CrossRoadsNews, October 28, 2017

COMMUNITY

WELLNESS

DeKalb commissioners voted 6-1 to investigate whether the county can legally move the “Lost Cause” monument. 3

The CDC offers advice to help keep the fun in trick-ortreat, without spoiling the day with a trip to the emergency room. 5

Who owns the ‘Cause’?

Halloween safety tips

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 28, 2017

Volume 23, Number 26

www.crossroadsnews.com

Investors acquiring Stonecrest properties at bargain prices

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

millions of dollars in immediate equity.

Vacant buildings that have been sitting for years in what is now the city of Stonecrest are selling at a fast clip, and at bargain prices.

In the last two months, three buildings – the former Target building on Mall Parkway; the former Kohl’s building at the Mall at Stonecrest, and the Burroughs Law Building on Old Hillandale Drive – have changed hands separately for a total of $ $6.2 million – in two instances, below their assessed values.

County records show that the assessed values of the Target and Kohl’s properties total $10.9 million, netting their new owners,

Former Target building The Allen Family Investment LLC acquired the 12.84-acre Target property and its 124,717-square-foot building on Aug. 29 for $2.8 million.

County records show that the assessed value of the property at 8109 Mall Parkway is $4.5 million – $2.9 million for the land, and $1.6 million for the building.

It was unclear this week what is planned for the property, which has been vacant since Target left in January 2015.

Please see BUILDINGS, page 2

The Allen Family purchased the former Target building at 8109 Mall Parkway on Aug. 29 for $2.8 million, well below its assessed value of $4.5 million.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The Pink Pig is back, let the holidays begin Macy’s train ride is a tradition that started in 1953

Lars Olivieri, 3, rides Priscilla the Pink Pig with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta mascots Will and Hope outside Macy’s at Lenox Square in Buckhead on Oct. 25.

By Rosie Manins

Priscilla the Pink Pig is back on the job outside Macy’s at Lenox Square in Buckhead, signaling the start of Atlanta’s holiday season.

The children’s ride that officially kicks off Atlanta’s holiday season annually is offering fun for children and nostalgia for adults while raising money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

As is the tradition, the first child to ride the Pink Pig was a Children’s Healthcare patient, and this year that honor fell to 3-yearold Lars Olivieri who got the first spin with his mother Larissa Olivieri on Oct. 25.

Later he was joined by CHOA mascots Will and Hope and some of the other 30 patients and their families who attended the VIP launch party for the hospital’s patients. The guests got their faces painted, were treated to balloon animals, music, gift bags and snacks that included pink grilled cheese.

The Pink Pig train ride, located in a 1950s-themed tent located on the mall’s upper parking deck, opens to everyone at 10 a.m. on Oct. 28. It will operate almost daily through Dec. 31.

Each year, the ride attracts some 80,000 riders raising $70,000 to $80,000 from ticket sales for Children’s Healthcare. To date, Macy’s has donated more than $800,000 to the hospital.

Lynn Leslie, CHOA’s senior program coordinator, said the money raised is used to purchase new equipment, provide more rehabilitation staff and to address other patient needs.

Lars’ mother said the Pink Pig party and ride was a wonderful break for her son between his physical therapy.

“He does love attention, parties and people,” she said. “He’s very social, he loves

CHOA patient Lars Olivieri, 3, meets Priscilla the Pink Pig mascot with his mother Larissa Olivieri (left). At right, Lia Carter, 8, who has had two open heart surgeries, admires her face paint at a VIP launch for this year’s holiday season of Priscilla the Pink Pig.

the train and all the kids in costume, and he’s definitely having a blast.”

Lars, who will celebrate his fourth birthday this Thanksgiving, was born by emergency caesarean section at just 27 weeks. He had hydrocephalus, a condition in which fluid builds up in the brain. Doctors expected him to live for just a day or two but after five days he was moved to CHOA for the first of 12 surgeries to date.

Olivieri says her son survived a heart attack at 6 months old, and spent the first four months of his life at the hospital. His first birthday, first holidays and second Christmas were also all spent at CHOA. She called Wednesday’s VIP party “just fantastic.”

“Events like this prove how great of a family CHOA is,” Olivieri said. “It’s not just a hospital environment, and for these kids

Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews

the memories will last a lifetime.”

Priscilla’s ride – which circles through life-size storybook scenes, a pink tunnel, a forest of lit Christmas trees and walls of glass – has been making memories for Atlanta’s children for more than 50 years. The ride started in 1953 as a monorail above Rich’s department store in downtown Atlanta.

Dennis Witte, Macy’s regional director of stores, said the Pink Pig ride is an Atlanta tradition.

“Grandparents who rode Priscilla as children are now bringing their children and grandchildren to do the same,” Witte said.

The ride is open Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.: noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 29, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 30 and 31.

November hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays; and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. It’s closed Nov. 19 and on Nov. 23 which is Thanksgiving Day. Lenox Square is at 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta.

2

Community

CrossRoadsNews

Officers found the decomposing body in a rear bedroom covered by a towel and bedspread.

