CrossRoadsNews, October 21, 2017

COMMUNITY

YOUTH

Signs of the times

Reach for the stars

Bold granite signage and an information kiosk now greet visitors to the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. 4

Capt. Barrington Irving, visited MLK Jr. High to encourage students to pursue science, engineering, technology and math careers. 6

Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways

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

Copyright © 2017 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

October 21, 2017

Volume 23, Number 25

www.crossroadsnews.com

Police officer who killed naked veteran to stand trial

By Rosie Manins

Robert Olsen, the former DeKalb Police officer who shot and killed Anthony Hill, a naked and unarmed mentally ill U.S. Air Force veteran, will now stand trial after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled Monday that his indictment stands.

Justice Robert Benham, writing for the court, said on Oct. 16 that there was no unlawful conduct shown in the case and no prejudice was demonstrated by the manner in which the prosecutor conducted the evidentiary stage of the grand jury proceedings.

“We are not convinced that the presence

of a state expert witness, along with lawyer and non-lawyer members of the district attorney’s staff, during the presentation of evidence to the grand jury in this case violated the need for grand jury secrecy or compromised Robert Olsen the grand jury’s independence from outside influences,” Benham wrote in the 13-page opinion.

In denying his appeal, the justices unanimously concurred that Olsen failed “to demonstrate how the presence of individuals from the prosecutor’s office or the

presence of an expert witness throughout the evidentiary presentation impaired the ability of the grand jury to obtain the frank testimony of grand jury witnesses.”

Olsen filed a motion in the Georgia Supreme Anthony Hill Court in October 2016 appealing his January 2016 indictment on felony murder and other charges.

His appeal came after DeKalb Superior Court Judge J.P. Boulee denied his September 2016 request to dismiss the charges against him on the grounds that unauthorized people

were present in the grand jury room during the prosecutor’s presentation of evidence.

The case is expected to be returned to DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston by Oct. 26, or 10 days after the opinion was issued, for prosecution in DeKalb Superior Court.

Boston says she looks forward to “proceeding Sherry Boston expeditiously.”

“The trial court will subsequently schedule dates for upcoming proceedings at its Please see OLSEN, page 2

Atlanta Sports City taking shape in Stonecrest Developers acquire former Kohl’s building

baseball, football and kick football.

Henderson says Atlanta Sports City will begin construction on its 200,000-plus square-foot field house next spring with a 2019 opening date.

The field house will include the previously announced Emory Sports Medicine Facility and full-size fields for football, soccer and lacrosse, up to eight basketball courts, workout facilities, a corporate development center, observation decks, and concession stands.

A 5,000-seat outdoor covered stadium will be constructed by spring 2018, but the cover won’t be erected until the summer.

Stonecrest Landing’s construction will also start in April 2018 and take 12 to 13 months to build out. It will include a trampoline park, a fly zone offering indoor parachute jumping and an amphitheater seating 3,500.

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Atlanta Sports City – the mega sports and entertainment development coming to Stonecrest – reached a major milestone this month with the purchase of the former Kohl’s department store building and 14 of the 200 acres that it will encompass.

Developers acquired the 145,000-squarefoot building on Oct. 5 for $2.5 million, and say they will continue to close on other parcels of land every 90 days until all of the acreage is acquired.

Patrick Henderson, CEO of Atlanta Sports Connection, the company developing the sports and entertainment complex, said it’s great to see the pieces falling into place.

“I am so excited I can’t sleep,” he said Oct. 19. “It’s a long time coming and to see it in your sights is a great thing.”

Vaughn Irons, CEO of APD Solutions, the project’s master developer, said they will transform the two-story former Kohl’s building into a sporting goods store on its lower level, and on its upper level, “Tournament Central,” an indoor marketplace with 37 shops similar to Ponce City Market; a visitors welcome center, a 5,000-square-foot ballroom, a tournament lounge with wall-to-wall big-screen televisions, a 4,700-square-foot live music venue; and an indoor golf center where visitors can virtually tee off at more than 120 of the world’s top golf courses.

He said the building will be gutted and the escalator that currently links the two levels will be relocated.

On Oct. 20, Irons, Henderson, Atlanta Sports Connection COO Zerick Foster, and Urban Retail Properties CEO Craig Delasin were set to announce the first phase of construction for the project.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

APD Solutions CEO Vaughn Irons holds an artist’s rendering of a new entrance for the Mall at Stonecrest. Looking on from left are Urban Retail CEO Craig Delasin and Atlanta Sports Connection CEO Patrick Henderson.

