CrossRoadsNews, September 27, 2014 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

YOUTH

SCENE

About 50 parents and stakeholders engaged guest panelists in passionate discussion of DeKalb Schools’ proposal to become a charter district. 3

Austin Roberts attained Eagle Scout status after he built six raised portable beds for a community garden. 9

Students in DeKalb School of the Arts’ touring companies will sing, dance and act as they kick off their new season on Oct. 3-5. 11

Charter conversation

Eagle-worthy project

Talent on tour

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

September 27, 2014

Volume 20, Number 22

www.crossroadsnews.com

Ellis ‘yes man’ sings on his former boss By Ken Watts

Kelvin Walton, suspended director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracts, said he provided Burrell Ellis with lists of highdollar county vendors to solicit for campaign donations.

He said he provided lists of high-dollar county vendors to Ellis for him to solicit campaign donations and penalized them at his bidding when they did not respond or give to Ellis. “I was 18 months from Burrell Ellis retirement,” he said. “I didn’t want any problem with him. I didn’t want any trouble with the county that would jeopardize my 10 years. I’d worked too hard, long hours, ripping and running weekends

Kelvin Walton, the self-described “yes man” to suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, bared it all on the witness stand as the prosecution’s star witness against his former boss. Walton, the county’s suspended director of the Department of Purchasing and Contracts, said he did everything Ellis asked of him. “I have done a lot of things wrong and I take full responsibility for it,” he said. Walton, who said he had nothing left to lose, dominated the witness stand for three Please see ELLIS, page 6 days.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

Cleanup of South River, 2 creeks completed Illegal dumping continues after cleanup project By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Even as DeKalb officials were celebrating a successful cleanup of the South River, Snapfinger Creek and South Fork Peachtree Creek on Sept. 19, they were bemoaning the continuous dumping of tires into the county’s waterways. The finale of the county’s Supplemental Environmental Project Stream Cleanup, mandated by a Consent Decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, took place at the Panola Shoals Trailhead on the banks of the South River in Lithonia with speeches, television interviews, and a short walk to the river by the adventurous. Interim CEO Lee May; District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton; Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson; CIP Advisory Board member Sally Sears; and officials from Watershed Management and contractors CERM, CH2M and Site Engineer were present for the ceremony highlighting the 141 sites that were cleaned up at a cost of $1 million between March and September. Over the six months, contractors retrieved more than 5,260 tires and more than 507 tons of trash and wood debris from the three waterways. The stream cleanup was imposed on DeKalb County as part of a 2010 Consent Decree signed with the EPA and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for fouling the state’s waters in violation of the federal Clean Water Act and the Georgia Water Quality Control Act. The decree included $1.34 billion to overhaul the county’s water and sewer systems; a civil penalty of $453,000; and $600,000 to clean up the South River, South Fork Peachtree Creek, and Snapfinger Creek. The county added the extra $400,000 to the cleanup costs when the number of sites

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

The $1 million cleanup project removed 4,124 tires from the South River. The cleanup also included Snapfinger and South Fork Peachtree creeks.

to be cleaned ballooned from 94 to 141. Jimmy Thomas, quality and control manager for CERM, a CIP project management, said the vast majority of the tires – 4,124 – came from the South River. Jimmy Thomas “Let me say this again,” he said, “4,124 tires were removed from this river. That is just years and years of illicit dumping.” Thomas said the goal of the Supplemental Environmental Project was to clean up the river and creeks and give them back to the community.

“It is fantastic that they did it on time, within budget and without any safety incident,” he said. Thomas said the communities along the river and streams bought into the project. He said that once they removed the debris, residents along Waldrop Road posted handwritten “Please Do Not Pollute Our River” signs. “The community has bought in,” he said. “What we need to do is continue educating our community and letting them know that this natural resource is here for them and if we can get more communities to buy in, just like we did at Waldrop Drive, we will have more success.” Even though the county had to be pushed

by the EPD and the EPA to clean up the streams, May said it stepped up to the plate and that streams and the river are better for it. He recalled how nasty the river was in the summer of 2010 when people were swimming in it. “It’s still not the place to swim,” he said, “but behind me is a beautiful picture of our environment. It says we are protecting our environment and improving the quality and sustainability of our environment and that’s a good thing.” Dr. Jacqueline Echols, president of the South River Watershed Alliance, which advocates for the river, said she is hoping that Please see STREAMS, page 6

Community Deadline to register to vote Oct. 6 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 general election. Unregistered adults can sign up to vote if they are U.S. citizens, not serving a sentence for conviction of a felony, and have not been found mentally incompetent by a judge. Eligible teens must be 18 by Nov. 4. Residents with a valid Georgia driver’s license can register at https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov/GAOLVR/#no-backbutton or http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov; the DeKalb Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur; and DeKalb Library branches. To use the Online Voter Registration System, qualified residents must have a valid driver’s license or ID card issued by Georgia Department of Driver Services with signature on file with DDS. Adults who do not have a valid driver’s license or ID card will have to submit a paper registration. People who register to vote knowing they lack qualifications required by law or give false information will be guilty of a felony. For more information, call 404-298-4020.

In search of positive policing In the wake of the shooting of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown by a Ferguson, Mo., police officer on Aug. 9, DeKalb families can participate in a “No! Not Here!” seminar on Sept. 30 at the Stonecrest Library. The event, which is seeking to create positive relationships and communication between police and the community, is co-hosted by the Georgia Coalition for the People Agenda and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. It begins at 6 p.m. Panelists are Dr. Cedric Alexander, DeKalb’s Public Safety director and NOBLE’s president; former District 4 U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney; former DeKalb State Court Judge Barbara Mobley; and Faye Coffield, the coalition’s chairwoman and a retired Atlanta police sergeant. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, call Faye Coffield at 770-2419470.

CrossRoadsNews

September 27, 2014

“This effort aligns with DeKalb’s priorities to develop and maintain sustainable neighborhoods and enhance public safety.”

3 Macks off Turner Hill landscaping By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Stone Mountain-based 3 Macks Lawn Service is off the Turner Hill Gateway/ Interchange Beautification project. The county terminated its contract with the company on Sept. 24. The Turner Hill landscaping project, one of five county interchange beautification projects, had lagged behind schedule since it started in March. Keep DeKalb Beautiful Director Gordon Burkette confirmed Thursday that 3 Macks Lawn Service was terminated. He said county workers are taking over the project and would be on-site starting Sept. 29. 3 Macks Lawn Service was one of three companies that were awarded $1.02 million in January to landscape seven interchange ramps along I-20 and I-285. For months, mounds of mulch languished along the Turner Hill/I-20 ramps while the plants struggled through the hot summer. In July, Dwayne Fisher, 3 Macks president and CEO, blamed the unkempt look of the interchange on late planting of the trees and shrubs. County records show that he was paid more than 60 percent of the $136,000 contract for the work he did, even though he said in July that he still has 4,000 plants to install and was waiting until October when the weather is cooler to plant them. Burkette said he didn’t turn any plants over to the county.

