas related to highly effective teachers and principals, charter system status will allow the use of innovative hiring and retention practices to support attracting, motivating

and retaining such employees.” Region 3 Superintendent Trenton Arnold, who is piloting the application, said the district proposes an innovative governance opportunity that will allow its school clusters to Trenton Arnold create a Cluster Advisory Council supported by the regional superintendent’s office in each region. “These CACs will advise and provide input and support for individual LSGT Please see SCHOOLS, page A5

Tensions, conflict disrupt Ellis jury deliberations Suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis and attorneys Dwight Thomas share rare smiles while awaiting jury on Oct. 9 in DeKalb Auperior Court. John Petrey (red tie) looks on.

Judge sends panel home early to ‘take breather’ By Ken Watts

Discord among the jury deciding the fate of suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis temporarily halted deliberations on Oct. 9. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson sent the jurors home early Thursday after trouble erupted in the jury room. Just after midday, loud voices could be heard coming from the jury room and two bailiffs were seen entering the room. Jurors sent a note to the judge complaining of tensions and personality clashes on the panel. They also said that the foreperson was unable to calm the situation. Prosecutors and members of the Ellis defense team were seen entering a room together. Johnson told prosecutors, defense attorneys and a handful of spectators waiting in the courtroom that things were not going well in the jury room. “It appears we’re having some pretty significant conflict back there,” she said. “It has escalated from an issue we were having earlier this morning. It is a stressful situation for most of them and a lot of them have never served on a jury before.” Johnson called the jury back to court around noon Thursday and dismissed them for the day with instructions to return at 9 a.m. Friday. “I want you all to go home and take a breather, get some rest, relax a little bit,” she told them. “The nature of this case makes this a very stressful situation for you and I understand that, but I want to be clear to all of you that the expectation of the court when you were selected as jurors is that you would take this responsibility very seriously and that you would conduct yourselves like the adults and professionals that we know you are. I expect no less and I will accept no

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Ellis has denied any wrongdoing and has less from all of you.” The tensions of the morning were evidentpleaded not guilty to all 13 counts. on the faces of the jurors, but a few of them In his closing argument, DeKalb District nodded in agreement as the judge spoke. Attorney Robert James said the case is about Johnson told the panel that they couldpublic corruption and lies, not about public elect a new foreperson if they wished, but theservice. court expected them to reach a unanimous He called Ellis a liar who has falsely portrayed himself and his motives. verdict. The judge calculated that the jury, which “He used that office to benefit himself has been together for about 12 hours since… at the expense of the county and to the they began deliberations on Oct. 6, had putdetriment of the citizens of the county,” in a little over nine hours of actual delibera-James said. James said Ellis had a powerful motive to tions. The panel of 12 jurors and 3 alternates –pursue donations because he had $150,000 in 13 women and two men – received the case2012 re-election campaign debts that he was on Monday after three weeks of testimony. personally responsible for. That motive, said Ellis was tried on felony charges of theftJames, directly contradicts defense lawyers’ by taking, bribery, extortion, and perjury. Heclaims that Ellis did not line his own pockets is accused of strong-arming DeKalb vendorsbecause the donations were not for personal for campaign contributions in exchange fordebt relief. James said elected officials are not kings continued business with the county.

or queens. “They’re servants,” he said. “People were hurt. This isn’t a show. It’s not a game. People were hurt, and they were hurt by him. He’s supposed to serve. He’s supposed to protect.” In his closing arguments, lead defense attorney Craig Gillen said Ellis was wrongly pursued by an overly aggressive District Attorney’s Office that failed to meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. “Do not go in and say, ‘All right, let’s find him not guilty on 12 counts and convict him on one so that’ll make the state feel better and we can go home,’” Gillen said. “Do not compromise your principles if you believe that he is not guilty. If even one verdict out of 12 comes back guilty, he is destroyed. He’s a good man, and it’s time for him to put this Please see ELLIS, page A3

CrossRoadsNews

October 11, 2014

CrossRoadsNews

October 11, 2014

Community

“Mr. Ellis didn’t know about him. The real Kelvin Walton is a very manipulative man.”

Walton, Hall exit county jobs $1.3M grant for 15 new officers By Ken Watts

Kelvin Walton, DeKalb County’s suspended director of purchasing and contracts, has resigned. Walton, the prosecution’s star witness in the corruption trial of suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, tendered his resignation in an Oct. 7 letter to interim CEO Lee May. “I will always be appre- Kelvin Walton ciative of the elected officials, staff, business leaders and community members who have been supportive of me and my position,” he said. The county said Walton’s resignation took effect immediately. He was suspended with his $153,000-ayear salary on April 21. During his testimony in the Ellis trial on 13 counts of theft, bribery, perjury and extortion, Walton said he did Ellis’ bidding because he was 18 months from retirement and didn’t want any problem with Ellis or the county that would jeopardize his 10 years. On Oct. 7, the county also terminated Nina Hall, Ellis’ former executive assistant and a prosecution witness. Hall was suspended April 21 from her $75,000-a-year job as special projects manager at the Department of Watershed Man-

agement. The parting of the ways with the two came as jurors deliberate Ellis’ fate. The suspended CEO is accused of strong-arming vendors for re-election campaign contributions Nina Hall in 2012. Walton testified that he and his staff drew up a list of vendors and contact information for Ellis. Walton admitted in 2012 to lying to a special grand jury that was investigating corruption in the Department of Watershed Management. Prosecutors offered him a choice: Become state’s evidence or be indicted for perjury. Walton agreed to “wear a wire” and secretly record his conversations with Ellis. He testified that Ellis used the list to solicit donations. During her testimony, Hall invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 30 times. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson ordered her to answer most of the questions. May said the departure of the two employees is in the best interest of the county. “I am committed to continuing to make our government more accessible, transparent and accountable, and these decisions are a move in that direction,” May said.