They will build a new entrance to the Mall at Stonecrest facing Mall Parkway, and they’ll create a 341,000-square-foot Stonecrest Landing, an entertainment complex with a slew of fast-casual dining options; a restaurant row of six full-service free-standing family-style restaurants; a 125-room hotel; a 20,000-square-foot Sea Quest Aquarium, and an MMA Bar & Grill.

The mall’s new entrance, with a façade designed to look like a baseball stadium, will go up between the New Vision cinemas

and the upper level entrance to the newly acquired building.

Delasin said much of the current parking lot in that section of the mall will give way to the development, and that New Vision will renovate the cinemas to make them consistent with the look of the façade and Stonecrest Landing.

Construction on the upper level of the former Kohl’s building will start in December and be completed in April 2018 to coincide with the start of tournaments for soccer,

4.5 million visitors in first year Delasin said the aquarium, which will be interactive, will offer kids the opportunity to feed and swim with fish year-round and it will host birthday parties. It is scheduled to open in spring in 2019.

Henderson says in its first year of operations, Atlanta Sports City expects 4.5 million visitors.

When the entire sports city is completed in 2020, the partners say their total investment will be nearly $350 million, up from the $200 million that was first announced in February.

Irons said that Urban Retail Properties LLC, which owns the 1.3 million-square-foot Mall of Stonecrest, will be Atlanta Sports City’s leasing and management partner.

With the retail landscape undergoing rapid change, Delasin said that mall operators like him have to create “more of an experience” for customers.

“This for us, this could not have come at a better time,” he said. “This helps us do that in a big way. We are elevating everything to a new level. That’s why we joined forces. If we do this right, there are other opportunities that will come.”

2

Community

CrossRoadsNews

October 21, 2017

“Hill was a young man with no record, who had fought for his country and did the best he could.”

Decatur man gets life in revenge killing

Contractors sentenced in bribery case

By Rosie Manins

By Rosie Manins

Derrick Deonta Thurman of Decatur is going to prison for life for murdering a father of three in a revenge killing.

Thurman, 27, was sentenced to life in prison on Oct. 12 for shooting Derrick Thurman 37-year-old Timothy Hobbs outside Hobbs’ girlfriend’s apartment on Flat Shoals Road on June 11, 2016.

DeKalb Superior Court Judge Linda Hunter sentenced him after a DeKalb County jury found him guilty of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

At the time of the crime in 2016, Thurman was living in the same Highlands of East Atlanta apartment complex, at 2051 Flat Shoals Road S.E., as Hobbs’ girlfriend.

Investigators say Timothy Hobbs that Thurman, who was shot in a March 2016 gunfight at the apartment complex, killed Hobbs because he believed he was involved.

Video surveillance captured the sounds of gunfire and images of Thurman following Hobbs moments before the shooting.

The investigation revealed an ongoing dispute between the two men.

Two contractors, including a DeKalb County man, have been sentenced to federal prison for bribing top staff at the city of Atlanta with more than $1 million in exchange for Elvin Mitchell lucrative contracts.

Elvin “E.R.” Mitchell Jr. of Atlanta and Charles Richards Jr. of Tucker were sentenced Oct. 10. They pleaded guilty in January and February this year to charges of conspiratorial bribery and money laundering, in relation to an ongoing federal investigation of corruption among Atlanta’s top elected officials.

Mitchell, 63, has been sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1.12 million in restitution.

Richards, 65, who owns two contracting companies, got two years Charles Richards and three months in prison and three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $193,000 in restitution.

“When contractors like Mitchell and Richards pay bribes to get public work, the public’s confidence in the process is undermined and the price of that corruption is borne by the taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Byung Pak.

Family pleased with Supreme Court ruling denying officer’s appeal OLSEN,

from page

1

discretion. The state will request the earliest trial date available,” she said in an Oct. 16 statement.

Olsen, who was a DeKalb Police officer for seven years, shot and killed Hill on March 9, 2015, while he was running around naked in The Heights at Chamblee apartment complex on Chamblee Tucker Road where he lived.

Hill’s family said he suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder and was medically discharged from the Air Force after serving in Afghanistan.

On the day he was killed, family and friends said Hill, 27, was having trouble adjusting to his medication. They said he jumped from his second-story apartment balcony and was running around the com-

plex knocking on doors, speaking incomprehensibly, and lying and crawling on the ground.

A woman called 911 to get Hill help from medical personnel.

Olsen was dispatched and found Hill in the Amos King parking lot of the complex.

Olsen, who was also carrying a Taser and pepper spray, told Hill to stop when he started approaching from about 180 feet away. When Hill did not stop, Olsen fired two shots when he was within five feet of him. Hill died at the scene.

Olsen told investigators that he felt threatened.

Witnesses said Hill did not make contact

with Olsen and posed no threat to him.