Blueprint reform for review A citizens’ group that is drafting a Blueprint to Redefine DeKalb County will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at the DeKalb Maloof Auditorium. The group of neighborhood leaders from across the county has been working since February to draft a framework for reform that addresses procurement policies, ethics, inefficient operations and the stale political environment. The draft calls for: n An internal audit watchdog that reports to an independent body. n Ethics reform, including removing Board of Ethics appointments from the CEO and Board of Commissioners. n Greater transparency in purchasing, budgeting and operations to allow citizens to more carefully monitor county government. n A straw poll to consider term limits and nonpartisan elections. Blueprint team member Gil Turman said the county needs comprehensive solutions that are as big as its problems. “Many levels of government must be involved and our business and private sector leaders must also press for change,” said Turman, president of the South DeKalb Neighborhoods Coalition. For more information, visit www.BlueprintDeKalb.org.

Sweep for signs that add to blight DeKalb County’s second “Sick of Signs” sweep is set for Oct. 4. County workers and Keep DeKalb Beautiful volunteers will set out from the parking lot at the Memorial Drive Walmart in Stone Mountain at 9 a.m. to pick up illegal signs along the public rights of way. The sign sweep is part of a national effort against the proliferation of illegal signs that blight communities. Interim CEO Lee May and the Board of Commissioners said the signs are an eyesore and are potentially dangerous if they’re too close to roadways. “This effort aligns with DeKalb’s priorities to develop and maintain sustainable neighborhoods and enhance public safety,” May said. October also is observed as National Code Enforcement Month, and homeowner organizations and civic and community groups can participate by partnering with the DeKalb County Code Enforcement Division and Keep DeKalb Beautiful to remove signs along roadways throughout the county. Walmart is at 5935 Memorial Drive. For more information or to register to participate, call 404-687-3947.

CrossRoadsNews

September 27, 2014

Community

“How will it work?” “Will private enterprise come in to run each school?” “Will affluent schools have a built-in advantage regarding governance?”

Charter conversation explores pros and cons of change By Ken Watts

Curiosity and suspicion fueled “A Conversation About School Choice” on Sept. 16 at Overcomers Christian Fellowship Church in Lithonia. The event co-sponsored by the city of Lithonia, CrossRoadsNews, and the South DeKalb Improvement Association drew about 50 parents and stakeholders who engaged guest panelists in passionate discussion of the DeKalb School System’s plan to petition the Georgia Department of Education by Nov. 1 to become a charter district. DeKalb with its 100,000 students is seeking to become the largest charter system in the state beginning with the 2015-2016 school year. Superintendent Michael Thurmond believes a charter system would give local schools greater autonomy and the ability to develop innovative classroom approaches to improving student achievement. “How will it work?” “Will private enterprise come in to run each school?” “Will affluent schools have a built-in advantage regarding local governance?” were some of the questions from audience members. District 3 Regional Superintendent Trenton Arnold; Dan Weber, executive director of the Charter System Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes charter schools in Georgia; and Wakesa O. Madzimoyo, co-director, AYA Educational Institute, a Decatur private school and consulting firm, were panelists. CrossRoadsNews Editor and Publisher Jennifer Parker moderated the conversation. Weber, a former Republican state senator from Dunwoody who sponsored Georgia’s 2007 charter statute O.C.G.A. 20-2-84.3, said the charter system’s emphasis on local school

Panelists (from left) Trenton Arnold, Dan Weber and Wakesa Madzimoyo discuss the pros and cons of converting to a charter school district.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

control will be the key to boosting student performance. “If you bring in community members and teachers to actually have a seat at the table to have some meaningful decisionmaking authority at the school, then good things happen,” he said. “Great ideas start bubbling up from the bottom up rather than having mandates and inflexibility from the top down.” Madzimoyo, an educational consultant, described himself as a skeptic based on his experience as principal of Stone Mountain Charter School in 2002. Madzimoyo said it takes time to prepare the public to take responsibility for local school governance. “I support innovation and parental involvement,” he said. “I have serious reservations, however, when we want to make this entire system a charter system without developing the process of community advocacy.” Madzimoyo said he also worries the ben-

efits of charter schools are being oversold. “There’s the fantasy that charter schools inherently perform better,” he said. “They do not. What really works in a charter school works in a public school. Where you find quality teachers and parental involvement in public schools, you also find high performance.” Madzimoyo said he wants to make sure the community doesn’t go blindly into change and the switch to a charter district doesn’t become just a change in name only. Weber said districts in the state that have become charter districts report higher attendance and fewer disciplinary problems. “Will there be something in DeKalb County’s petition to ensure that this does not open the entire system to becoming fertile ground for private companies to come in and operate all the schools?” Parker asked Arnold. “By law they are public entities,” Arnold

said. “There is nothing you could put into the petition to waive that. They [district charter schools] are still under the purview of an elected body which is the Board of Education at the local level.” Madzimoyo said he worries about an erosion of rights in student discipline cases and employee grievances. He recalled that in his youth in the 1960s, African-American students were subject to racially tinged punishment and expelled without due process. Arnold said the superintendent and School Board would intervene in cases where local governance teams make questionable decisions. Asked if school districts can seek a public vote on whether to transform into charter districts, Weber said none of the 14 existing charter districts had done it, but that the law does not prevent the Board of Education from seeking an advisory vote on the issue. “They are not bound by the vote but they would find out what the voters think,” he said. Arnold, chair of the district’s petition efforts, said DeKalb school officials are moving forward with charter petition plans. The board will receive an update on the proposal at its Oct. 8 meeting, hold a public hearing during the session, and possibly vote that day on whether to adopt the petition resolution. Arnold said the Oct. 8 date for a vote could be changed if the School Board feels it needs need more time to discuss it or would like more public input. The forum followed five community engagement sessions at Stephenson, Lithonia, Dunwoody and Lakeside high schools. Arnold said the public can offer input at http:// www.dekalb.k12.ga.us before the vote. Click on “submit feedback” on the charter system petition page.

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CrossRoadsNews

September 27, 2014

“But where is the evidence that a large charter school district will improve student achievement?”

No evidence charter district will improve achievement 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Graphic Design Curtis Parker Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Billing Clerk Catherine Guy Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

By Ed Williams, Ed.D.