Arrest in decomposing body case

By Rosie Manins

A Decatur man has been arrested for allegedly concealing the dead body of his 88-year-old aunt for at least a month inside the apartment they shared.

Charles Frederick Peters, 37, was arrested at Charles Peters the Emory Square apartment complex at 2005 North Williamsburg Drive in Decatur on Oct. 24.

DeKalb Police was called to the apartment by the manager of the complex on Oct. 20, when the manager tried to serve an eviction notice and smelled a strong odor.

Officers found the decomposing body of 88-year-old Elizabeth Stewart in a rear bedroom covered by a towel and bedspread.

Prescription pills were found throughout the apartment, as were scented candles and air freshener bottles, which officers believe

Clocks fall back Nov. 5

Eastern Standard Time returns Nov. 5 and DeKalb residents are reminded to turn their clocks back one hour before going to bed the night before.

Daylight Saving Time, which has been with us since March 12, ends at 2 a.m. on Nov. 5. With sunrise and sunset coming an hour earlier, there will be more light in the mornings and less in the evenings.

October 28, 2017

were being used to cover the odor of the decomposing body.

Stewart, who reportedly had dementia, was last seen three months ago.

The police report said the apartment looked lived-in when officers visited on Oct. 20. There was a computer on, clothes scattered around, dirty dishes in the sink, a cellphone near the door and unopened mail on a nearby side table.

Peters was not at the apartment when police first visited, but DeKalb Sheriff ’s investigators found him there on Oct. 24 and arrested him on site.

He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail.

The manager reportedly visited the apartment in September to check on unpaid rent and was told by Peters, who had been living with Stewart for over a year, that the rent would be sorted out.

When it wasn’t, the manager went back with an eviction notice on Oct. 20.

Fatal hit-and-run car identified The make and model of the dark-colored car that struck and killed 4-year-old Lun Thang on Indian Creek Road in Clarkston is a charcoal grey, four-door 2000-2001 Toyota Camry.

DeKalb Police identified the car on Oct. 26, eight days after Lun was killed while walking to Indian Creek Elementary School with her aunt and brother on Oct. 18.

Police spokeswoman Shiera Campbell said the department’s Traffic Specialist Unit used paint chips recovered from the scene to determine the car’s make and model.

Police also recovered part of the lens from the passenger side headlight of the car which hit the pre-kindergartner on a crosswalk near the 700 blo ck

of North Indian Creek Drive just before 7 a.m.

Lun was knocked airborne and into another vehicle. She died at the scene.

Witnesses said the driver stopped briefly then sped away.

Investigators are appealing to the public, especially auto-repair shops, for any information or sightings of vehicles matching the Toyota Camry’s description.

They say the car will have damage to the right front-end and that the headlight may still illuminate but at a decreased level.

A ny on e w it h information about the case is asked to call the De­ Kalb County Police Traffic Specialist Unit at 770-724-7610.

Food donations sought for needy DeKalb families As the holiday season approaches, DeKalb residents can donate nonperishable food items to combat local hunger.

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs’ 10th annual canned food drive kicks off Oct. 30 and runs through Nov. 17.

The county encourages residents to donate food at 13 collection sites, located within community fire, recreation and performing centers.

Donated items will help families in need who participate in park programs.

The food donation collection sites are: n Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1st Floor, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker.

n Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia. n Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. n Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta. n Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel St., Scottdale. n Lucious Sanders recreation Center, 2484 Bruce St., Lithonia. n Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur. n Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur. n N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur. n Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and

Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. n Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia. n Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale. n Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 Lavista Road, Tucker.

The collection site at Fire Rescue headquarters will be open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and collection sites at the recreation centers and performing arts and community center will be open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

For information, contact LaShanda Davis at lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-3713643.

Two commercial properties sell for millions less than assessed values The old Kohl’s building at lthe Mall at Stonecrest (left) sold for $2.5 million despite its assessed value of $6.4 million.

The Burroughs building below, sold for $900,000 after being on the market for three years.

Photos by Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

BUILDINGS,

from page

1

The Allen Family, which owns the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute on Evans Mill Road, did not return phone calls by press time Thursday.

The institute also has interests in a second Stonecrest property, the former 15,000-square-foot Barnacles building at 7310 Stonecrest Concourse. It was acquired in May by SDC at Stonecrest Festival LLC and Lithonia Property LLC, and will house the AEI Start Up Factory, a business incubator expected to open in November.

Kohl’s building Atlanta Sports Connection Inc. purchased the former Kohl’s building on Oct. 5 from Kohl’s Department Store Inc. for $2.5 million. County records show that the assessed value of property and its 144,244square-foot building is $6.4 million. The purchase comes with $3.9 million worth of equity for the new owners.

The building at 8109 Mall Parkway had been vacant since Kohl’s departed the Mall at Stonecrest in June 2016.

Vaughn Irons, master developer of the proposed 200-acre Atlanta Sports City, said Oct. 19 that the two-story building will be

known as Tournament Central. He said it will become a key part of the project, which is set to break ground in April 2018.

The building will be separated into two floors with the ground level to become a sporting goods store. The upper level will become a market with vendors, a visitors center, and a Top Golf Swing Suite. It will also house a 5,000-square-foot ballroom seating 450 people and a 4,700-square-foot live music venue.