Olsen was indicted by a grand jury on Jan. 21, 2016, and resigned the same day.

He pleaded not guilty on June 6, 2016, to two counts each of felony murder and violation of oath by public officer and one count each of aggravated assault and making a false statement.

Amos King, president of Justice for Veterans, which held candlelight vigils and pressed for the district attorney to bring charges against Olsen, said he is excited by the Supreme Court’s decision and looks forward to trial.

King said Olsen’s appeal was simply a stalling tactic.

“Hill was a young man with no record, who had fought for his country and did the best he could,” King said. “He was honorably discharged and unfortunately he faced the

challenge of mental illness, which so many veterans have to face every day.”

He said that he spoke with Hill’s mother, Carolyn Baylor-Giummo, who lives in South Carolina, on Oct. 17 and that the family is pleased that the prosecution will proceed.

“She’s excited and they just want to move forward,” said King, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel from Decatur. “It will be three years coming up in March since Hill was killed and the family is still dealing with this. It’s just really unfair to them.”

He said Hill’s family will travel to Georgia for the trial.

King said Justice for Veterans will organize another vigil in Decatur for Hill and other veterans killed by police, and those suffering from mental illnesses due to their military service on, or a day either side of, Nov. 11, which is observed as Veterans Day.

CrossRoadsNews

October 21, 2017

Community

3

“A new day has dawned, focused on cooperation, communication and transparency.”

Hit-and-run driver who killed 4-year-old sought

County, cities unite to urge passage of SPLOST

By Rosie Manins

Mayors of all 12 cities in DeKalb County, the Board of Commissioners, DeKalb CEO, and other elected officials are uniting to educate voters on the penny sales tax on the Nov. 7 ballot.

At an Oct. 18 press conference in Decatur, the officials said the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax is good for the cities and the county.

“It’s about improving the quality of life for all people in DeKalb County,” CEO Michael Thurmond said, adding that the SPLOST referendum has brought together Michael Thurmond DeKalb’s elected officials for the betterment of the county as a whole.

“This is a great day and we’re going to continue to work together,” he said. “A new day has dawned, focused

DeKalb police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a hit-and-run driver who killed a 4-year-old girl on Oct. 18 as she walked to school on Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston.

Lun Thang, a pre-kindergartner at Indian Creek Elementary, was walking to the school with her aunt, sister and Lun Thang cousin just before 7 a.m. when a dark, older-model Toyota or Honda sedan struck her in the crosswalk near the 700 block of North Indian Creek Drive. Police said Lun was sent airborne and into another vehicle by the sedan. Witnesses said the driver stopped briefly, then sped away.

Lun died at the scene. No one else was injured. Police are analyzing footage from cameras in the area to identify the dark-colored sedan and its driver.

They are asking car repair shops and members of the public to be on the lookout for a dark-colored vehicle with broken headlights and other front-end damage.

If you have information about the driver or car, call the DeKalb Police Traffic Specialist Unit at 770-724-7610.

By Rosie Manins

on cooperation, communication and transparency,” he said.

Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson said approving the SPLOST referendum is a great opportunity.

“It is a historic moment and we are just very excited about the opportunity to be working together,” she said.

“Whether you live in a city or an unincorporated area, we are one DeKalb.”

With the voters’ approval, the SPLOST – a first for DeKalb’s government – is expected to raise $636 million for infrastructure development over six years. The county’s sales tax will increase to 8 percent from 7 percent; groceries and medicine will be excluded.

The county will get about $388 million, and the cities about $248 million.

Proposed SPLOST-funded projects include repaving and upgrading more than 300 miles of roads, improving fire and police stations and equipment, and enhancing community centers, parks and libraries. On the ballot, voters are being asked to suspend the existing

Homestead Option Sales Tax (HOST), implement an Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) and approve the SPLOST. Thurmond said that replacing the HOST with EHOST, which will go only to property tax relief, will provide a bonanza for property owners. For example, owners of a $200,000 home would save between $150 and $600 a year on their tax bill, depending on where in the county they reside.

Voters must approve both the HOST and SPLOST together for them to be enacted. Municipal elections for mayors and city council members are also on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Early voting is available on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and weekdays through Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the DeKalb Election Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. On Nov. 7, all polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information or a sample ballot, visit www.dekalbvotes.com, or call 404-298-4020.

Documentary, discussion tackle challenges faced by former inmates

By Rosie Manins

The documentary “Released: When Does the Sentence End?” which confronts how former inmates continue to pay for the mistakes of their past, will be screened Oct. 24 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in Decatur.

The film, produced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Georgia, profiles several former prisoners and explores some of the challenges they face, including issues with finding sustainable employment. It also explores Georgia’s disproportionate incarceration rate.

population was the fifth largest in the nation.