A charter school district for the DeKalb School System is not a good prescription for improving student achievement. So far, 31 of Georgia’s 163 school districts have tried this charter school district approach. Now the DeKalb School System is considering changing its governance model to provide schools more local control. It is proposing that each of its 183 schools be governed by a local governance team made up of elected and appointed community members. The question I believe citizens should ask is how would this change improve student outcomes? Where is the evidence? There is no evidence in the test scores that this would improve student achievement. In Georgia, education laws are outlined in Title 20 of the state statute. A charter school district is a local school district that has an executed charter from the State Board of Education, granting it freedom from almost all of the Title 20 provisions, State Board of Education rules, and Georgia Department of Education guidelines. With DeKalb’s proposed charter

“There will likely be a move to create several new school districts that will shift property tax funding to municipalities. This will not be good for students in South DeKalb, where many of the schools are not supported by businesses and have little parent participation.” Ed Williams

district, citizens are being asked to support the decentralization of the Board of Education into “183 small boards” as a solution to improving student achievement. But where is the evidence that a large charter school district will improve student achievement? There is no evidence that a charter school district will solve the district problems and improve student achievement. The DeKalb School District is the third largest in the state. The district’s demographics do not reflect the county’s demography. The county is 59 percent AfricanAmerican and 37 percent white [with the remainder other]. The district is 88 percent nonwhite. If the School Board decides to change to a charter district, DeKalb would become the state’s largest charter district behind Fulton County, which became a charter

district in 2012. With a school district as large as DeKalb, it would likely take several years to implement the charter school district, if it was approved. All the other charter school districts are small and do not have the number of schools nor demographics of DeKalb. There has been a trend to decentralize governance in DeKalb and other jurisdictions throughout all levels of the county. However, over the last 20 years there has been a push to decentralize governments into separate cities. A charter school district is a Trojan horse. There are several school districts, including New Orleans, which is a charter school district since Katrina, and it is not any better than before the governance structure was changed. The rich and powerful will do well, and the poor will be left behind.

There will likely be a move to create several new school districts that will shift property tax funding to municipalities. This will not be good for students in South DeKalb, where many of the schools are not supported by businesses and have little parent participation. Many of the schools already have local school community teams that are not working as they were intended. Now the district wants citizens to believe that this new approach to delegate control to 183 schools will be the best approach to creating better schools. The CRCT scores for school districts do not indicate evidence of any correlations between the student achievement and traditional or charter school districts. A look at the 2011 to 2014 CRCT test scores for fifth- and eighth-grade students in reading, mathematics, and English/ Language Arts at www.gadoe. org/Curriculum-Instruction-andAssessment/Assessment/Pages/ CRCT-Statewide-Scores.aspx provide no evidence that school district management structure improves student achievement. Ed Williams lives in Decatur. His son graduated from the DeKalb School System in 2011.

Sunday voting decision was not a partisan move Last week I made a very conscious decision to open up greater accessibility to the voting polls. This decision was not a unilateral one and has been approved by the Elections Board. The decision was made based on the premise that during general elections, voter turnout hovers around 70 percent; however, during off-year elections, such as this year, it stays near the 40 percent mark. My early days of politics were spent registering people to vote and encouraging them to get out and vote, as it has been a passion of mine since my college days. Because of this passion, I felt we could and should take action to increase voter accessibility and participation. Were these actions so egregious as Sen. Fran Millar laments? Absolutely not. We have added one additional

“I absolutely stand by this decision, which is not a Democratic- or Republican-leaning strategy. It is simply an attempt to engage and embrace more citizens in the electoral process, which is the foundation of our democracy.” Interim CEO Lee May

voting day – Sunday, Oct. 26 – at three early polling locations. We also changed one of the early voting locations to a mall, the Gallery at South DeKalb mall, which is free of charge to the county. Because of the geographical location of this mall, some partisans will say that this is a partisan move. However, I must point out that we made the request to all of the major malls in DeKalb, two in the South and two in the North, including Perimeter Mall, at the heart of Millar’s constituency base.

Quick Read

In all cases except for the Gallery at South DeKalb mall, there were issues or restrictions that prevented them from approving our request. Let me reiterate: I absolutely stand by this decision, which is not a Democratic- or Republicanleaning strategy. It is simply an attempt to engage and embrace more citizens in the electoral process, which is the foundation of our democracy. Millar has been very vocal about this issue, making characterizations

from a hyper-political viewpoint. Accessibility to the polls is not and should never be a partisan tactic. Millar’s promise to change the law to prevent greater access to the polls is troubling, sad and downright disappointing. I would hope that if you can vote to allow liquor sales on Sunday, then certainly you can support our God-given right to vote on that same Sunday. Millar proclaims the “honeymoon is over,” but I say that’s when the real marriage begins. I consider the senator to be a friend and I would hope that even in anger he will keep the lines of communication open for the future of DeKalb. I certainly will! Lee May is the interim CEO of DeKalb County.

Ellis ‘yes man’ sings on his former boss 1

Charter conversation explores Sales tax holiday on pros and cons of change 3 appliances Oct 3-5

Kelvin Walton, the self-described “yes man” to suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, bared it all on the witness stand as the prosecution’s star witness against his former boss.

Curiosity and suspicion fueled “A Conversation About School Choice” on Sept. 16 at Overcomers Christian Fellowship Church in Lithonia.

3 Macks off Turner Hill landscaping

Stone Mountain-based 3 Macks Lawn Service is off the Turner Hill Gateway/Interchange Beautification project. Circulation Audited By

U.S. children missing out on recommended care 7 Millions of children in the United States are not getting recommended preventive care, the CDC says in its Sept. 10 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Supplement.

The Energy Star and WaterSense Sales Tax Holiday is Oct. 3-5, and the state estimates that Georgians will save $2.6 million on eligible products over the three-day weekend.

SWD senior gets full FAMU ride 9 Southwest DeKalb High senior Marque C. Long is going to Florida A&M University on a full “Life Gets Better Scholarship.”

index to advertisers Atlanta Senior Center......................................6 Comcast.......................................................... 3 Committee To Elect Connie Stokes.................6 Community Christian Church.......................... 5 Dee Knows Phones........................................12 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court.................... 10 DeKalb Convention & Visitor’s Bureau............ 5

DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office...................... 10 E.L. Bouie Elementary PTA............................12 Fabric Joint, LLC.............................................12 Georgia Health Services Network................... 7 Gail S. Baylor Attorney at Law.......................12 Ga. Council on Developmental Disabilities....12

Johnson Hopewell Coleman LLC...................12 Norsouth Development Co. of GA, LLC.........12 Quenon Smith...............................................12 Seabright Homes, LLC...................................12 The Colwell Law Firm, LLC.............................12 The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, P.C.................12

Wright Vision Care.......................................... 7 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Committee To Elect Connie Stokes........ Online The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, P.C......... Online

September 27, 2014

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“A new school sign is being constructed, and there are various items to be completed on the contractor punch list.” A landscaping crew begins laying sod on Thursday at Southwest DeKalb High in Decatur. The school’s new Fine Arts Center opened on Aug. 11 but leftover construction materials lanquished in front of building.

Photos by Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Construction debris mars beauty of SWD new Fine Arts Center By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Eight weeks into the school year, leftover construction materials are still sitting in front of the new $27.2 million Fine Arts Center at Southwest DeKalb High. The 83,816-square-foot building opened for the first day of school on Aug. 11, but this week an open storage trailer, piles of concrete blocks, several black drainage pipes, rusted steel cables and a discarded gate are still sitting in front of the building. John Jambro, design and construction director for the School District, said Thursday he was unaware that the trailer had been left unlocked and would check on it.