Drive on Aug. 8 for $900,000.

The .9-acre property, which fronts onto I-20, has an 18,000-square-foot building constructed in 1971. It had been on the market since August 2014.

County records show that the property’s total assessed value is $450,000, $376,000 for the two-story building and $74,000 for the land.

It is the only one of the three buildings that sold for more than its assessed value.

Sandra Browner, who co-founded the Burroughs Law building nonprofit with her husband Kenneth 20 years Lithonia nonprofit KES Inc. acquired the ago to serve disabled adults, said they plan to Burroughs Building at 6440 Old Hillandale relocate their offices to the site.

October 28, 2017

Community

CrossRoadsNews

3

“We will not stand for corruption within our county government. This defendant stole from the citizens of DeKalb County.”

County seeking legal status to remove monument Sheriff to check removal. sex offenders The DeKalb Board of The 109-year-old “Lost Cause” Confed- Commissioners plans to on Halloween erate monument’s days are numbered, as lobby for the full repeal

By Rosie Manins

DeKalb County government seeks a legal way to remove it from the Decatur Square.

The DeKalb Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 on Oct. 24 to authorize the county’s legal team to investigate whether the county officially owns the monument and if it can be relocated despite a state law prohibiting that.

District 1 Commissioner Nancy Jester cast the lone vote opposing the resolution, sponsored by District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson.

The resolution says that the 30-foot obelisk glorifies and praises soldiers of the Confederacy for being “of a covenant keeping race,” and was erected in 1908 by the A. Evans Camp of Confederate Veterans and the Agnes Lee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, at a time when African Americans were prohibited from exercising their constitutional rights.

Just two years prior, the infamous Atlanta race riot of 1906 left as many as 100 black people dead.

In her resolution, Johnson said the monument poses a public safety concern because it has been recently vandalized at least twice, and is the subject of much debate and various rallies, and “could easily become a rallying and flash point for violence,” similar what occurred in Charlottesville, Va., in August when protestors clashed around the removal of a monument of Confederate leader Gen. Robert E. Lee. The resolution calls for county lawyers to report back to the BOC within 30 days, detailing the county’s legal options in regards to the monument’s ownership and

of a state law prohibiting public Confederate monuments from being “relocated, removed, concealed, obscured, or altered in any M. Davis Johnson fashion,” and says it will make that a priority in its 2018 legislative agenda.

Thousands of DeKalb residents have added their support to both sides of the monument debate – one group calling for its immediate removal and the other asking for it to remain untouched as part of history.

Those wanting the monument gone from Decatur Square, where it stands prominently outside the historic DeKalb County Courthouse, say it should be put in a museum or some less conspicuous public place.

People hoping to see the obelisk remain suggest some historic context about the confederacy and plight of African Americans could be installed alongside it.

There was no discussion by commissioners about the resolution before the vote, but several people spoke about it during the public comment period at the beginning of BOC’s meeting.

Retired high school history teacher Chris Billingsley, who lives in Tucker, said the obelisk should remain as a way of honoring local soldiers’ sacrifices.

The lifelong DeKalb resident said he spent most of his life studying the history of the Civil War in the county. After the meeting he told reporters that he wanted the men who fought and died to be remembered.

“It’s not about white supremacy, and it’s not about the Ku Klux Klan,” he said.

Watson sentenced for theft from county

By Rosie Manins

Former DeKalb County Commissioner and state Rep. Stan Watson must complete 150 hours of community service and spend the next year on probation after being convicted of misdemeanor theft.

Watson, 63, pocketed about $3,000 meant for business trips that he never took as DeKalb Super District 7 commisStan Watson sioner.

In January 2016 he withdrew travel advances for conferences in Chicago and Savannah that were scheduled to take place in April, but he resigned his commissioner seat in March – a month before the conferences – to run for DeKalb tax commissioner.

Watson, who served in the Georgia General Assembly for 12 years, repaid the county $3,586 in March 2017, a year after he was required to.

District Attorney Sherry Boston said elected officials should be held to a higher standard of responsibility and accountability to the citizens they are elected to serve.

“We will not stand for corruption within our county government,” she said Oct. 25.

“This defendant stole from the citizens of DeKalb County by taking funds intended for legitimate business purposes and converting that money to personal use.”

Watson, who was represented by former district attorney Robert James, appeared before Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson on Oct. 25 and pleaded guilty to a single count of felony theft by conversion. He asked the judge to reduce the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. She sentenced him to 12 months’ probation as a first offender.

Prosecutors had requested the maximum sentence of five years’ probation.

Jackson ordered Watson to perform 150

hours of community service and banned him from conducting business with or for DeKalb County while on probation.

Court records show that in October 2016, Watson was confronted by task force agents from the FBI’s Public Corruption Unit, who interviewed him about the travel funds issued by the county.

Watson admitted to having the money and acknowledged it should be repaid, but he did not do so until about five months later.

County policy requires any funds advanced but not used for travel to be repaid immediately.