The free screening begins at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a 30-minute panel discussion, moderated by DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston. Panelists include Freedom Is a Choice founder Omar Howard, a former prisoner; Neighbor 2 Neighbor founder Colleen Higgins; Georgia Justice Project Executive Director Doug Ammar; and DeKalb Chamber of Commerce President Katerina Taylor. The documentary’s trailer can be viewed at www.releasedthemovie.com.

Doug Ammar Omar Howard Katerina Taylor The Porter Sanford Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive.

To RSVP for the screening, contact Ebony Phillips at Statewide, one in 13 adults is under some form of correctional supervision in Georgia, and in 2010, Georgia’s prison eaphillips@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-371-2474.

CrossRoadsNews

4

Community

2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writer Jennifer Ffrench Parker Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams

October 21, 2017

“This is a key initiative for us to develop our area for economic development and to continue into the future.”

Symposium to offer responses to domestic violence Citizens, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and survivors will congregate in Decatur on Oct. 26 for DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston’s seventh annual resource fair and symposium on domestic violence.

The event, titled “Building Bridges, Making Connections, Coordinating a Community Response to Domestic Violence,” takes place 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at DeKalb County’s Manuel Maloof Auditorium.

The program, which includes a complimentary breakfast, will feature panel discussions with law enforcement representatives, community and victim advocates, faith leaders, and powerful survivor testimonies.

It coincides with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed in October.

Boston points out that the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence says that

“My staff and I want to be a part of the solution.

This symposium is a powerful tool for building awareness and providing access to integral resources.”

Sherry Boston, DeKalb County District Attorney

across the country, one in three women and one in four men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.

“Domestic violence is a pervasive problem,” she said. “My staff and I want to be a part of the solution. This symposium is a powerful tool for building awareness and

providing access to integral resources.”

Symposium participants and partners include the DeKalb County Police Department, the DeKalb County Sheriff ’s Department, The Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence, Raksha, DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, GAIN, and the Latin American Association.

The free event is jointly sponsored by The Law Office of Rachel St. Fleur and The Panitch Law Group.

Space is limited and registration is encouraged. To RSVP, email Angel Riley at AARiley@dekalbcountyga. gov or 404-371-2976.

The Maloof Auditorium is at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.

If you are or someone you know is experiencing abuse in a relationship, call 911 if there is immediate danger.

For help, call the Georgia Statewide Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-33-HAVEN (3342836) voice/TTY in Georgia.

Arabia Mountain Heritage Area unveils signs of progress CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoads­News, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings.

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers.

The concept, design and content of CrossRoads­News are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material.

The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisements, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement.

We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

Circulation Audited By

By Rosie Manins

Bold granite signage and an information kiosk are now part of the landscape at the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.

The new signs, dedicated Oct. 13, welcome tourists, visitors and adventure seekers to the 40,000-acre park spanning parts of DeKalb, Henry and Rockdale counties.

They are the first part of a multi-phase project to enhance the heritage area and its role as a tourist attraction and economic asset for the counties in which it is located.

Funding for the project’s first stage and part of the second stage includes just over $500,000 from the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, pushed through by District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who represents the area.

Davis Johnson said she is thrilled to see the plans take shape.

“This is such an exciting day,” she said at the dedication, attended by 60-plus people including her husband, Congressman Hank Johnson, who helped start the ball rolling on the heritage area when he was DeKalb’s District 5 commissioner from 2000 to 2006.

Johnson, who now represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District, said development of the heritage area began in early 2001 when Vernon Jones was DeKalb CEO and wanted to expand the county’s parkland.

Jones’ proposal to issue $125 million in bonds to acquire property for parks and to enhance those already in existence was approved by DeKalb voters and in late 2001 acquisition began.

Elected officials and staff of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Alliance, including executive director Mera Cardenas (bottom left), officially dedicate new signs and an information kiosk at the Vaughters’ Farm trailhead in Stonecrest on Oct. 13.

Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews

Voters approved a $23 million Park Bond Fund in 2001 to purchase thousands of acres for the heritage area.

Two of the three new signs – made of rough slabs of local granite – are located at the Vaughters’ Farm trailhead on Klondike Road in the new city of Stonecrest and the third is outside the office of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Alliance across the street.

The granite used for the signs was donated by Lithonia quarry Hanson Aggregates Southeast, which also provided specialized equipment and personnel to assist with the construction.

Both signs, with lettering in rustic steel, are aimed at ensuring that the nationally significant reserve cannot be missed – all part of the effort to boost tourism and make the most of a landscape that is 400 million years in the making.

Mera Cardenas, Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance executive director, said national heritage areas, which number 49 throughout the United States, have a significant economic impact on communities, comparable to a manufacturing plant or regional hospital.