He said the district was not done working at the school and crews will be in and out of the Decatur school for 60 to 90 more days wrapping up projects. “There is classroom renovation under way,” he said, “a new school sign is being constructed, and there are various items to be completed on the contractor punch list.” Jambro said punch list items include painting and recalibration of temperature now that the building has been open and is in use. He said there also is regrading and reseeding where the grounds were disturbed in the construction process. Parents and students waited 10 years for the expansion and renovations that were first

promised in 2004. The new wing houses a 640-seat auditorium and a two-story block with 31 instructional classrooms, including computer, math and science labs; special education rooms; chorus, drama and band rooms to accommodate 300 students; and an amphitheater. The building’s construction accounted for $16 million of the $27.2 million budget. It cost $7 million to equip and furnish the building. Jambro promised to email a copy of the landscaping plan for the school, but it had not arrived by press time Thursday. Thursday morning, a landscaping crew finally began laying sod at the school.

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Community

CrossRoadsNews

September 27, 2014

“Great things can come of a community that can claim a river and all of the opportunity that it brings.”

Walton secretly recorded conversations with DeKalb CEO ELLIS,

from page

and night. I wasn’t just going to jeopardize my career.” Walton secretly recorded conversations with Ellis, who is on trial for allegedly strongarming county vendors for campaign contributions to his 2012 re-election bid. Ellis, who was suspended from office on July 16, 2013, is fighting a 13-count indictment including charges of bribery, theft and extortion. He has denied any wrongdoing. Testimony in his trial began on Sept. 16. The county suspended Walton from his position on April 21 with his full salary of $153,000. He admitted lying to a special purpose grand jury in 2012 that was investigating alleged corruption in the county’s Department of Watershed Management. Prosecutors offered him a choice: Turn state’s evidence in the Ellis case or be indicted for perjury. Walton agreed in August 2012 to “wear a wire” for investigators and secretly record his conversations with Ellis. He said he did things he knew were wrong and knows he could still face prosecution. Walton said he used his staff to put together the vendor list for Ellis rather than turn to the county’s IT department because he wanted to keep the project “close to the vest” and avoid awkward questions. He said Ellis was very excited about the list. “As a matter of fact, he said, ‘Kelvin, this is great, this is exactly what I need, keep those

lists coming. This is going to help save my job, this is going to help save your job, so keep those vendor lists coming.’” On one of the recordings played in court Tuesday, Ellis could be heard going down a list of top appointed county officials, noting who had contributed to his re-election campaign and who had not. “They’re all six-figure people,” Ellis complained to Walton. “Some of these people make more money than I do.” Walton said he told Ellis that he made a donation under a relative’s name. Ellis checked until he found a $250 contribution attached to Walton’s nephew. After the recording was played, Walton testified that Ellis asked him to make sure to pay the invoices of vendors who had given him a campaign contribution. On Sept. 24, Walton testified that Ellis’ practice of “drying up business” from companies that wouldn’t give campaign contributions was “just like a murderer.” An audible gasp went up from the courtroom audience and lead defense attorney Craig Gillen called for a mistrial. “The witness’s characterization has prejudiced the jury,” Gillen said. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney L. Johnson stopped the proceedings and ordered sheriff ’s deputies to remove the jury from the courtroom, but she denied Gillen’s request, saying Walton was talking about Ellis’ behavior, not Ellis himself. When she called the jurors back to the

courtroom, Johnson instructed them to disregard Walton’s comment and struck it from the court record. In one of the covert recordings played by Assistant District Attorney Lawanda Hodges, Ellis said county contractors needed to return his campaign calls. “I had called them because I was doing campaign fundraising, but they don’t know why I was calling them,” Ellis said in a September 2012 recording. “What if it was an emergency?” Ellis said he didn’t want companies to think he was “personally angry” with them for not donating. “If they can’t be responsive when we’re calling them … I have a real problem with whether this is a company we ought to be using.” Walton said Ellis asked him to call a contractor after it refused to make a contribution to him. “It was like I was strong-arming them, basically,” Walton testified. “He told me to make sure I let them know who I was and that I was calling on his behalf. I was his ‘yes man.’” In their crack against Walton on Sept. 25, Ellis’ lawyers immediately zeroed in on Walton’s lies to the special purpose grand jury. “You decided it would be in the best interest of Kelvin Walton to lie,” Gillen said. “I did,” Walton responded. “You were asked if you received any special gifts from a vendor?” Gillen asked. “You

willfully lied several times, didn’t you?” “I did,” Walton said. During cross-examination, Walton shed more light on his efforts to get vendors to help Ellis’ former special assistant Nina Hall. Walton said that Hall was about to lose her home and he asked vendors to give cash to help save her house. He said he did not tell his boss that he was collecting contributions for her. “I had opened doors for these types of contractors,” he said. “That’s why I went to them. They knew this wasn’t a bribe. They knew I was helping Ms. Hall.” Walton said the money was given in cash because that was what donors preferred. He also testified that Hall served on the committee that evaluated county contracts and that some of those contracts may have been held by the companies or individuals who helped her.

Hall invokes the Fifth 30 times In other testimony, Hall, who became a special projects manager at the Department of Watershed Management when Ellis was suspended, invoked the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 30 times. Hall also was suspended on April 21 with her full $75,000-a-year salary. While on the witness stand on Sept. 22, Hall was ordered by Judge Johnson to answer most of the questions. To read a longer version of the story, visit www.crossroadsnews.com.

$1 million cleanup of three DeKalb waterways completed in six months STREAMS,

from page

the cleanup is a beginning for the South River and that it will continue to get the kind of attention it garnered at the culmination ceremony. Echols said paying attention to the river can happen much easier if it is embraced as a resource. “Not every community in this country has a river in its midst,” she said. “Great things can come of a community that can claim a river and all of the opportunity that it brings.” Since the cleanup was completed, county officials say that people have continued to dump tires in the river. Echols said cleanup programs become unnecessary when rivers are treated as a resource. She says she is looking forward to working with state legislators to fix the law on tire recycling. “It’s not hard to fix the law,” she said. “It just means that you pay people when they deliver the product for recycling rather than pay them on the front end, which takes

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Site Engineering workers clear trash and wood debris along the South River on Sept. 19. More than 5,260 tires and 507 tons of trash and debris were remove from the river and two creeks.

away the incentive for delivering them for Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson said recycling.” the view of the river is fantastic but that it is disconcerting that tires have been dumped in the river since the cleanup. “We know that the tires do not get to the rivers on their own,” she said. “There are 7316 Covington Highway • Lithonia, GA 30058 people who are bringing them there, so as a community we must come together to ensure 770-912-0415 than our rivers remain clean and pristine.” Jackson said we have to continue to “Our Seniors Are The Cornerstone Of Our Community” educate the community about the river as a

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resource. She said that canoeing and other activities are taking place on the river, and she expressed the hope that some day soon, it will be possible to swim in the river. Willie Greene, the SEP senior project manager, said the cleanup was a one-time event, and that while he wouldn’t swim in the river or eat fish from it, it is a resource that can be enjoyed. “We’ve not reached Willie Greene the ultimate,” he said. “We have taken one small baby step. But with neighborhood involvement, we can achieve the ultimate goal of making the South River and our other streams pleasurable for all of our citizens.” Greene said neighborhood groups are the key to maintaining the stream cleanup momentum. “It is invigorating when you go into a neighborhood you have cleaned and all of a sudden you see signs that say ‘No Dumping, $500 Fines,’” he said. “Now that’s imposed by the homeowners association. That’s invigorating.” Throughout the cleanup process, Greene said they did not get any complaints from residents about the efforts. “That to me is an indication of the potential we have in DeKalb County to better maintain our streams and keep them pristine,” he said.