Watson, who was a popular county commissioner, was indicted by a grand jury on June 27 this year. He is a former chairman of the DeKalb House delegation and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, and was deputy presiding officer for the DeKalb Board of Commissioners and chairman of its Public Works Committee, providing leadership to DeKalb’s Capital Improvement Projects and oversight of the Federal Consent Decree.

Watson also served on the Planning and Economic Development Committee, Community Achievement Center board and the DeKalb Community Service board.

In August 2015 Watson was reprimanded

by DeKalb’s Board of Ethics, which found him in violation of three county ethics rules for his relationship with a developer who was seeking county approval for construction projects.

Watson made $500 a month working as a consultant for APD Solutions in 2012, 2013, and 2014. He took part in a 7-0 vote in April 2012 to give APD a $1 million contract to refurbish foreclosed houses and another unanimous vote in January 2013 to allocate an additional $500,000 for the project.

Watson did not disclose his connection with APD Solutions before the votes, but apologized months later in media interviews, calling the apparent conflict of interest unintentional.

By Rosie Manins

Efforts to relocate the “Lost Cause” obelisk moved one step closer to fruition on Oct. 24.

Mawuli Davis, Beacon Hill NAACP president, said that as a Confederate symbol, the monument should not be “held up” to the community, given that it was erected in the Jim Crow era to intimidate black residents.

“Our children should not have to be subjected to it any further,” he said. “It’s past time that it be removed.”

Known sex offenders living in DeKalb County can expect to get a knock at the door this Halloween, but not from candy-seeking children in costume.

On Oct. 31 the DeKalb Sheriff ’s Office will conduct visits to local sex offenders classified as predators – those required to wear electronic monitoring devices.

As of Oct, 24, there were 10 “predators” in the county and 946 individuals on the DeKalb County Sex Offender Registry. Another 76 registered sex offenders are in custody in the county jail, the Sheriff ’s Office says.

The 10 predator sex offenders are living in ZIP Codes 30030, 32,33,34, 35, 58, 83 and 84; and 30317.

Although the Sheriff ’s Office is not mandated to impose any special Halloween restrictions on registered sex offenders, those on parole or probation during the holiday are subject to state-imposed restrictions.

Targeted individuals get increased supervision by the county and state, are prohibited from participation in Halloween-related events, get a dusk-to-dawn curfew and, in some cases, offenders may have to report to a certain location and stay there during evening hours.

In DeKalb, registered sex offenders are not required to report to jail on Oct. 31, as they are in some Georgia counties, but they are required to report to the jail annually on their birthdays to be re-registered.

Each year the Sheriff ’s Office conducts an average of two unscheduled visits to the addresses of registered sex offenders.

4

CrossRoadsNews

Forum

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 Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams

CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoads­News, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings.

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

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

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

October 28, 2017

“Among the 44 million taxpayers who claim the SALT deduction, nearly 86 percent have incomes under $200,000.”

Repealing ACA will hurt millions of Americans

By Congressman Hank Johnson

For the past nine months, the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have been fixated on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, taking health care away from millions of Americans, thousands of Georgians, and our most vulnerable neighbors and friends.

This month, President Trump abandoned the legislative process and signed two executive orders that will dismantle and unravel the Affordable Care Act. President Trump traded repeal and replace for sabotage and destruction. From Trump’s own mouth: “Obamacare is finished. It’s dead. It’s gone.”

The first executive order allows for the sale of low-quality insurance plans – ones no longer held to the high standards of the Affordable Care Act. These plans are not required to cover pre-existing conditions or other benefits like maternal health, hospitalization, and preventative care. One month ago, insurance like this would not have even qualified as health care.

Since passage of the Affordable Care Act, the federal government has been making scheduled payments to insurance companies so they can offer plans to low- and middle-income Americans at cheaper rates. The second executive order cancelled these subsidies, which will force insurance companies to charge more and price many families out of their current plans.

Young, healthy Americans may look at their new choices and select a newly offered, lessexpensive option. However, as waves of healthy individuals leave the exchanges, those remaining will see their premiums skyrocket.

“The impact of these executive orders on women, low-income families, and our disabled and elderly friends cannot be understated.”

Hank Johnson, Congressman District 4

This will create two separate insurance markets, where those with pre-existing conditions are forced to stay in plans with rising costs while others can opt out for cheap but hollow plans.

This is not only an immoral division of society, but it undermines the basic idea that all Americans have the right to accessible health care.

More than 400,000 Georgians, including 65,000 children, purchased high-quality marketplace coverage under the Affordable Care Act and now stand to lose it. There are 1.7 million Georgians with pre-existing conditions who are guaranteed nondiscriminatory coverage and now face uncertainty, and 4 million Georgians who rely on coverage for preventative services who could lose this benefit. The impact of these executive orders on women, low-income families, and our disabled and elderly friends cannot be understated.

I’m also concerned about the repercussions for minority communities. Nationwide, the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of Medicaid cut the number of uninsured young and middleaged African Americans by one-third from 2013 to 2016. This legislation is proven to lessen health care disparities, and Georgia should be

expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act rather than cutting or rolling back these programs. Insurance coverage should not be determined by race, and these executive orders threaten the progress we have made in minimizing disparities. The Affordable Care Act was the greatest effort to close the health gap in the past 60 years. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, young African Americans are more prone to high blood pressure, diabetes and strokes. These diseases require preventative care, an essential health care benefit that the Affordable Care Act guaranteed but new plans will no longer be required to offer.