More than 125,000 people visit the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area every year and the alliance and local leaders expects the new signage will help those numbers soar.

At Vaughters’ Farm at 3350 Klondike Road, a new steel and granite kiosk contains information panels describing the heritage area’s unusual geographic features, historic early settlements and more than 33 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Davis Johnson said the heritage area is a “great jewel” in the district and she hopes to still be in office to support the project’s second and third phases.

“I was asked ‘Why do you have to spend so much money on signage, can’t you get it for much less?’” she said. “But you have to look at where we are and the significance of this national heritage park.”

The sign project is supported by the city of Lithonia and the Stonecrest Business Alliance.

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, who also spoke at the dedication, said tourism is the biggest component in drawing people and business to the new city and that includes the heritage area.

“This is a key initiative for us to develop our area for economic development and to continue into the future, because this lives forever,” he said.

Cardenas said eventually there will be matching trailhead markers at every access point to the heritage area in DeKalb County, and that interstate signs will direct visitors from I-20 to all parts of the heritage area in DeKalb County. Beautification of the Rockland Road roundabout and two gateway structures for the historic Flat Rock Archives and Lithonia Woman’s Club are also planned.

She said similar projects will also get underway in the Rockdale and Henry portions of the heritage area as funding from those counties is approved.

CrossRoadsNews

October 21, 2017

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

5

YOU

At Cigna-HealthSpring, you are our priority. We deliver on that promise by offering benefits that improve your health and save you money. You can get all the coverage of Original Medicare plus added benefits such as: • $0 monthly premiums

• Prescription drug coverage

• Low primary care doctor copays

• Dental and vision services

Come to a FREE informational meeting Oct. 23 at 10 a.m.

Hampton Inn 1533 Southlake Pkwy Morrow, GA 30260 Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.

Holiday Inn Express 140 Lanier Ave Fayetteville, GA 30214

Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.

Holiday Inn Express 2183 N Decatur Rd Decatur, GA 30033

NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN A CIGNA-HEALTHSPRING MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN Join us at an informational meeting or call to schedule a meeting in the comfort of your own home.

1-855-980-3060 (TTY 711) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Medicare open enrollment ends on December 7.

CignaHealthSpring.com

All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums, and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Calling the number above will connect you to a licensed sales agent. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings call 1-855-980-3060 (TTY 711).

Cigna-HealthSpring complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age disability or sex. Cigna-HealthSpring cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no dicrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge are available to you. Call 1-888-2840268 (TTY 711). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Chinese: 注意: 如果您使 用繁體中文, 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務. 請致電 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). You must reside in the plan service area. Available in certain counties of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Cigna-HealthSpring is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna-HealthSpring depends on contract renewal. © 2017 Cigna Y0036_18_59381 Accepted

CrossRoadsNews

6

Youth

October 21, 2017

There is a shortage of people with talent and skills in those fields and companies are hungry. People are getting paid crazy money to do this stuff.”

Record-setting pilot inspires youth to pursue STEM careers

By Rosie Manins

After becoming the youngest person and first black person to fly solo around the world, Capt. Barrington Irving learned how to grow plants on Mars, took blood directly from the heart of a living venomous sea snake, jumped out of a plane at 30,000 feet, 3-D-printed a Nike shoe, filmed a total solar eclipse from the air, and performed surgery on a 300-pound tiger.

Now Irving, 33, who founded his own nonprofit organization before his 20th birthday, wants South DeKalb’s young black students to know they can surpass even his achievements by pursuing careers in aviation and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Irving, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in Miami, spent the morning of Oct. 17 inspiring 200-plus students of

Capt. Barrington Irving, the first black person to fly around the world solo, chats with a student at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School on Oct. 17. Irving visited the school to inspire students into STEM careers.

Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews

all grades at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School on Snapfinger Road in Lithonia.

Rep. Hank Johnson (D.-Ga) helped organize Irving’s first visit to a South DeKalb high school, in an effort to inspire students into considering STEM careers.

“Schools on the north side of town get this kind of information and learn about these kinds of opportunities on a much greater regularity than you all do here on the south side of DeKalb County,” said Johnson, who represents the 4th Congressional District.

The congressman runs his own Full STEAM Ahead initiative to encourage youth into STEM fields.

Irving, who lives in Miami, partners with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America Inc., to visit schools sharing his story to inspire the next generation of pilots, technicians, scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

“I went to Australia and saw welders who were earning more than half a million dollars a year, just because there is a shortage of people with talent and skills in those fields and companies are hungry,” he told the students. “People are getting paid crazy money to do this stuff.”