Walton still facing prosecution ELLIS,

from page

nightmare behind him. It’s time for him to move on. It’s time to put an end to this.” Gillen said the driving force being any wrongdoing was the prosecution’s star witness, suspended Purchasing Director Kelvin Walton, who admitted lying to the special grand jury that investigated corruption at the county’s Department of Watershed Management. Walton, who still faces prosecution for perjury, agreed to secretly record conversations with Ellis and help the DA gather evidence on the CEO. “Mr. Ellis didn’t know about him,” Gillen said. “The real Kelvin Walton is a very manipulative man.” Prosecutors say Ellis pressured four companies for campaign donations. Merrell Bros., a waste disposal firm that

was negotiating a $4 million contract with the county, said Ellis offered to help with negotiations in exchange for a $25,000 contribution. National Property Institute made a $2,500 donation and was able to keep its $1 million contract to rehab blighted foreclosed homes in the county. Ciber Inc., a tech-consulting company, withdrew from bidding for a contract after Ellis allegedly threatened it unless it contributed. Power and Energy Services said it stopped receiving work orders under its $250,000 contract after it refused to donate to Ellis’ campaign. If he is acquitted, Ellis, an attorney, will return to his job as the county’s CEO. His term of office expires in 2016. If he is found guilty, he faces up to 20 years in prison and disbarment.

A $1.3 million grant from the Department of Justice will help DeKalb pay for 15 additional police officers, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson announced on Sept. 29. Johnson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, said the funds come from the Justice Department’s Community Oriented Policing Services office. The grant is part of a $121.4 million COPS Hiring Program nationwide to create or preserve law enforcement jobs. Grants will be made to 212 different local law enforcement agencies. “As a former county commissioner, I know how critical COPS grants are in strengthening key law enforcement capabilities and providing communities with the resources they need to protect our citizens,” said Johnson, who represents the 4th District. “I will continue to fight to maintain these important programs as a member of Congress.”

Free disposal of hazardous waste DeKalb residents can properly dispose of dangerous chemicals at the Household Hazardous Waste Event on Oct. 18 at the DeKalb Sanitation Central Transfer Station in Decatur. The 8 a.m.-to-noon event, sponsored by the Sanitation Department and Keep DeKalb Beautiful, is free of charge for DeKalb residents with IDs. Residents are limited to 10 gallons of paint per vehicle. No commercial vehicles will be allowed. Household hazardous waste, classified as products that contain potentially dangerous chemicals, should not be mixed with regular trash and can be potentially

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harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly. Items being accepted include aerosols, mercury, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photochemicals, hobby and artist supplies, paints and paint-related products, and cleaners and swimming pool chemicals. Excluded items include agricultural wastes, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials, and biohazardous/ biomedical waste. DeKalb Sanitation Central Transfer Station is at 3720 Leroy Scott Drive. For a complete list of materials, visit keepdekalb beautiful.org.

Geor gia Hou se of Repr esentatives REP.HOWARD MOSBY

CHAIRMAN DISTRICT 83 REP. MICHELLE HENSON

VICE-CHAIR DISTRICT 86 REP. DAR’SHUN KENDRICK

SECRETARY

Early Voting Starts Oct. 13

In a statement, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Public Safety Cedric Alexander thanked Johnson and said the grant and the additional officers will make a difference. “Programs like COPS provide additional resources to improve public safety and continue building strong community relationships with the public we serve,” Alexander said. Johnson’s office said he is a longtime supporter of the COPS program. “Since 2007, Rep. Johnson has helped his district receive nearly $6 million in COPS grants that have been used to hire more than 45 additional police officers. In 2012, Johnson helped Newton County receive a $900,000 grant for seven additional officers,” a news release said. Interim CEO Lee May announced in 2013 that DeKalb intends to hire 480 additional police officers and 300 new firefighters over the next three years.

DISTRICT 93 REP. DEE DAWKINS HAIGLER

TREASURER

DEKALB COUNTY HOUSE DELEGATION COVERDELL LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334

DeKalb County Georgia House Delegation Invites you to three Legislative Town Hall Meetings about the upcoming 2015 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly:

DISTRICT 91 REP. TOM TAYLOR DISTRICT 79 REP. MIKE JACOBS DISTRICT 80 REP. SCOTT HOLCOMB DISTRICT 81 REP. MARY MARGARET OLIVER DISTRICT 82 REP. RAHN MAYO DISTRICT 84 REP. KARLA DRENNER DISTRICT 85 REP. EARNEST WILLIAMS DISTRICT 87 REP. BILLY MITCHELL DISTRICT 88 REP. STACEY ABRAMS DISTRICT 89 REP. PAM STEPHENSON DISTRICT 90 REP. TONYA ANDERSON DISTRICT 92 REP. KAREN BENNETT DISTRICT 94

• Oct. 13, 2014, Brookhaven City Hall 4362 Peachtree Road Brookhaven, GA 30319 • Oct. 21, 2014, Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030 • Oct. 28, 2014, Porter Sanford Center 3181 Rainbow Drive Decatur, GA 30034

All Sessions take place 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. All are open to the public. For more information, contact Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick at dkendrick@kendrickforgeorgia.com

Forum

CrossRoadsNews

October 11, 2014

“One central and pivotal solution to help fix the property demand problem is to focus on and fix our public schools.”