President Trump’s executive orders beg the question: Does President Trump not know how many Americans will be harmed by these executive orders or does he simply not care?

With open enrollment for health care policies beginning Nov. 1, the Trump administration is counting on us being confused, complacent, and tired of civic action around this action. Let’s prove them wrong.

The Affordable Care Act is not perfect, but we must protect its core consumer protections until Republican leadership commits to bipartisan health care reform. I urge you to keep fighting and let Congress hear what kind of health care works for you. Stand with me and your fellow Georgians to demand non-discriminatory, affordable coverage for all.

U.S. Rep.Hank Johnson represents Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. He is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the House Judiciary and Transportation & Infrastructure committees. He lives in Lithonia.

Middle-class should be skeptical of tax cut promises

By Larry Johnson

Middle-class homeowners have reason to be skeptical of Washington’s latest promise of tax cuts for the middle class.

As you may have heard, recently a group of leaders in Washington, known as the “Big 6,” unveiled their framework for tax reform, and their No. 1 promise was tax cuts for the middle class. Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, it appears that many middle-income homeowners will see their taxes go up, not down, under the Big 6 plan.

A big reason why is that this plan takes away the most popular – and one of the most valuable – deductions for households, which is widely taken by middle-income home­owners, the deduction for state and local taxes.

SALT ­– as the state and local tax deduction is frequently called – is claimed by 44 million American households on their federal returns, a large percentage of whom are middle-class homeowners. Nonetheless, Washington has this deduction in its crosshairs because eliminating it raises $1.6 trillion over 10 years that tax writers can use to fund other tax breaks, some of which have nothing to do with the middle class.

In other words, as Willie Sutton once infamously said in explaining why he robbed banks, Washington is targeting this deduction because this is where so much middle-class money is.

Generations of hardworking homeowners have counted on our long-standing tax policies to help make a middle-class life possible. Now Washington proposes to pull the rug out from under middle-class homeowners by terminating the “financial contract” homeowners have depended on, and that could cost millions of homeowners a lot of money.

Here’s why: If the current proposal becomes law, many homeowners who itemize deductions today, including mortgage interest, may not

“Generations of hard working homeowners have counted on our longstanding tax policies to help make a middle-class life possible. Now Washington proposes to pull the rug out from under middle-class homeowners by terminating the ‘financial contract’ homeowners have depended on.”

Larry Johnson, Commissioner District 3

qualify to itemize on their federal tax return in the future without the SALT deduction. As a result, an analysis prepared by the National Association of Realtors found that homeowners with average gross income of $50,000 to $200,000 would see their taxes go up with an average increase of $815 under a such a proposal, even if the standard deduction were doubled.

Furthermore, NAR also found that housing values might drop about 10 percent because tax reform would increase the after-tax cost of housing and dampen demand.

NAR’s warning is consistent with another recent analysis performed by the independent Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. Their analysis similarly concluded that nearly 30 percent of taxpayers with incomes between $50,000 and $150,000 would see a tax increase under the proposed plan, due in part to the elimination of the deduction for state and local taxes.

None of this should be a surprise to Washington. There is a very close correlation between the middle class, the SALT deduction and home­ownership. About 35 million households claim the mortgage interest deduction on their federal taxes and three-fourths of them have incomes between $50,000 and $200,000.

Among the 44 million taxpayers who claim the SALT deduction, nearly 86 percent have incomes under $200,000. Thus, any proposal that takes away some or all of SALT is going to hurt the middle class and the millions of hom-

eowners who work hard every day to maintain this standard of living.

Equally important, taking away SALT puts at risk the tax base that supports public sector services and vital investments here in DeKalb County, and at the state and local levels across the country, including services and support that benefit all taxpayers in communities across the entire country.

All of this helps to explain why SALT has been in the federal tax code for more than 100 years, since the permanent income tax was first imposed. As one of only six deductions back in 1913, SALT was designed to prevent taxpayers from paying a second tax on income they already paid taxes on, and protect the fiscal integrity of state and local governments that provide vital public services in our federal system of government.

Eliminating the deduction would result in a triple whammy for many middle class taxpayers: higher taxes, lower home values, and fewer public services that make communities vibrant and attractive places to live.

Every organization representing state and local governments and public service providers, including both Republicans and Democrats, opposes the elimination of SALT. Washington should stay true to history and middle-class homeowners and preserve it.

Larry Johnson represents District 3 on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.

DeKalb County By The Numbers

123,750

The number of DeKalb Households ClaimingSALTin2015

85.77

The percent of middle income DeKalb SALT beneficiaries

$1.19 billion Total SALT deductions taken by DeKalb households in 2015

54.85

The percent of SALT deductionsbenefitingDeKalb middle income households

$9,631

The average SALT deduction in 2015

October 28, 2017

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

5

“It is the systematic disparities in these factors that contribute to race inequalities in psychological health.”