Before hearing from Irving, several MLK High students indicated they had never been on a flight and only a few in the audience said they had considered becoming a pilot.

But afterwards, countless teenagers declared their interest.

5th-grader wins STEM talk contest Mr., Miss Arabia ready to represent

By Rosie Manins

Temple Lester, a fifthgrader at Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers, nabbed first place in the 2017 Georgia Science Teachers Association STEM Talk contest Temple Lester on Oct. 12.

Temple, 10, focused her five-minute talk on the lack of women in science, technology, engineering and math.

Her title was “The Time I Traded in My Crown for a Lab Jacket.”

For winning the top prize, Temple will share her talk in front of 1,500 STEM educa-

tors at the Georgia STEM Forum in Athens on Oct. 24.

Two other prize winners, 12th-graders from Paulding and Cobb counties, will also present their talks at the forum. They are Shaun Eisner of Paulding County High and Selina Nie of Walton High.

The STEM Talk competition aims to give K-12 students the opportunity to share how science, technology, engineering and math impacts their lives.

Hundreds of students from throughout Georgia enter each year.

Temple’s mother Jennifer Lester, who is Wadsworth Magnet’s PTA president, says she is proud of her daughter’s achievement.

Cyle Clark (left) and Leon Guthrie won their homecoming crowns on Oct. 7

2017. You are hereby notified that Sept.

22, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: La’Shante Esty, 5841 Strathmoor Manor Circle, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 04, 2017.

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

This the 4th day of Oct., 2017

Legal Notices 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10086-8 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Daniel Levi Johnson filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on the 25th day of September, 2017 that his name be changed as follows: Daniel Levi Johnson to be change to Daniel Levi Crenshaw. Objections must be filed with said Court within 30 days of said Petition was filed.

This the 25th day of September 2017 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM9737-1 Egbert Samuels PLAINTIFF VS Hyacinth Samuels DEFENDANT TO:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Sept. 25, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept.

14, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Egbert Samuels, 4213 Wingfoot Court, Decatur, GA 30035.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days

of Sept. 14, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 26th day of Sept., 2017 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM8543-4 Larry D. Callaway PLAINTIFF VS Jennifer N. Belser Callaway DEFENDANT TO:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Sept. 25, 2017. You are hereby notified that Aug. 09, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Larry D. Callaway, Jr., 2374 Emerald Falls Dr., Decatur, GA 30035.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Sept. 25, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 26th day of Sept., 2017 10/07, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10024-3

Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, La’Shante Ayeisha Esty filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on the 22nd day of September, 2017 that the name be changed from: LaShante Ayeisha Esty to La’Shante Ayeisha Prendes. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

This the 22nd day of September 2017 10/07, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10054 Constance G. Codio PLAINTIFF VS Paul Dimi Codio DEFENDANT TO:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Sept. 22, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept.

21, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Constance G. Codio, 3172 Marcello Court, Decatur, GA 30034.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Sept. 22, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Linda W. Hunter, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 29th day of Sept., 2017 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

Seniors Leon Guthrie and Cyle Clark are the 2017 Mr. & Miss Arabia Mountain High School.

The students claimed the homecoming crowns from a field of nine contestants on Oct. 7 and each got $500 scholarships.

Leon is enrolled in the school’s Engineering Pathway and is a member of the Technology Students Association.

Cyle is a member of The National Honor Society, Beta Club and AMHS Marching Band Emerald Flag Corp.

Mr. and Miss Arabia Mountain serve as ambassadors for the school PTSA. To i nv it e t h e m t o a c om mu nity event, contact Phyllis Douglas at vp_committees@arabiaptsa.org.

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10326 Sharon Hudson PLAINTIFF VS Grayling Eric Roberts DEFENDANT TO:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Sept. 26, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept.

22, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Sharon Hudson, 3506 Cameron Hill Pl, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Sept.

26, 2017.

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

This the 4th day of Oct., 2017 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10326 LaShante Esty PLAINTIFF VS Vito Forman DEFENDANT TO: Vito Forman 5841 Strathmoor Manor Cir., Lithonia, GA 30058

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 04,

10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10413-4 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Asa Walker, Jr., filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia by and through his undersigned counsel, praying that Petitioner’s name be changed as follows: Asc Walker, Jr. to Asa Walker, Jr., Notice is hereby given pursuant to law to any interest or affected party to appear in said Court and to file objections to the name change requested in this Petition. Objections must be filed with said Court within 30 days of said Petition was filed.

This the 2nd day of October, 2017 10/21, 10/28, 11/04, 11/11

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM5043-1 J’Juan K. Newton PLAINTIFF VS Brittany M. Wherry DEFENDANT TO: 5602 Marbut Rd. Lithonia, GA 30058

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jun. 30, 2017. You are hereby notified that May 04, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Legitimization.