Military recruiters given free rein at Cross Keys High 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Graphic Design Curtis Parker Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Billing Clerk Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-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 CrossRoadsN ews 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.

By Michael J. Burke

At least one DeKalb County high school that we know of is totally ignoring the 1987 and 1988 ruling of the Searcy v. Crim case decided by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. With every misdeed and instance of corruption in past years by the DeKalb Board of Education, one would think our latest superintendent, Michael Thurmond, interim though he may be, would look into what’s going on at Cross Keys and other DeKalb high schools. Let us all have a fair accounting of what’s really going on in our county schools – do we own these schools or does the Pentagon? Military recruiters are being given free rein of Cross Keys High and we’re hoping the new full-time principal, Mr. Heard, will get a firm grip on this situation and diligently work with Mr. Thurmond by paying heed to the current violations of the court ruling outlined above. Our organization is certainly not picking on Cross Keys alone; it’s more like we’re focusing on

this school because of its many violations of Searcy v. Crim over the years. At the very least, we must have a true accounting of why a detachment of three USMC recruiters were allowed into CKHS on the school’s opening day. Since then, they’ve been back several times and so have we. Army recruiters are not far behind in showing a presence. Again on Thursday, Sept. 18, Marine recruiters were actually pulling juniors and seniors out of their classrooms to check on the students’ progress – as in how ripe were these children for induction, training and deployment a year or two from now? Yes, high school students are all children unless they have reached adulthood, which in Georgia is 18 years old. Unfortunately, the foregoing is not the entire story. Searcy v. Crim specifically rules that if military personnel are permitted access to the school’s annual career day, then other groups and prospective employers will also be allowed to set up tables and dis-

tribute literature to students. Yet here’s another Catch-22 – according to the head CKHS guidance counselor, Tanya Henderson, there is only one career day a year – in November. Well then, what were three USMC recruiters doing out in the main hallway, chatting with the interim principal, Leroy Jenkins, on opening day? Peace groups and other organizations, for instance, are not given an equal opportunity to meet youngsters on the first day of the new school year. Mr. Jenkins, the exiting interim principal at Cross Keys High School, told me that CKHS is comprised of about 80 percent Hispanic, 12 percent African-American, and 8 percent to 10 percent Caucasian and other. Might this have anything to do with the armed forces preying on schools that are comprised primarily of students of color and on the lower end of the socio-economic ladder? Those three USMC recruiters on opening day were all AfricanAmericans, two females and one

male. Can one even begin to imagine the same military component entering Dunwoody HS on any day much less the first day of the new school year? Of course race is involved! CKHS is the primary military feeder school along the Buford Highway corridor that keeps military recruiters coming back time after time. The high school also has a Navy JROTC unit and there’s even a possibility the Army is establishing a recruiting desk inside the JROTC office. Isn’t there something terribly wrong with this picture? Superintendent Thurmond, will you please pay attention to what’s going on in your school district as far as the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Searcy v. Crim ruling? The last thing we DeKalb County taxpayers and the Board of Education needs is more legal and court costs in defending itself against violations of this 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. Michael J. Burke is a founder of Veterans for Truth in Military Recruiting, a nonprofit advocacy. He lives in Doraville.

Fix schools to help reverse declines in South DeKalb By Thad Mayfield “Without an education, you might as well be dead.” – James Brown

South DeKalb County appears to be losing some of its best citizens at an alarming rate, and some of its better businesses are following close behind. As a consequence, demand for residential and commercial properties declines, causing the area property values and economy to suffer with millions of dollars in losses of in- Thad Mayfield dividual net worth and community wealth which are enough to slowly kill any community. But we can reverse these trends by focusing on improving our schools because good schools attract new young families with children. Businesses follow these families, thereby increasing demand for real estate, pushing values and net worth up, and creating conditions for a vibrant area economy. Here’s some data to further explain.

Loss of registered voters During the May 2014 primaries, we analyzed data for the number of registered voters in DeKalb and at the precinct level in Board of Education District 5. Registered voters are arguably some of our most civic-minded citizens who presumably care about their community, and District 5 is reportedly one of the most educated and affluent

African-American communities in the U.S. We found that between 2010-2014, DeKalb lost 6.8 percent of its registered voters and District 5 lost 12.5 percent, nearly double that of the county’s rate. In District 5, all precincts (neighborhoods) saw declines, with levels ranging from a 3 percent loss in the Murphy Candler area to a 21 percent loss (one-fifth) in the Ray of Hope Church area. Though our correlation study is not yet complete, there appears to be a relationship between registered voter losses and school performance (elementary CRCT scores/high school grad rates). These registered voter net losses suggest area population declines (post-2010 census) and reduced demand for residential properties. Consequently, when retailers such as Linens ’n’ Things, Ruby Tuesday, and the World Market Store (all closed) begin to see declining store sales coupled with the kinds of population trends implied by declines in registered voters, they are forced to make a very rational market decision to close, resulting in reduced demand for commercial real estate. In addition to the impact these trends have on demand for property, they also discourage other potential residents and businesses from considering the area. The reduced demand for these properties lowers property values due to the supply-and-demand impact on price/value. Homes are typically the largest single investment and asset for most individuals, so reduced demand translates into losses or suppression of tens of thousands of dollars of individual net worth and

millions of dollars in losses across the area. As you can imagine, this can be detrimental to family wealth and degrade entire communities.