Put safety front and center for a fun Halloween Congressman

By Rosie Manins

While kids, and some adults too, are embracing all things spooky this Halloween, the importance of keeping an eye on safety cannot be understated.

Each year pumpkin-carving accidents, costume malfunctions, and cars running over trick-or-treaters injure thousands, sending many to the emergency room.

In 2013, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said sharp knives and slippery gourds accounted for 53 percent of the emergency room visits, and falls – people falling while putting up or taking down decorations and tripping on costumes – accounted for 25 percent of the visits. Allergic reactions to costumes, makeup and food accounted for the rest.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says that the number of deaths among pedestrians 5 to 14 years old is fourfold higher annually on Oct. 31 between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. than on any other evening of the year because of the high levels of participation in Halloweenrelated activities by elementary and middle school-aged children.

So as we dress up, decorate the house, carve pumpkin lanterns, or take to our neighborhood streets to hunt for candy, the CDC offers these tips to stay safe.

Costume n Wear flame resistant, light-colored, wellfitted costumes with reflective material, tape or stickers that can be seen in the dark. n Avoid loose, long costumes that could be tripped on or that restrict movement. n Avoid masks that restrict vision or breathing. Use non-toxic makeup or body paint, and test products on a small patch of skin before applying.

The number of deaths among pedestrians 5 to 14 is fourfold higher annually on Oct. 31 between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.

n Wear comfortable shoes, not heels or long laces that could make walking difficult. n Use soft, short and flexible props that won’t injure children or restrict movement.

n Cross streets at corners using traffic

signals and crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing. Be alert to traffic when entering driveways or crossing streets. n If driving, keep an eye out for children Trick-or-treating route and pedestrians whose dark-colored cosn Plan a simple route on well-lit streets with tumes may be difficult to spot at night. sidewalks and crosswalks. n Keep vehicle lights on so trick-or-treaters n Avoid busy roads, unfamiliar neighbor- can see you and you can see them. hoods and poorly lit areas. Avoid dark prop- n Drive slowly around residential areas as erties, driveways and side entrances. kids may dart into the street. n Make sure children are walking in groups with a trusted adult.

Candy tips n Do not enter unfamiliar houses. n Examine candy and treats for choking hazards or tampering. Throw away discoln Carry a flashlight to find your way. n Check to see if your local churches or ored or spoiled candy and treats. community organizations are hosting “trunk n Discard unwrapped candy, sweets with or treat” events in nearby confined areas to torn or damaged wrapping, and homeavoid roads. [See Page 6 for some of those] made treats unless they are from a person n Check if your neighborhood association well known to you. has a list of participating houses. n Check for teal pumpkins on display, n Check the state’s sex offender register to indicating that a house is safe for trick-ortreaters with food allergies as homeowners know which homes to avoid. offer alternative treats like small toys.

Traffic tips n Limit children’s sugar consumption. The n Stick to sidewalks. If there are none, walk recommended daily intake of sugar for on the far left facing oncoming traffic. children is about five to seven teaspoons.

Family support key for black men facing depression African-American men coping with depression face an average of eight depressive symptoms in a month, a new study led by researchers at Georgia State University finds.

Researchers found that self-esteem, chronic stressors and discrimination are among the factors that are significant to the men’s psychological health, but that for African-American men, family support was a buffer for harmful mental health effects of stress, often minimizing the negative mental health consequences of stress exposure.

Researchers say the findings of “Risk and Protective Factors for Depressive Symptoms Among African American Men: An Application of the Stress Process Model” could be beneficial for directing health initiatives and policies aimed at improving the men’s psychological health.

The study, published in a special issue on the Psycho-social Influences of AfricanAmericans Men’s Health in the Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences in June, looked at nearly 2,000 people from different ethnic groups in Miami-Dade County in Florida between 2000 and 2001, and analyzed a sample of 248 African American men.

Researchers determined that AfricanAmerican men living in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods experienced significantly more depressive symptoms, which highlight the significance of neighbor- Mathew Gayman hood socioeconomic status in their psychological health.

They say few studies prior to this one have focused on identifying the risks and protective factors that contribute to depressive symptoms in African-American men.

Dr. Mathew Gayman, GSU’s associate professor in the Department of Sociology, said African-American men report, on average, fewer coping resources, greater stress exposure and poorer economic conditions than the general population.

“It is the systematic disparities in these factors that contribute to race inequalities in psychological health,” he said. “Ultimately, if we want to address the increased risk for mental health problems (and mental health generally) experienced by African-American

men, we must address the social conditions and forces that shape race disparities in coping resources, stress exposure and economic conditions.”

Researchers said that understanding health and health inequalities was useful for identifying psychosocial risk and protective factors in African-American men, explaining about 50 percent of the depressive symptoms.

For more information, visit https:// academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/geronb/ gbx076.

to kick off ACA open enrollment in Clarkston Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act kicks off Nov. 1 and U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson is hosting an information-sharing event on Nov. 4 in Clarkston to help update people needing health insurance.