You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: J’Juan K. Newton, 3359 Clevemont Way, Ellenwood, GA 30294.

Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 11, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Courtney L. Johnson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 11th day of Oct., 2017 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10346-9 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Ruth Ann Murrell filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on October 2, 2017 to change the name from: Ruth Ann Cox to Ruth Ann Bragg. Objections must be filed with said Court within 30 days of said Petition was filed.

This the 6th day of September 2017 10/21, 10/28, 11/04, 11/11

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM7610-4 Yolando Wortham PLAINTIFF VS Antonio Cluster DEFENDANT TO:

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Aug. 15, 2017. You are hereby notified that Jul. 14, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Yolando Wortham, 1701 Jajet Ave., Donley, GA 30288. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Aug. 15, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 11th day of Oct., 2017

CrossRoadsNews

October 21, 2017

Youth

7

“Now, more than ever, it is important that we ensure our voices are heard to ensure the academic success of our children.”

Black Parent Town Hall spotlights ESSA, quality education Parents, grandparents and anyone raising school-age children, as well as property owners in DeKalb and across Georgia, can find out about the new national education law – Every Student Succeed Act, or ESSA – at a Black Parents’ Town Hall Meeting on Educational Excellence on Oct. 23 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

The law, which will impact how children are educated, takes effect in 2018, but while Georgia completed its 112-page State Plan on Sept. 18, there has been little conversation in our communities about the plan.

The town hall panel of experts includes Georgia PTA President Tyler L. Barr; Patrice Barlow of the Atlanta NAACP Education Committee and an Urban League of Greater Atlanta education advocate; Deborah Gay, Georgia Department of Education deputy superintendent for Federal Programs and Special Education; and Dr. Knox Phillips, DeKalb School District’s executive director of Research, Assessment, and Grants.

It takes place 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and is hosted by the National Newspapers Publishers Association, “The Black Press,” as part of a national public awareness campaign to heighten awareness among AfricanAmerican stakeholders about opportunities presented by ESSA, which President Barack Obama signed into law to replace the No

Knox Phillips

Deborah Gay

Tyler Barr

Patrice Barlow

Benjamin Chavis

CrossRoadsNews.

Jennifer Parker, CrossRoadsNews editor and publisher, said the town hall meeting is a great opportunity for parents and stakeholders, including homeowners, to find out about the law and what is coming.

She said that even homeowners who don’t have children in the school district should attend, because the quality of our schools directly affects our property values and they too can be advocates for quality education.

“People buy homes in counties with quality schools, so this affects all of us,” Parker said. “And parents with kids in school need to know how to navigate the law to get the best resources for their kids education.”

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, NNPA’s executive director, said NNPA is asking church leaders across Atlanta to announce the meeting at

Child Left Behind law.

Parents and other stakeholders will get to ask questions and get clarification about how they can best advocate for their children under the new law.

Dr. Elizabeth Primas, NNPA’s ESSA program manager, said that education has been a bridge leading to upward mobility for African-Americans in the United States even before emancipation.

“Now, more than ever, it is important that we ensure our voices are heard to ensure the academic success of our children,” she said. “ESSA prioritizes high quality education, equity, and closure of the achievement gap. By raising awareness of ESSA, we are seeking to empower stakeholders to advocate for such policies.”

The meeting is hosted by Atlanta’s blackowned newspaper publishers, including

services and send emails to their congregation.

“Moral leadership in education is paramount,” said Chavis, a former NAACP executive director and civil rights leader who at age 24 was sentenced to 34 years on Elizabeth Primas arson charges with the Wilmington Ten. Chavis and the other nine members walked to their freedom in 1980 after the federal appeals court overturned the convictions. They were pardoned by N.C. Gov. Beverly Perdue on Dec. 31, 2012.

The Black Parent Town Hall Meeting takes place in Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Martin Luther King Sr. Community Resources Complex at 101 Jackson St. N.E. Free parking is available behind the Community Resources Complex; across the street from Ebenezer’s sanctuary; and in the National Martin Luther King Center’s parking lot off Irwin Street.

Space is limited and registration is encouraged at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ atlanta-black-parent-town-hall-meetingtickets-38503562191.

For more information, call Jennifer Parker at 404-284-1888.

Burlington donates $10,000 to Stoneview Elementary

By Rosie Manins

A $10,000 donation is bringing smiles to the staff and students of Stoneview Elementary School in Stonecrest, where the money will be used in a variety of ways to advance education.

Greg Sapp, manager of the new Burlington store at Turner Hill Marketplace in Stonecrest, handed over a giant check to

elementary school close by.