Economic challenges The bigger problem, however, is that few public officials, influential community organizations, and caring citizens seem to be sensitive to or observe these trends or dynamics soon enough. Consequently, there is little to no response until retailers start closing stores, which further undermines the attractiveness of the area. Even when there is a response, efforts seem to rely on persuading businesses to stay or entice new ones to come despite the trends, rather than a focus on the core property demand problem. And far too often the loudest voices attribute these trends to race and apply the wrong solution to the problem. One central and pivotal solution to help fix the property demand problem is to focus on and fix our public schools. Demand for real estate is influenced by multiple quality of life factors, such as the area’s appearance, public safety, and public schools. But improved schools are the single most significant and consistent factor to drive sustainable demand for property and property values in any community and national data supports this fact (Urban Economics – Duke University http://sites.duke. edu/urbaneconomics/?p=712). Great schools attract young parents with high levels of education who have higher disposable incomes and skills sets; they in turn attract higher quality retailers and higher-paying employers looking to relocate and/or tap into the high

skilled workers among the highly educated young parents. And the momentum builds. More people moving into the area increases demand for residential and commercial space and pushes property values up. In fact, when we examine the cityhood movement in DeKalb, we find that economic development is a primary driver with local control of schools closely linked as the catalysts to drive sustainable economic improvements. As long as people have babies, educating their children in good public schools will be a top priority, and young families will move into communities to place their children into those schools – that means growth. The bottom line is we can fix the South DeKalb economic challenges when we fix the core problem of attracting more people with higher incomes into the area instead of losing them. That doesn’t happen on its own and “we” are the they that must fix it. So fixing our schools at the community level must be our top priority to secure our children’s future and drive sustainable property demand and economic development. For an example, look no further than the city of Decatur. So contact local community groups, sororities, fraternities, PTAs, and places of worship and ask how you can help improve the schools in your neighborhood. You’ll be surprised how the simple act of even one hour each month can improve individual wealth and well-being of your entire community. Thad Mayfield is the outgoing District 5 School Board member.

index to advertisers Circulation Audited By

Committee To Elect Connie Stokes...............A3 Dee Knows Phones......................................A11 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court....................A9 DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office......A6 DeKalb Medical Center.................................A7 Fabric Joint, LLC...........................................A11 Freddy Holley Campaign Committee, Inc.....A3 Ga Health Services Network..........................A6 Georgia Perimeter College...........................A5 Gregory B.Levett & Sons Funeral Home.......A5

I-Storage......................................................A11 Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC................A11 Macy’s......................................................... A12 NCBW - Stone Mountain..............................A6 Quenon Smith.............................................A11 Seabright Homes, LLC.................................A11 The Colwell Law Firm, LLC...........................A11 The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, P.C...............A11 Wright Vision Care........................................A6 AARP............................................................B9

Atlanta Gastroenterology.............................B11 Congressman Hank Johnson...................... B10 DeKalb County Board of Health...................B11 DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office......................B8 DeKalb Medical Center.................................B6 Dignity Memorial..........................................B8 Generation Mortgage..................................B11 Georgia Clinical Research............................. B7 Georgia Piedmont Technical College............B5 Golden Care Services For Seniors, LLC....... B10

JenCare.........................................................B6 Kaiser Permanente....................................... B3 Lou Walker Senior Center.............................B9 Oakhurst Medical Centers Inc.......................B4 Rem-Kiks Adult Day Care............................ B12 WellCare of Georgia................................... B10 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Walgreen’s..............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, P.C......... Online

CrossRoadsNews

October 11, 2014

Community

“It’s feeling pretty good. The doctors say they’re surprised at how far I’ve come so quickly.” Amos King was shot by a burglar on May 2 while delivering divorce papers to a house in the Main Street community in Stone Mountain. He is undergoing physical therapy.