The Healthcare Open Enrollment Kickoff takes place at 1 p.m. at the Refugee Wellness Center at 3729 Church St. Enrollment for ACA, also known as Obama­ care, takes place through Dec. 15. People who sign up before the deadline Hank Johnson will get health coverage starting in January 2018.

Johnson, whose 4th Congressional district includes portions of DeKalb County, says navigators and other healthcare experts will be available to provide information and tools needed to complete the health insurance enrollment process.

“If you don’t receive your health insurance through your employer, Medicare, Medicaid or the VA, this event is your chance to make changes and find the plan or plans that work best for you and your family,” Johnson said.

Johnson said there is a lot of confusion around the Healthcare Marketplace because of constant attacks on it by the Trump administration, which has vowed to repeal the law created by former President Barack Obama.

He said that with a three-day hospital stay costing as much as $30,000, health insurance is critical, and ACA provides options for uninsured Georgians.

“The cost of treating a broken leg can cost up to $7,500,” Johnson said, adding that health insurance can help shield people from unexpected costs that can become a financial burden for families.

“This may lead to damaging your credit and affecting other aspects of your life,” he said. “That’s why it’s important for everyone to know about open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act.” For more information on ACA enrollment, including dates and times of local events that can be of help, visit www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage or www.insurega.org/ index.php/about-us/about.

6

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

October 28, 2017

Trick-or-treating will continue while supplies last or until the mall closes at 9 p.m.

Mall-O-Ween offers candy galore Superhero Halloween costume

party at North DeKalb Mall Young fans of Wonder Woman, Thor, Superman, Iron Man, the Black Panther and other superheroes can create their own costumes for the first annual Halloween Superhero Costume Party at North DeKalb Mall on Oct. 28.

The 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. event is presented by the NEXT Steps Youth Entrepreneur Program. Participants will be able to tour the program’s new teen technology center and film production studio, take photos at a superhero selfie station, play games and enjoy Halloween treats.

The NEXT Steps Youth Entrepreneur Program

Children should wear their favorite Halloween costumes for the Gallery at South DeKalb’s annual event, which offers a safe alternative for parents and children to trick-or-treat.

Ghouls, goblins, princesses and others can hunt for candy at the Gallery at South DeKalb’s annual Mall-O-Ween on Oct. 31.

The event, which offers a safe alternative for parents and children to trick-or-treat, starts at 6 p.m. inside the mall. Children should wear their favorite Halloween costumes.

Outside the mall, officers from the De­

Kalb Police South Precinct will stage a curbside trunk or treat as well.

Tené M. Gallemore, the mall’s general manager, says trick-or-treating will continue while supplies last or until the mall closes at 9 p.m.

The Gallery at South DeKalb is at 2801 Candler Road in Decatur. For more information, call 404-241-2431.

Halloween events at rec centers

By Rosie Manins

Children can dress up, have their faces painted, collect candy and play games at nearly a dozen Halloween-themed events at DeKalb County Recreation Centers from Oct. 27 to 31. All events are free to attend and children are encouraged to wear costumes.

Friday, Oct. 27: n Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McDonnell Drive, Decatur, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. n N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in association with the Decatur Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. n Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 Lavista Road, Tucker, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. n Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Union Missionary Baptist Church.

n Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips

Road, Lithonia, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in association with New Covenant Christian Ministries. n North DeKalb Mall, 2050 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hosted

by NEXT Steps Youth Entrepreneur Program.

Tuesday, Oct. 31: n Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. n Gresham Recreation Center and Booster Club, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., n Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. n Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in association with Remnant Saturday, Oct. 28: Church. n Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 For more information, call the DepartBruce St., Lithonia, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., in ment of Recreation, Parks and Cultural association with Lithonia Senior Center and Affairs at 404-371-2711.

creates internships, youth entrepreneur opportunities and service-learning projects based on science, technology, engineering and math fields, to teach K-12 students and young adults between 16 and 24 years how to increase their technical skills and apply them to real world challenges.

The mall is at 2050 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur.

For more information, email nextstepsyep. org or call 678-5700398.

Food, fun, fellowship at Greenforest Preschool to sixth-grade kids can partake of food, games, fun and fellowship at Greenforest Community Baptist Church on Oct. 31.

The 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. event will also include arts and craft activities.

Halloween costumes are welcomed, but the church says “no ‘scary costumes’ please.”

The church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. For more information, visit www. greenforest.org.

Sweets at Antioch AME Octoberfest Kids can get candy at Antioch AME’s Octoberfest on Oct. 31.

Halloween costumes are welcome but not required for the 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. event, Kids will get candy bags and literature

about Antioch. The church is at 765 S. Hairston Road in Stone Mountain.

For more information, visit www.antioch-ame.org or call Rev. Garland Higgins at Antioch at 404-299-3388.

YMCA costume contest, treat parade Kids can pick up goodies and candy at Wade Walker Park during the Treat Parade.

Kids can vie for prizes in the costume contest that will be part of Wade Walker Park Family YMCA’s annual Treat Parade and Science Day taking place Oct. 28.

The free event, which also includes arts, crafts, games and science fun takes place 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

It culminates in a Treat Parade in the Y’s

parking lot at 12:20 p.m.