Elect

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CrossRoadsNews

September 27, 2014

Wellness

“Increased use of clinical preventive services could improve the health of infants, children and teens and promote healthy lifestyles.”

U.S. children missing out on recommended preventive care Millions of children in the United States are not getting recommended preventive care, the CDC says in its Sept. 10 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Supplement. The missed medical and dental care support healthy development and detect and prevent conditions and diseases in their earlier stages when they are more treatable, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. They are prenatal breast-feeding counseling, newborn hearing screening and followup, developmental screening, lead screening, vision screening, hypertension screening, use of dental care and preventive dental services, human papillomavirus vaccination, tobacco use screening and cessation assistance, chlamydia screening, and reproductive health services. The report reveals large disparities in the receipt of clinical preventive services. For example, uninsured children are not as likely as insured children to receive these services and Hispanic children were less likely than non-Hispanic children to have reported vision screening. The Affordable Care Act expands insurance coverage, access and consumer protections for the U.S. population and places a greater emphasis on prevention. Through implementation of the act, new opportunities exist to promote and increase use of these valuable and vital services, the CDC says. The findings offer a baseline assessment of the use of the selected services prior to 2012, before the implementation of the ACA. Findings include: n In 2007, parents of 79 percent of children ages 10-47 months said they were not asked by health care providers to complete a formal screen for developmental delays in the

The CDC report reveals large disparities in the receipt of preventive services. Uninsured children are not as likely as insured children to receive services.

past year.

ing 2004–2010 had no documentation of

n In 2009, 56 percent of children and ado- tobacco-use status; 80 percent of those who

lescents did not visit the dentist in the past year and nearly 86 percent did not receive a dental sealant or a topical fluoride application in the past year. n Forty-seven percent of females 13-17 years had not received their recommended first dose of HPV vaccine in 2011. n Thirty-one percent of outpatient clinic visits made by 11- to 21-year-olds dur-

screened positive for tobacco use did not receive any cessation assistance. n Twenty-four percent of outpatient clinic visits for preventive care made by 3- to 17-year-olds during 2009-2010 had no documentation of blood-pressure measurement. Dr. Stuart K. Shapira, CDC’s chief medical officer, said parents and caregivers must protect the health of all children and ensure

that they receive recommended screenings and services. “Together, parents and the public health and health care communities can work to ensure that children have health insurance and receive vital Stuart Shapira preventive services,” said Shapira, associate director for science in the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. “Increased use of clinical preventive services could improve the health of infants, children and teens and promote healthy lifestyles that will enable them to achieve their full potential,” Shapira said. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Supplement is the second of a series of CDC periodic reports on progress made in increasing the use of clinical preventive services to improve population health. Dr. Lorraine Yeung, medical epidemiologist with the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, said the ACA requires new health insurance Lorraine Yeung plans to provide certain clinical preventive services with no copays or deductibles. “Parents need to know that many clinical preventive services for their children, such as screening and vaccination, are available for free with many health plans,” Yeung said. For more information, visit www.cdc. gov/childpreventiveservices and www.cdc. gov/prevention.

Oakhurst among navigator grantees Older adults can reduce risk of falls Oakhurst Medical Center in Stone Mountain is one of two metro Atlanta medical centers awarded grants totaling $460,000 to enroll people in the Healthcare Marketplace. Oakhurst will receive $250,000, and Four Corners Primary Care Center in Norcross will get $210,000. U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), who announced the awards on Sept. 22, said that everyone deserves the right to quality, affordable health care. “Community health centers like Oakhurst and Four Corners – the lifeblood of our communities – help make that possible,” Johnson said. “In a state where Republican leaders refuse to expand Medicaid – denying more than 650,000 Georgians access to health care – funds to help our citizens sign up for affordable care or access care at a community center are crucial to the well-being and quality of life for all our citizens in Georgia.” The grants will help DeKalb and Gwinnett residents sign up for health care through the Marketplace Exchanges under the Affordable Care Act and assist the community health centers that provide coverage for un-

derinsured and uninsured constituents. The second year of Marketplace enrollment gets under way Nov. 15. The Rockdale County Treatment Court Collaborative also got more than $234,000 in Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service Grants. All the grants are part of $3.3 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for health care navigators in Georgia. Navigator funds are part of more than $60 million in grant awards to 90 organizations in states with federally facilitated and state-partnership Marketplaces to support preparation and outreach activities. Nationally, $295 million was awarded to 1,195 community health centers to increase access to primary care services. Among the other recipients are Structured Employment Economic Development Corp., or SEEDCO, which gets $2.1 million, and Health Care Central Georgia/ Community Health Works, which was awarded $1.1 million for navigators. For more information, visit www.hhs. gov.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults 65 years and older, and advocates for the aging are working to educate seniors and their families on ways to prevent falls. Chances of falling and serious injuries increase with age. Nationally, every 14 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. Albert Terrillion, the National Council on Aging’s senior director of Clinical Community Partnerships, said awareness is key to preventing and reducing falls. “Falls are not a normal part of aging and the resulting injuries can steal quality life from seniors and their families,” Terrillion said in a Sept. 22 statement. During Fall Awareness Day, observed on Sept. 23, Terrillion said that older adults and their support communities learned how to reduce risks so seniors can stay independent for as long as possible. Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend: n A physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility compo-

nents. n Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment. n Having medications reviewed periodically. n Getting eyes checked annually. n Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive. n Having an annual hearing assessment. At the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia and other senior centers and communitybased organizations nationwide, programs including “A Matter of Balance,” “Tai Chi” and “Stepping On” help older adults gain strength, improve balance, and build confidence to live healthier lives and preserve their independence. Lou Walker Center Director Darryl Blackwell said the center has some of the best resources to help seniors stay healthy and help prevent falls. For its seventh annual observance, it hosted demonstrations by fitness director Tyrone Bailey and offered materials and presentations by aging experts. For more information, visit www.ncoa. org/FPAD. For local programs, visit www. louwalkercenter.com or call 770-322-2900.

Finance

CrossRoadsNews

September 27, 2014

“This is a great opportunity for residents to save water, energy and money. It’s a win-win-win.”