Process server on mend after shooting By Ken Watts

Five months after he was shot in the leg and nearly killed by two burglars, Amos King is still on the long, difficult journey back to full health. The retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and former basketball coach at Greenforest Academy High School in Decatur says he is grateful to be among the living. “Thank God I’m still here,” he said on Oct. 2. King is soldiering through arduous physical therapy at his Stone Mountain home. His right knee is still heavily bandaged and he gets around with the help of a cane or walker. “It’s feeling pretty good,” King said. “The doctors say they’re surprised at how far I’ve come so quickly.” King, 52, a self-employed process server, was delivering divorce papers on May 2 to a house on Post Road Pass in Stone Mountain’s Main Street community and interrupted a burglary. Moments after his knock on the door, the two intruders confronted him. One pointed a gun at him and slapped him on the head with his pistol. King vaulted over the front porch railing and was

shot in his right leg. The bullet ripped through his knee before exiting through the side of his leg. He underwent eight surgeries at Grady Memorial Hospital between May 3 and June 17. King’s military retirement covers his medical bills, but he would rather be back doing his job. He said he is nervous about returning but that it wasn’t his job that got him shot. “I was at the wrong place, wrong time,” he said. “There was nothing that I could have done differently.” King said he knows police are working hard on the case, but five months later, no one has been arrested or charged. Surveillance video shows the assailants’ car speeding away from the scene, but there was no physical evidence to point to a suspect. King said he is deeply grateful for the support he’s gotten since the attack. “I want to thank all the people for their prayers, he said. “So many came to visit me – friends, family, coworkers from the military. I just thank God for all the kindness that people have shown me.”

Residents divided on Ellis’ fate Just like the DeKalb jury deliberating the fate of suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, residents are divided over whether he is guilty or innocent of the 13 counts of theft, bribery, perjury and extortion. Here is a sampling of the opinions of the Oct. 9 lunchtime crowd at the Gallery at South DeKalb:

Ralph Milliken, Decatur “Sad to say he’s probably guilty after listening to some of the evidence and knowing that the climate here in DeKalb has been conducive over the years Ralph Milliken to doing such things.” Katrina Wheeler, Decatur “I’m leaning toward not guilty. I think this is a political thing and that some of his [recorded] comments may have been Katrina Wheeler taken out of context.”

Butler resigns position on MARTA board Wendy Butler, who is seeking the DeKalb Commission District 1 seat vacated by Elaine Boyer, has resigned from the MARTA board of directors effective Oct. 1. Butler, an attorney, was appointed by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners to the MARTA board in 2011. She is one of five candidates seeking Wendy Butler to finish Boyer’s term. Boyer resigned from the BOC on Aug. 25 and pleaded guilty to federal mail and wire fraud charges for the theft of $90,000 and misusing her county-issued purchasing card for personal purchases. There are two years left on her four-year term, which expires in 2016. MARTA board Chair Robert L. Ashe III thanked Butler for her service. In her resignation letter to the BOC, Butler said she looks forward to continuing to serve MARTA’s vision and leadership in her new role. The other District 1 candidates are Larry Danese, Nancy Jester, Tom Owens and Holmes Pyles. The special election will be held alongside the general election on Nov. 4.

Brenda Lewis, Decatur “I think he’s guilty based on the recordings and his previous testimony [before the grand jury] which seems to conflict with what he said in his trial. I’m not sure if he’s guilty of all the charges.” Brenda Lewis Greg Walker, Lithonia “I think it’s going to be a hung jury. I don’t think it’s going to show guilty or not guilty. People say they felt coerced [to donate to his campaign] and his side says all he did was to say these things so it’s all how you perceive such Greg Walker things.” Ethel Collins, Decatur “I would say that he’s probably guilty. He said some things that did not sound right, but I think the longer it takes to bring in a verdict it’s probably going to be not guilty.”

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Application paints dismal picture SCHOOLS,

from page

processes, training and resources within each cluster,” the application said. Thurmond wants to convert the district to a charter system to give local school principals the authority to make changes at their schools through exemptions or “waivers” approved by the district and to allow for the full range of flexibility, autonomy and innovation across all the district’s schools. Among the most pressing problems outlined in the report: n 71 percent of DeKalb students are low income and on free or reduced lunch status. n 24 percent of DeKalb’s high school class of 2014 – 1,456 students – did not graduate. n DeKalb students score below state and national averages on the ACT, SAT and PSAT. n The percentage of students with limited English proficiency in DeKalb is almost twice that of the state average. n The performance of low-income students in DeKalb is below that of similar students across Georgia. n Only 70 percent of DeKalb students passed the CRCT math exam in the 2013-2014

school year compared with 82 percent statewide. Despite the dismal picture painted by the application, many residents have misgivings about the impact of the planned switch. Parents have been asking whether the charter proposal will affect all DeKalb schools at once. “Due to the large number of schools to be included in the DeKalb charter system (120), the only responsible way to manage the implementation while ensuring fidelity to the charter system design and concepts is to stagger the implementation of schools over the next three years,” the application said. The district proposed to include six of the 18 clusters each year and expects a districtwide charter system to be implemented by the end of the three years. Planners say the staggered implementation will allow time to build an adequate support system for the schools and to build success during the transition to allow participating schools to share practices and address common issues and challenges.

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A BETTER WAY FORWARD

CrossRoadsNews

Wellness

“With growing concern over the spread of the Ebola virus, we welcome the additional screening measures announced by the CDC and White House.” Screenings at five U.S. airports will use an infrared beam to take temperatures of passengers arriving from West Africa.