Candy and “treat” stations will set up in the parking lot for kids to trick-or-treat.

Wade Walker Park YMCA is at 5605 Rockbridge Road.

For more information, visit www.ymcaatlanta.org or contact EbonyA@ymcaatlanta. org or 678-578-1226.

Fall festival features DeKalb performers Candy, musical performances, health screenings and fellowship are on tap for Connect Church’s Oct. 28 Fall Festival in the South DeKalb Plaza parking lot.

Jasmine Douglas, a church member who is helping organize the festival, said there will also be free HIV/AIDS screenings, a rock climbing wall, hay rides, bounce houses, gifts, and vending.

“Through this event we provide encouragement to families, impoverished and less fortunate,” she said.

The event takes place 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Chris Elijah Douglas said principals from Oakview, Toney and Flat Shoals elementaries, and Columbia Middle School

have been invited to participate in the Dunk Tank that will be part of the event.

A number of DeKalb high school graduates who are performing artists will perform.

They include Don Russell, a 2005 Cedar Grove High School graduate; Chris Elijah, a 2005 Cedar Grove High School graduate; and Jasmine Lynese, a 2008 DeKalb School of the Arts graduate.

The South DeKalb Plaza is at 2764 Candler Road, across the street from the Gallery at South DeKalb mall.

For more information, visit connectchurchatl.

Don Russell org or contact Jasmine Douglas at jasmine@connectchurchatl.org or 404-952-7965.

Family Fun at South DeKalb Y festival Families with kids can dabble in arts and crafts, munch on popcorn, and have their faces painted at the Y Fall Festival at South DeKalb YMCA on Oct. 27, The 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. event is free for YMCA members and the community.

Concessions will be available for purchase.

The YMCA is at 2565 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. For more information, contact Chrystal Johnson at chrystalj@ymcaatlanta. org or 678-418-3519.

CrossRoadsNews

October 28, 2017

7 Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 11th day of Oct., 2017 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18

Notice of Petition in the Superior Court

Legal Notices 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 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

04, 2017.

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

This the 4th 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: 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 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04

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, 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.

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

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10390-5 Bridgette Landrum PLAINTIFF VS Euell Landrum DEFENDANT TO: Efficiency Lodger 3675 Flat Shoals Rd. Decatur, GA 30034

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 10, 2017. You are hereby notified that Oct. 03, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Bridgette Landrum, 3863 Memorial Dr., Apt. 1306, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 10, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Gregory A. Adams, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 12th day of Oct., 2017 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18

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

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,

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10758-8 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, Brandon Ford Goltz-Lovelace filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on October 9, 2017 to change the name from: Brandon Ford Goltz-Lovelace to Brandon Ford Lovelace. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed.

This the 9th day of October 2017 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10879-10 Notice is hereby given that the Petitioner,

MARKETPLACE RATES

ALTERATIONS

HOME SERVICES

DEATH NOTICES Public Notice to: Jerome Sullivan regarding the death of his son in Davidson County, NC; please contact Eunice Ventura-Cruz at 224 Thompson St., #211, Hendersonville, NC 28792

MISCELLANEOUS

Home Gas Bill Too High? We reduce your rates! Info: 3 min. video – www.abwells.news; 8 min. video – www.abwells.vip; A.B. Wells 678-858-9575; Call Now!

Free Turkeys! DeKalb County National Pan Hellenic Council hosting a “giveaway” Dec. 2nd; 10am-2pm or until gone; Browns Mill Elem; 4863 Browns Mill Rd., Lithonia

sEMINARS

10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM10833-3 Nicole Cabbagestalk filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Oct. 13, 2017 to change the name(s) of the following from: Emory Kai Cabbagestalk to Emory Kai McNeal.

Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3).

Dated: Oct. 13, 2017 10/28, 11/04, 11/11, 11/18

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

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM9918-7 Maleeya Adams PLAINTIFF VS Jabborah Harris DEFENDANT TO: 819 S. 14th St. Springfield, IL 62703

By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Oct. 13, 2017. You are hereby notified that Sept. 26, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for minor name change. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Bridgette Landrum, 238 Arbor Circle, Tucker, GA 30084. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Oct. 13, 2017.

Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court.

This the 13th day of Oct., 2017

Public Notice

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

Paula Melissa Esien Whitehead filed this petition to the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia on the 12th day of October 2017, praying that her name be changed as follows: Paula Melissa Esien Whitehead to be changed to Paula Melissa Esien.

Notice is hereby given pursuant to law to any interested or affected party to appear in said Court and to file objections to such name. Objections must be filed with said Court within 30 days of the filing of said petition.

This the 12th day of October 2017

legal

JHC

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

Dental Benefits

HELP WANTED Drivers: $2,500 Sign-On Bonus!

Immediate Dedicated Openings!

Great Pay & Benefits! CDL-A, 1yr Exp. Req. Estenson Logistics; Apply: www.goelc.com; 1- 855523-2477

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

Re a c h M o r e o f t h e Pe o p l e W h o M a t t e r t h e M o s t – Yo u r C u s t o m e r s !

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

8

CrossRoadsNews

October 28, 2017