Sales tax holiday on appliances Oct 3-5 Tax deadline looms for property owners The Energy Star and WaterSense Sales Tax Holiday is Oct. 3-5, and the state estimates that Georgians will save $2.6 million on eligible products over the three-day weekend. Homeowners can buy a range of products with the Energy Star label with a purchase price of $1,500 or less per item tax-free. Eligible products include air conditioners, ceiling fans, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, doors, fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats, refrigerators and windows. WaterSense products, also up to $1,500 each, include bathroom sink faucets, faucet accessories (such as aerators), high-efficiency toilets, high-efficiency urinals, shower heads, and weather- or sensor-based irrigation controllers. DeKalb interim CEO Lee May said the tax holiday will help residents save money on water conservation products. “This is a great opportunity for residents to save water,

energy and money,” May said on Sept. 22. “It’s a win-winwin.” The tax holiday is not available on products purchased for trade, business or resale. Residents who replace a standard shower head with a WaterSense fixture can save thousands of gallons of water a year. The county says that replacing an old toilet with a water-efficient one saves more than 2 gallons a flush. DeKalb residents living in a home built in 1993 or earlier also may qualify for a rebate from DeKalb Watershed Management for replacing an existing high flow toilet with a new WaterSense-labeled model. For DeKalb’s Toilet Rebate Program, visit http:// dekalbwatershed.com/toilet_rebate.htm. For strategies to reduce water use, visit www.mydropcounts.org. The October tax holiday is the state’s second this year. It had a back-to-school tax-free holiday in August that saved Georgians more than $143 million. For more information,

The first installment of DeKalb’s 2014 real estate and personal property taxes is due on Sept. 30. The DeKalb tax commissioner says the tax must be received or postmarked by the Sept. 30 deadline to avoid a 5 percent late payment penalty. For mailed payments, the U.S. Postal Service’s postmark or cancellation stamp is the only accepted evidence of timely mailing. There is a drop box for last-minute drop-offs on the front and side of the Tax Commissioner’s Central Office at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. Property owners also can pay taxes by electronic check or credit card at www.dekalbcountyga.gov or by telephone at 404-298-4000. A 2.35 percent service fee is charged. Walk-in customers to the Central, North or South satellite offices may pay by cash, check or debit card. Debit cards attract a $1.50 service fee. The service fee on credit card payments is 2.35 percent. For questions or more information, email proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-298-4000.

Georgia, a new jobs growth machine Symposium targets Georgia is among the nation’s leaders in job growth, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the creation of more than 79,300 new jobs in the past 12 months, it is ranked third in the Southeast and sixth nationally. The state’s 2 percent annual growth rate is higher than the nation’s average of 1.8 percent. In the figures announced on Sept. 19, the bureau said Georgia also had solid over-the-month growth. In August, Georgia had 4,132,900 jobs, up from 4,053,600 in August 2013. The August-to-August job growth was the secondlargest in Georgia since 2005.

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said employers are to be commended for their confidence in Georgia’s economy. “They continue to invest in hiring and growing their companies,” he said. Job gains came in several sectors, including computer system design, accounting, architectural and engineering, transportation and warehousing, retail trade, wholesale trade, construction of buildings, specialty trade contractors, ambulatory health care services, and hospitals. Texas led the list with 3.4 percent job growth, followed by California, Florida, New York and North Carolina.

SDIA pursues community Bill of Standards The South DeKalb Improvement Association is pursuing an Economic Bill of Standards. The bill offers standards for maintenance and community enhancement to businesses in South DeKalb. The effort by the SDIA’s Economic Development Committee kicked off with a community forum on Aug. 28 at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. The Economic Development Committee is collaborating with commercial property owners, business owners, developers and community leaders to promote well-maintained and upgraded commercial properties, in-fill commercial development, and unique business development. With the Bill of Standards, the SDIA is hoping to lure new and diverse businesses to the area and to show that the com-

munity places a high priority on a partnership between businesses and residents in South DeKalb. At the forum, the Economic Development Committee addressed community aesthetics, job quality, environment/green building and economic/business standards covered in the Economic Bill of Standards. The civic group, which focuses on the region’s economic welfare, is seeking 1,000 signatures supporting the Bill of Standards by Dec. 31. South DeKalb residents and stakeholders can sign it at www.change.org/p/south-dekalb -residents-and-businesses-support-the-economic-bill-ofstandards-for-south-dekalb#share. For comments, visit www.improvedekalb.blogspot.com. Call 770-322-3842 or email SDIAinc@gmail.com for more information.

sustainable growth

Southeast business and community leaders, elected officials, board members and others involved in community redevelopment and economic development will be in Atlanta for an Oct. 7 symposium hosted by APD Solutions. “On the Rebound: Making Progress, Scoring Economically” is bringing together participants to collaborate on innovative strategies to stimulate sustainable growth. It takes place at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The symposium features eight sessions and 45 speakers, including the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Douglas R. Hooker; Mayor William A. Bell Sr. of Birmingham, Ala.; former Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Harvey B. Gantt; APD Solutions founder Vaughn D. Irons; HUD’s Ed Jennings Jr.; the Michaels Organization’s Milton R. Marion Barry Pratt Jr.; and Atlanta Housing Authority’s Michael D. Wilson. District of Columbia Council member Marion Barry Jr. is the keynote speaker. The session will cover emerging opportunities, trends every industry leader should know, and how to leverage community assets and relationships. Local and regional leaders will discuss how to create economic success. Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is at 800 Spring St. N.W. For ticket and other information, visit www. apdsolutions.com/ced-symposium or call 404-921-3131.

Show Your PRIDE, South DeKalb! R Don’t Litter R Mow, Trim & Paint R Clean to the Curb

A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS

September 27, 2014

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

“It is incumbent upon us to focus our efforts and limited resources to maximize our support for our young people.” Marque C. Long, a Southwest DeKalb High senior, received FAMU’s $113,000 “Life Gets Better Scholarship” on Sept. 12 at its annual recruitment event in Atlanta.

SWD senior gets full FAMU ride Southwest DeKalb High senior Marque C. Long is going to Florida A&M University on a full “Life Gets Better Scholarship.” The $113,000 scholarship, part of the university’s Presidential Scholarship Program, covers tuition and fees, room, board, books, semester stipend, internships and a laptop. It is the highest four-year award given by the university to a student. Marque, who is a Southwest DeKalb High magnet student, is interested in the health profession and plans to major in chemistry

or biology. He received the award during the Atlanta Area Annual Recruitment Event on Sept. 12 at the Hyatt Hotel. It also was attended by Dr. Elmira Mangum, FAMU’s 11th and first woman president. More than 750 metro Atlanta students turned out for the event where the college awarded scholarships totaling $1.4 million. Marque is the son of FAMU alumni Ray and Penny S. Long of Decatur.

Youth alliance meeting Sept. 30 The DeKalb Alliance on Youth, created to support the county’s young people, will hold its first meeting on Sept. 30. The alliance, launched by interim DeKalb CEO Lee May and the county’s DeKalb Office of Youth Services, will help coordinate and centralize programs. It includes community, educational, business, faith-based, and nonprofit entities that focus on advancing youth. The meeting, which begins at 11 a.m., takes place at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road N.E. in Atlanta. May said nearly 25 percent of DeKalb’s population is 18 years of age or younger. “It is incumbent upon us to focus our efforts and limited resources to maximize our support for our young people to ensure

they blossom as they mature and become the keystones of our future community,” he said in a Sept. 16 statement. The alliance plans an Adopt-a-School initiative that will provide wraparound services to selected DeKalb schools that need additional assistance. Karrianna Turner, the Office of Youth Services director, said assistance will vary by school. “This could include procuring school supplies, repairs to playground equipment, or family support services,” she said. “We will have to look at the individual needs of each school.” To attend the meeting, contact KaCey Venning at kvenning@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-687-7192.