Challenge for more bike riders DeKalb residents can participate in the Atlanta Bike Challenge through Oct. 19 and cycle to work. The campaign, sponsored by Georgia Commute Options, the Atlanta Regional Commission, the international firm Love to Ride, and People for Bikes, is for beginner and veteran cyclists alike. Metro Atlantans are encouraged to bike for 10 minutes or more. Businesses and organizations can compete against each other to see who can get the most staff to ride a bike during the challenge period. Participants can register at www.ATL BikeChallenge.com, log their bicycle commute trips, track their individual and team progress, find classes/events, and compete for prizes through the Web site or by downloading the “Love to Ride” mobile app. Cycling, which has positive effects on health, wellness and air quality, is growing in popularity in metro Atlanta. Between 2000

and 2012, bike commute trips in the region increased 166 percent. Participants can qualify for prizes, including a $500 credit toward a new bike and restaurants and movie vouchers. They also are encouraged to post photos at #ATLBikeSelfie and follow the challenge at Facebook.com/GeorgiaCommuteOptions. For more information, visit www.gacommuteoptions.com.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

Please Join Us for Our 4th Annual Community Resource Fair and Symposium on BUILDING BRIDGES, MAKING CONNECTIONS: COORDINATING A COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE



THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. open to the public

(free breakfast to begin at 8:00 a.m.) please bring your used cell phones to donate through hopeline

Manuel Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia RSVP BY OCTOBER 20, 2014 TO: Deputy Chief SVU/Community Outreach SONJA BROWN 404.371.2234

snbrown@dekalbcountyga.gov

Sherry Boston DEKALB COUNTY SOLICITOR-GENERAL

www.dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org 404.371.2201

October 11, 2014

CO-SPONSORED BY VERIZON WIRELESS

MAKING DEKALB SAFER FOR ALL

Airports to begin Ebola screenings By Ken Watts

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is one of five U.S. airports beginning temperature screenings of passengers arriving from West Africa. The move is in response to the deadly Ebola outbreak. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Oct. 8 that the more stringent measures could begin as soon as this weekend at Kennedy International Airport in New York. Passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson, Washington Dulles International, O’Hare International in Chicago, and Newark Liberty International will be screened starting next week. Passengers arriving from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the countries hit hardest by the Ebola epidemic, will be screened. CDC Director Thomas Frieden said about 90 percent of the estimated 150 daily passengers from West Africa come through the five airports. Hartsfield-Jackson has no nonstop flights from Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone. However, passengers could arrive from those nations via connecting flights. The CDC will send personnel to airports to perform the screenings that take passengers’ temperatures with an infrared beam. Coast Guard members will be deployed to help in the coming weeks. Screeners will ask passengers about any symptoms they may have and with whom

they’ve been in contact. Hartsfield-Jackson’s Aviation General Manager Miguel Southwell said the Atlanta airport is working diligently with the CDC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other agencies to ensure passenger and employee safety. “With growing concern over the spread of the Ebola virus, we welcome the additional screening measures announced by the CDC and White House,” Southwell said. “We will continue to monitor this situation as it develops and take every necessary precaution to stop the spread of this disease.” The airport screenings are the federal government’s first large-scale attempt at improving the safety at American ports of entry, a measure many had called for after Thomas Eric Duncan arrived in Dallas from Liberia with Ebola. Duncan, 42, died Oct. 8 in isolation at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. He was the first case of the disease diagnosed in the United States and was initially turned away from the hospital. He was infected in Liberia but showed no signs of the disease when he arrived in the United States. It can take up to three weeks for Ebola symptoms to appear in patients. Frieden said that while the effort will strengthen the nation’s defenses against Ebola, officials know that the screening program will not be foolproof protection. “Until this outbreak is over in Africa, we cannot get the risk to zero,” he said.

CrossRoadsNews

October 11, 2014

Wellness

“We realized it was possible that a patient with [Ebola] was only a plane ride away and we needed to be ready.”

DeKalb Medical Georgia Perimeter bans tobacco use Breast cancer

implements Ebola plan

In the wake of the Ebola virus case that was diagnosed in Dallas, DeKalb Medical has implemented an Ebola preparedness plan to identify, isolate and treat patients who may be in need of care. The hospital said its plan is focused on keeping its staff and other patients safe while providing care to any infected patient. Nancy Curdy, DeKalb Medical’s Patient Safety and Infection Prevention director, said the plan fol- Nancy Curdy lows guidelines from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “When we became aware of the magnitude of the epidemic in Africa, and given the international travel through Atlanta, we realized it was possible that a patient with EVD was only a plane ride away and we needed to be ready,” she said. Thomas Eric Duncan, who was the first Ebola case to be diagnosed in United States, died on Oct. 8 at a Texas hospital. He became ill after arriving in Dallas from Liberia more than two weeks ago. His arrival in the United States increased concerns that the worst Ebola epidemic on record could spread from West Africa, where it began in March. The hemorrhagic fever has killed more than 3,400 people and more than 7,500 are infected with the virus. Duncan, 42, was treated with an experimental drug. The hospital sent him home for five days before an ambulance delivered him to the emergency room. He had been in contact with a relative in Liberia four days before he left for the United States. The woman died the next day. Curdy said in an Oct. 1 statement that DeKalb Medical worked “vigorously” for five weeks to put its Ebola plan together and implement it. The plan’s approach is multidisciplinary with specific and cross-disciplinary tactics for all divisions of the hospital from physicians to environmental services. Patients are screened for travel history and symptoms of fever, nausea and diarrhea; placed into appropriate isolation; and evaluated further. The Infectious Disease physician and Infection Preventionist nurses will assess and then notify the Department of Public Health if there is a question/concern after travel history, exposure history, and symptoms are evaluated. Low/no risk patients will be treated for their symptoms and released after further evaluation. Following any such patient presentation, the team will evaluate the process, identify any areas for improvement and change the processes accordingly. While Ebola is contained in several West African countries, Curdy said it would be irresponsible not to be prepared. “It is our mission to earn our patients’ trust every day through our uncompromising commitment to quality and safety,” Curdy said. “We all take that mission very seriously.”