“We want to give you guys just a small token of appreciation for letting us be a part of your community,” he said to cheers and screams when he revealed the $10,000 check.

Sapp said Stoneview Elementary was a good fit for the money because of needs within the school and its location at 2629 Stoneview Principal Cassandra Davis holds a giant check representing Burlington’s donation.

Huber St., about 2.8 miles from the store.

Stoneview Principal Cassandra Davis during the school’s “bully free” pep rally on Oct. 13.

Burlington’s new 45,775-square-foot store opened Sept. 22 in the former Best Buy space at 2940 Turner Hill Road, opposite the Mall at Stonecrest. The national off-price retailer is bringing up to 100 jobs to the area.

Sapp said it is Burlington’s policy when it opens a new store to give $10,000 to a worthy

MARKETPLACE RATES

Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews. com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

Marketplace ALTERATIONS Wanted -- Professional upholsterer; “Piece Work” available; Call Darlene at 770-380-3185 (anytime).

Dental Benefits

FOR RENT/LEASE Room for rent for one person/ Decatur area near S. Dekalb Mall. $500 Monthly. Utilities, Cable, Washer & Dryer included.

404-408-9125.

financial

Stage Play

FABRICS / UPHOLSTERY

F

FABRIC

DISCOUNT FABRICS & UPHOLSTERY

HELP WANTED

legal

Drivers: Local-Home Nightly!

Dacula Flatbed; Great Pay, Benefits! CDL-A, 1yr Exp. Req. Estenson Logistics; Apply: www. goelc.com; 1-855-523-2477

JHC

Financial Help

3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE SE DECATUR, GA 30032 ERE BELVED

R LER

ND

CA

ALSTON DRIVE SE

D

OA

GLENWOOD ROAD

PLAZA

FREE

Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC “EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

FABRIC WITH UPHOLSTERY

OFFER EXPIRES 03/31/14 EXPIRES 10/31/17

WE HAVE MOVED TO A BIGGER AND BETTER LOCATION! ADDRESS : 3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE DECATUR, GA 30032 PHONE : (404) 284-1543 r (404) 966-8320 HOURS : MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM E-MAIL : FABRICJOINT@GMAIL.COM WEBSITE : FABRICJOINT.COM

Reach Mor e of the People W ho Matter the Most – Your Customer s!

Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Circulation Information

Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody • Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Immigration Law

4153 Flat Shoals Parkway | Bldg C Suite 322 | Decatur, GA 30034

P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

CrossRoadsNews

8

October 21, 2017

ONE DAY SALE SHOP 9AM-10PM FRI & SAT, OCT. 20 & 21

Hours may vary by store. See macys.com & click on stores for local information.

FREE SHIPPING ONLINE WITH $25 PURCHASE Valid 10/20-10/21/17. Exclusions apply; see macys.com/freereturns

20

$

OFF TILL 2PM

YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE ON SELECT SALE CLOTHING & HOME ITEMS Valid 10/20 till 2pm or 10/21 till 2pm.

In store only. Use your Macy’s Card or this pass. Exclusions apply; see below.

JUST FOR MACY’S CARDHOLDERS! USE YOUR CARD & GET AN

EXTRA

20

% OFF ALL DAY

SELECT SALE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES. EXTRA 15% OFF SELECT SALE WATCHES, SHOES, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, LINGERIE, SWIM FOR HER; SUIT SEPARATES & SPORT COATS FOR HIM & HOME ITEMS.

Valid 10/20-10/21/17. In store only. Exclusions apply; see below.

EXCLUDES ALL: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, specials, Super Buys, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, reg.-price china/crystal/silver, cosmetics/fragrances, designer handbags, designer jewelry/watches, designer sportswear, electrics/electronics, furniture/mattresses, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, select licensed depts., previous purchases, restaurants, rugs, services, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, special purchases, select tech accessories, toys, 3Doodler, American Rug Craftsmen, Apple Products, Ashley Graham, Avec Les Filles clothing, Barbour, Brahmin, Breville, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, COACH, Demeyere, Destination Maternity, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Fitbit, Frye, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Judith Leiber, Karastan, kate spade new york, Kenneth Cole shoes, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, littleBits, Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Michele watches, Miyabi, Movado Bold, Natori, Nike swim, Original Penguin, Panache, Rimowa, Rudsak, Sam Edelman, Shun, Spanx, Staub, Stuart Weitzman, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Theory, Tommy John, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG®, Vans, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford & Wüsthof; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA & Tommy Bahama.

Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Extra savings % applied to reduced prices. Purchase must be $50 or more, exclusive of tax & delivery fees.

ONE DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 10/21-10/22/2017.

N7090009E.indd 1

10/3/17 11:54 AM