Austin Roberts built raised beds at J.E. Edmonds Elementary School in Forest Park for his Eagle Scout project. Austin is shown with his father, Maurice Roberts, the school principal.

Eagle Scout creates garden beds Druid Hills High senior Austin M. Roberts is now an Eagle Scout. Austin, who lives in Decatur, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 1996. He received the award over the summer after earning 23 merit badges and was recognized at a July 26 Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Fairfield Baptist Church. He joins the 7 percent of Boy Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle Scout. For his project, Austin, who is 16, developed, planned and constructed six portable raised beds for a community garden at J.E. Edmonds Elementary School.

He attributes his success with Scouting to “all the great leaders of Troop 1996,” including Scoutmaster Sajean Page and his Eagle Project mentor, LaTanya NickersonDillard. Austin, who plays on Druid Hills’ varsity lacrosse team, is a member of the DeKalb Sigma Lambda Chi Chapter of 4-H and the 2014-2015 youth commissioner for DeKalb. Last year, 690 metro Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank and contributed more than 115,000 hours of service to improving local schools, parks, churches and communities through their Eagle Scout projects.

Leadership program seeks students Middle and high school students 11 to 18 years old have until Oct. 1 to register for Thrive Youth Development’s No Limits No Boundaries Leadership Program at Emory University. The program begins Oct. 11 and space is limited. The training sessions, which focus on character and skill set development with coaching and mentoring, peer/adult

interaction, assets building, and community involvement, run through Nov. 22. They take place Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 238 at Emory’s Goizueta Business School, 1300 Clifton Road in Atlanta. The registration fee is $35, and each participant gets a $150 scholarship to attend. To register, email Nolimits@ithriveyouth. org or call 1-877-581-3440.

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

September 27, 2014

The West Hunter Street Baptist Church was a headquarters for many civil rights workers and organizers during the civil rights movement. A bipartisan bill that passed the U.S. House seeks designation of historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church as a National Park System site.

Arabia Mountain teens vie for titles J’haria Dallas, Miss Black and the Keep ColumTeen Georgia U.S. Ambassabus Beautiful Comdor 2014, will help crown mission. Most recently, Mr. and Miss Arabia Mounshe competed in the tain High School on Oct. 4 National Miss Black at the Lithonia school. Teen U.S. Ambassador Dallas will join politipageant and placed cal officials and business third. and community leaders The Mr. and Miss as a judge for the annual Arabia Mountain High event that gets under way Competition is sponat 6 p.m. sored by David’s Bridal Sophomores, juniors and Men’s Wearhouse. and seniors with a 3.0 GPA Tickets are $2 for PTSA or higher will compete in members and $5 for formal wear, talent and visitors. A red carpet speaking for a $500 schol- Mr. and Miss Arabia Mountain High reception starts at 6 arship and the opportunity judges include celeb J’haria Dallas. p.m. and includes cake, to participate in speaking punch, music, photos, engagements. and fun before the competition begins. Dallas, a Columbus resident, is active Arabia Mountain High is at 6610 as a volunteer with the Ronald McDonald Browns Mill Road. For more information, House, Girls Inc., the Teen Angels Society, call 678-875-3602 or 770-875-0213.

Reggae in the Park for music fans Music lovers of all ages can listen to soulful sounds and soak up some rays for free on Oct. 4 at Reggae in the Park at DeKalb Memorial Park in Atlanta. The outdoor music festival presented by Fight4ATL takes place from noon to 10 p.m. It includes food from all over the world, live performances, and giveaways and prizes.

There will be dancehall, Soul DJ, surprise guests and performances, a vendor and small-business market, and a jumbo play zone for kids. The park is at 353 Wilkinson Drive S.E. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ reggae-in-the-park-music-festival-tickets12270723063?aff=es2&rank=1 for more information.

Historic church closer to federal nod Atlanta’s historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church is a step closer to being designated as a National Park System site. The bipartisan West Hunter Street Baptist Church Study Act, proposed by U.S. Reps. Hank Johnson and Austin Scott of Georgia, passed the House on Sept. 15. The bill, which was signed by 77 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, would authorize the Department of Interior to determine whether the historic civil rights church meets the criteria for designation in the National Park System. It now goes to the Senate for a vote. If it passes the Senate, it goes to President Barack

Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Towanda Warren, 3406 Longleaf Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of September 10, 2014. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of September, 2014

Legal Notices 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/04

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV8667-7++ Frank Hudelleston, Jr., filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on September 4, 2014, to change the name from: Frank Hudelleston, Jr. to Johnny Frank Huddleston. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: September 3, 2014 Johnny Frank Huddleston Petitioner, Pro se 425 Saint Ives Street Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (404) 501-9677 9/27, 10/04, 10/11, 10/18

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

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

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV8709-10++ Ashley Thompson

Plaintiff Vs. Christopher Pittman Defendant By Order of the Court for service by publication dated September 15, 2014 you are hereby notified that on September 8, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you to change the name of a minor child. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Ashley Thompson, 951 Pine Roc Drive, Stone Mountain, GA. 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of September 15, 2014. Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 15th day of September, 2014 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV8448-7++ Jeneva Givens Plaintiff Vs. Aaron Givens Defendant To: 4646 Cedar Keys Lane Stone Mountain, GA 30083 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated August 29, 2014 you are hereby notified that on August 27, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Jeneva Givens, 1883 Singer Way, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of August 29, 2014. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 29th day of August, 2014 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court

of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV4132-3++ Jermere A. Miller Plaintiff Vs. Rosie Miller Defendant To: 3693 Church Street Clarkston, GA 30021 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated July 21, 2014 you are hereby notified that on April 17, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Jermere A. Miller, 1883 Singer Way, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of July 21, 2014. Witness the Honorable Clarence Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of August, 2014 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV8666-9++ Timothy Johnson Plaintiff Vs. Sheryl Denise Johnson Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated September 9, 2014 you are hereby notified that on September 4, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Timothy Johnson, 4446 Sims Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of September 9, 2014. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony

Obama’s desk for his signature. Johnson said the church played an integral role in the struggle for civil rights and that the history of the civil rights movement is a lesson in democratic ideals. During the civil rights movement, the West Hunter Street Baptist Church was a headquarters for many civil rights workers and organizers. It hosted important leadership meetings and doubled as a school for nonviolent protest during initiatives such as the Voter Education Project and the Freedom Summer of 1964. It also was a spiritual refuge for countless men and women who devoted their lives to the cause.