Georgia Perimeter College is now tobaccofree. The college’s new policy banning all forms of tobacco products took effect on Oct. 1. It joins a growing number of colleges statewide and across the country. “GPC Is Tobacco Free” signs have been erected around campus. The college executive team said the ban aligns its Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus policy with the University System of Georgia’s policy. Tobacco products are defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes and any other smoking devices such as hookahs and electronic cigarettes that use tobacco or simulate the use of tobacco. “The use of all forms of tobacco products on property owned, leased, rented, in the possession of, or in any way used by Georgia Perimeter College is expressly prohibited,” the

policy reads. The policy comes with a six-month grace period during which Public Safety officials will issue warnings to repeat offenders. After April 1, 2015, individuals violating the policy will receive a warning for the first offense, a $10 fine for the second offense, a $20 fine for the third offense, and a fine plus disciplinary action after the fourth offense. Julius Whitaker, who is overseeing the GPC project, said the inclusion of tobacco cessation programs is an integral component of implementing the tobacco-free policy. The college is offering tobacco cessation programs, including low-cost and free nicotine patch, gum and lozenge replacement products, free of charge to students and employees through its Student Health Clinics. For more information, visit www .gpc.edu.

Where fear meets

awareness event

“Think Pink” is the theme of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon taking place Oct. 15 at This Is It restaurant in Lithonia. Amy Hoke, the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund board treasurer, is one of three speakers for the luncheon that begins at 11:30 a.m. The others are Dian Galloway, president of the Atlanta Chapter of Sisters Network for Breast Cancer Support Group, and two-time breast cancer survivor Mildred Smeltz. The restaurant is at 2853 Panola Road. For more information and to register, visit www.greaterlithonia chamber.com or call 777-482-1808.

hope Iman Breast Cancer Survivor Meet more survivors at AtlantaCancerStories.com

Sometimes the cure for cancer can be as scary as the disease. That’s why our top doctors and healthcare professionals are there with you every step of the way. We’ll provide you with your own Nurse Navigator to help guide you through it all, and we’ll develop cancer treatment options using the most innovative resources available. We’ve invested in advanced technologies and a team of professionals so you won’t have to face the biggest challenge of your life alone. If you have a symptom you think is related to cancer, call 404.596.4772 and you can see a DeKalb Medical Cancer Care specialist within 24 hours.

UPCOMING FREE SEMINARS

The ABCs of Breast Cancer Prevention Thursday, October 23rd Community Room 6:30–7:30 p.m. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take steps to detect the disease in its early stages. Learn how you can reduce your risk.

www.dekalbmedical.org 404.596.4772 dekalbmedical

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb! R Don’t Litter R Mow, Trim & Paint R Clean to the Curb A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

October 11, 2014

“Our goal is to honor our military and veterans for their service and fully assist them in an effective transition into college or civilian life.”

GPC – friend to military vets, troops and their families Georgia Perimeter College is a Military Friendly School for the fourth year in a row for its efforts providing educational opportunities to U.S. veterans, active-duty troops and their families. Georgia Perimeter earned the designation from GI Jobs. com. The 2015 Military Friendly Schools list was released Sept. 23 and can be found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com. Mark Eister, GPC’s military outreach director, said Georgia Perimeter serves more than 1,100 military-related students each semester, making it one of Georgia’s top choices for veterans and their families. “With its five campuses and online courses, GPC remains a first choice for military members, veterans and their families in Georgia,” Eister said. Georgia Perimeter’s Military Outreach Center provides comprehensive academic and transition assistance, counseling services, tutoring and learning labs, and professional re- GPC’s Mark Eister rolls out welcome mat for military personnel and their families at the college’s five campuses. source support services to military and veteran students.

It also offers Green Zone military awareness training for GPC staff and faculty. “Our goal is to honor our military and veterans for their service and fully assist them in an effective transition into college or civilian life,” Eister said. The college also has a veterans mentoring program and staff and faculty military training workshops. It is part of Soldiers2Scholars, a University System of Georgia program that combines the efforts of numerous USG military outreach programs. Other services include tuition discounts and scholarships for military students and veterans; military scholarships for dependents; in-state tuition without residency requirements for active-duty military students; full-time veteran counselors on staff; and a career placement adviser. Veterans and their dependents also can enjoy special clubs and associations, both on campus and online. For information, visit www.gpc.edu/militaryoutreach or call 678-891-3025.

Group wants to stifle recruiters at school Barber shop raising turkey Stakeholders concerned about military recruiting in DeKalb County schools, and especially at Cross Keys High School, are holding a “discovery session” on Oct. 13 in Atlanta. The meeting gets under way at 9:30 a.m. at the Panera’s on the corner of North Druid Hills and Briarcliff roads. Organizers, who will be wearing red, say Cross Keys High have been targeted by military recruited, who were on the campus on the first day of school in August. They say tax dollars are paying for the multiple military recruiting offices around the

county and public school campuses should not also be targeted. Meeting organiser Micheal Burke, of the nonprofit advocacy group Veterans for Truth in Military Recruiting, said that by allowing military recruiters on school campuses, the school district is in violation of an 11th U.S. Circuit of Appeals ruling dealing with the presence of military recruiters in public schools. Panera Bread is at the corner of N. Druid Hills and Briarcliff roads. For more information or questions, call Mike Burke at 678-517-6790.

Austins Barber Shop in Lawrenceville is raising funds to provide up to 300 turkeys to disadvantaged families for Thanksgiving. The shop, 1st Annual Thanksgiving BBQ Dinner will take place Nov., 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 100 Hurricane Shoals Road in Lawrenceville. The dinner will consist of turkey, ham and chicken from the grill and all the fixings. The shop will also offer free haircuts from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. There will be entertainment afor adults and children and free giveaways. We are looking to give out 200 to 300 tickets for turkeys. We are asking that you make a monetary donation help make this community event a success. To donate or for more information, contact Austin at 678-852-7968 or Willie at 770-865-1629.

CrossRoadsNews

October 11, 2014

Finance

“They’d like to see more parking. That is one of the things that will be addressed.”

Residents upset over funeral home plans Homeowners along Redan, Young and Panola roads in Lithonia are meeting Oct. 13 at the Redan-Trotti Library to discuss plans by the Willie Watkins Special Events Center to become a “full service” funeral home. Residents fear that the center at 5843 Redan Road is seeking to add a crematorium. A flier circulated in the Stoneleigh subdivi- Willie Watkins sion off Young Road said the center “has negatively impacted and inconvenienced” neighbors with loud music, unauthorized parking in homeowners’ driveways, double parking along residential streets and other

traffic issues. Willie A. Watkins, the business owner, said Thursday that there are no plans for a crematorium. He said he is just seeking to add an embalming room and more parking spaces and make improvements to the outside of the building. Watkins said he attended an earlier neighborhood meeting at which residents raised similar concerns. “They’d like to see more parking,” he said. “That is one of the things that will be addressed.” Watkins said about 75 more parking spaces are planned on the nearly four acres behind the building. He said couldn’t validate the concern over loud music. “We will go along with what they are say-

ing, but it won’t happen again, that’s for sure,” he said. Watkins’ brother, Darrell Watkins, and Gwen Bonair will attend the Oct. 13 community meeting. It takes place at 6:30 p.m. The special events center, which opened in 2009, is housed in a former Masonic Hall building. It serves as a funeral home and multipurpose event center where conferences, receptions, weddings, family reunions and parties are held. Funeral arrangements and services currently take place there, but the funeral home says that no embalming is performed on-site. The library is at 1569 Wellborn Road in Lithonia.

Workshop tackles energy, utility costs Residents who want to reduce their energy and utility costs can attend a “How to Save Money on Your Utility, Water and Gas Bills” session on Oct. 15 at the Decatur Library. The two-hour event begins at 10 a.m. Representatives with Southeast Energy Assistance will discuss energy conservation, assistance programs available to low-income families, and how conservation can help families save money. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. Call 404-370-3070 for more information.

Lawyers hosting free

consumer ed clinic

Vending table available at Flat Rock Flea Market Flea market, yard sale, and arts & craft vendors can sell their wares at the Oct. 25 Flat Rock Community Heritage Day & Jazz Festival, but they have to reserve a space now. Johnny Waits, coordinator of the Flat Rock Archives, which is hosting the fundraising event, said tables are $25 each and must be reserved by Oct. 10. “Space is limited and available on a first-

come, first-served basis,” he said. The annual Flat Rock Archive Flea Market and Arts & Craft/Yard Sale is in its sixth year. It takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3979 Crossvale Road in Lithonia. Fish fry and grits will be available for purchase. The flea market/yard sale will be fol-

lowed at 4 p.m. by an African-American Art & Antique Appraisals Show and the inaugural Flat Rock Jazz Festival featuring musician Abel Johnson at 7 p.m. During the appraisal show, art collectors can find out the value of their family heirlooms and collectibles. To reserve a space and for more information, call 770-797-5625.

Legal Notices 9/27, 10/04, 10/11, 10/18

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV9251-1++ Gary Yvonne Broughton, filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change the name from: Gary Yvonne Broughton to Gail Yvonne Irvine. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: September 18, 2014 Gary Yvonne Broughton Petitioner, Pro se 1899 Meadow Lane Decatur, GA 30032 9/27, 10/04, 10/11, 10/18

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Minor in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV8709-10++ Ashley Thompson Plaintiff Vs. Christopher Pittman Defendant By Order of the Court for service by publication dated September 15, 2014 you are hereby notified that on September 8, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you to change the name of a minor child. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Ashley Thompson, 951 Pine Roc Drive, Stone Mountain, GA. 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of September 15, 2014. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 15th day of September, 2014 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/01

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County

State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV9841-3++ Carmen DeCarlo Allen, filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on June 4, 2014 to change the name from: Carmen DeCarlo Lamb to Carmen DeCarlo Allen. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: June 4, 2014 Carmen Allen aka Carmen Lamb Petitioner, Pro se 4415 Riverwood Circle Decatur, GA 30035 (404) 388-9560 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11