9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11

Notice OF PUBLICATION Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 9th day of September, 2014 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV4468-7++ Kallie Dunovant Plaintiff Vs. Saymar Peters Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated September 11, 2014 you are hereby notified that on April 25, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Kallie Dunovant, 3222 Christian Springs Drive, Lithonia, GA 30038. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of September 11, 2014. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of September, 2014

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV8483-2++ Carla Knowlton Plaintiff

Vs. Shawn Giles Defendant To: Shawn Giles By Order of the Court for service by publication dated September 9, 2014 you are hereby notified that on August 19, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Carla Knowlton, 320 Halton Drive, #D, Scottdale, GA 30079. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of September 10, 2014. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of September, 2014

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

Sex Offender

Cedric Candis 1756 Wee Kirk Road Atlanta, Georgia 30316 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 4/21/2003

Sex Offender

Leaundrea Kennedy Michael J. Oliver 4649 Memorial Drive 4815 Buford Highway Decatur, Georgia 30032 Chamblee, Georgia 30341 Charge of Sexual Abuse Charge of Sexual 1st Degree Exploitation of Children Convicted on 3/3/2007 Convicted on 8/26/2014

9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11

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

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV4468-7++ Towanda Warren Plaintiff Vs. Lacris Davenport Defendant To: Lacris Davenport By Order of the Court for service by publication dated September 10, 2014 you are hereby notified that on September 4, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the

Sex Offender

Allen J. Kaplar 2944 Monterey Drive Decatur, Georgia 30032 Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 2/24/2006

Vincent L. Lett 303 East Wick Circle Decatur, Georgia 30032 Charge of Child Molestation/Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 9/5/2003

Ivan Whitehead 4371 Glenwood Road Bldg C Apt 1 Decatur, Georgia 30032 Charge of Lewd Lascivious Act Child Under 14 YOA Convicted on 10/24/1989

CrossRoadsNews

September 27, 2014

Scene

The play, which shares a glimpse of the origins of the characters in Wilson’s Century Cycle, is part history, part art, and all storytelling. August Wilson’s “How I Learned What I Learned” will be staged at the Southwest Arts Center.

Clayton to speak at NAACP dinner Tickets are now on sale for the DeKalb NAACP’s 58th annual Freedom Fund Awards Dinner taking place on Oct. 18 at Saint Philip AME Church’s Family Life Center. Trumpet Awards Foundation founder, president and CEO Xernona Clayton will be the featured speaker at the event. It starts at 7 p.m. The Freedom Banquet is the NAACP’s main fundraiser for the year. The church is at 240 Candler Road S.E. in Atlanta. For tickets, sponsorships or other information, contact Teresa Hardy at naacpdek@comcast.net or 404-241-8006. Xernona Clayton DeKalb School of the Arts touring companies, which include actors, dancers, instrumentalists and vocalists, will perform Oct. 3-5 at Kyle Theater in Avondale Estates.

August Wilson’s way on stage August Wilson’s autobiographical oneman show, “How I Learned What I Learned,” will be staged at the Southwest Arts Center in Atlanta on Oct. 7 to Nov. 2. Acclaimed stage and film actor Eugene Lee will portray Wilson in the show co-conceived and directed by Wilson’s longtime collaborator, Todd Kreidler. Lee is no stranger to Eugene Lee Wilson’s work. He has appeared in four of Wilson’s plays at the Kennedy Center, in “Radio Golf ” and “Gem of the Ocean,” and in Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre’s production of “Two Trains Running” in May 2008. His stage credits also include “Home,” “Sons and Fathers of Sons,” “Manhattan Made Me,” and the Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Soldier’s Play.” His film credits include “The Women of Brewster Place,” “Menace to Society,” “Static,” and “Fraternity Boys.” Television credits include “The Women of Brewster Place.” On Oct. 8, True Colors Theatre founder Kenny Leon will host a pre-show talk at 6:30 p.m. Leon, who was Wilson’s friend and

collaborator, will answer questions about working with him. At 8 p.m., Oct. 8 ticket holders will hear Wilson’s personal stories about his encounters with racism, music, love, violence, and life-changing friendships as a young poet in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Wilson, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, played himself in “How I Learned What I Learned” at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2003. The play, which shares a glimpse of the origins of the characters in Wilson’s critically acclaimed Century Cycle, is part history, part art, and all storytelling. Nine of the 10 Century Cycle plays are set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. In the monologues of “How I Learned What I Learned,” theater lovers see how Wilson’s neighborhood and the politics, history and personalities influenced his world view, long before his pen met paper. The Southwest Arts Center is at 915 New Hope Road. All tickets for the Oct. 8 show are $20. For group sales, contact Joe Phillips at jphillips@truecolorstheatre.org or at 404375-2104. For tickets and information, visit www.truecolorstheatre.org.

DSA song and dance season opener The touring companies of DeKalb School of the Arts students will dance, sing and act on Oct. 3-5 as their new season opens with eight performances at Kyle Theater in Avondale Estates. The school’s Dance Repertory Company/ Show Choirs, Instrumentalists and Drama Ensemble will perform. Shows take place at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dean Williams, DSA dance company’s director, says audiences will get to see the school’s talented students who are available for bookings to perform at school, church or business meetings. “There is something for everyone,” he said.

Premiere weekend opens on Oct. 3 with performances by the Dance Repertory Company and the school’s vocal ensembles, Highleit and ProArté. On Oct. 4, the school’s instrumental ensembles, Strolling Strings and the DSA Jazz Band, will perform. The Drama Ensemble will premiere its competition-ready production of “Spoon River Anthology.” The weekend culminates on Sunday with Highleit, ProArté and “Spoon River Anthology.” Adult tickets are $12, and student tickets are $6. For tickets, contact dsa-box-office@ fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us or 678-676-2552. DSA is at 1192 Clarendon Ave. in Avondale Estates.

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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

CrossRoadsNews

September 27, 2014

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.

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5754 Covington Hwy. Decatur, GA 30035 Located INSIDE the Citgo Gas Station CALL OR TEXT 404 939-7792 Find Us on Instagram public notice PUBLIC NOTICE NorSouth Development in cooperation with the Housing Development Corp. of DeKalb is currently accepting Statements of Qualification for the following professionals for Mills Creek Crossing and The Reserve at Mills Creek, two apartment communities to be located in Scottdale, DeKalb County.

NorSouth is committed to subcontracting with MBE, WBE and Section 3 businesses. This project is covered under the requirements of Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968. Businesses operated by Section 3 residents and businesses from the DeKalb County area are encouraged to apply. To find out if you are a Section 3 resident or business please visit http://tinyurl.com/nbsunev. Section 3 qualifying businesses and MBE/WBE will be given a bid scoring preference per federal, state and local requirements.

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The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) will conduct a Public Policy Listening Tour meeting on Sunday, September 28, 2014 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur, Georgia, 30030. Members of the disability community, their family and friends are encouraged to help shape the legislative agenda for GCDD by attending and sharing their comments and opinions with the agency’s public policy staff members. Additional information is available via the GCDD website www.gcdd.org or by calling 404-657-2126. For media inquiries, contact Valerie Meadows Suber, GCDD Public Information Director, by email at valerie.suber@gcdd.ga.gov or by phone at (404) 657-2122 or (404) 801-7873.