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JULY 21, 2018 Stay connected
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Initiative launched to provide affordable homes in South DeKalb By Valerie J. Morgan
A
tlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP) has announced a three-year initiative to provide affordable homeownership and new capitol to improve areas hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis in DeKalb County. ANDP President and CEO John O’Callaghan said the private, nonprofit organization is investing $20 million in the “Home South DeKalb” initiative, which will target ZIP codes such as 30038 and 30035, which have among the highest percentage of negative equities. O’Callaghan said the initiative includes dozens of partners—from banking and lending institutions to developers and builders to community and governmental entities—all working together to provide housing, health and educational resources to homeowners. The initiative will expand ANDP’s footprint in DeKalb, where the organization has purchased, rehabbed and sold more than 200 single-family homes since ANDP was created in 1991 to promote, create and preserve affordable housing throughout metro Atlanta. The new effort will result in 100 newly redeveloped single-family homes, O’Callaghan said. “We are excited to launch this holistic housing initiative to South DeKalb,” said O’Callaghan said. “We’re going to be focused on homeownership. It’s not exclusively homeownership, but we believe that’s key. We’re going to be acquiring, rehabbing, perhaps some new construction, single-family homes that are going to be for sale largely to low to moderate income homeowners.” O’Callaghan said the initiative also would a include a lease-purchase
Pictured L-R: Commissioner Larry Johnson, ANDP President and CEO John O’Callaghan, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, Commissioner Jeff Rader, Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson and Commissioner Gregory Adams. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
component, down payment assistance programs through Wells Fargo and other lenders, as well as the Home Depot Foundation, which provides down payment assistance for veterans. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, who joined O’Callaghan at the July 18 news conference for the announcement, applauded ANDP’s investment in DeKalb. “The Home South DeKalb initiative complements the county’s renewed commitment to eradicating blight, improving affordable housing opportunities and enhancing quality of life for all DeKalb County residents,” said Thurmond. “When we create homeownership opportunity, particularly for people of color, it’s not just the roof but it is also the wealth—the generational wealth—that you create.” County officials say the initiative is one that is sorely needed in South DeKalb. More than 10 years after the start
of the foreclosure crisis, South DeKalb homeowners are struggling with the aftermath of underwater home values. South DeKalb lost more than 18,000 homeowners during the foreclosure crisis, and nearly one in three of its homeowners now owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. DeKalb Commissioner Jeff Rader, presiding officer of the Board of Commissioners, praised the supportive partnerships built into the program. Rader, along with Commissioners Larry Johnson, Gregory Adams and Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson, attended the news conference for the ANDP announcement. “We saw the dangers of unsupported homeownership in DeKalb when we saw a great rise in foreclosures and people’s credit ruined, their lives destabilized and the loss of a major investment. That is going to be something that this effort will help to substantially counter act and not only will it do it for those who participate directly in the program, it’s going to raise the bar in DeKalb County where we will be able to build that sort of sustained homeownership and intergenerational wealth.
DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson said he hopes that ANDP’s initiatives will also fuel the economy. “We’re doing so much to move us forward. We’re going to make this work. We’re going to make you proud. We just need more investments. We want to have more jobs to go along with homeownership,” said Johnson. Adams said he sees ANDP’s effort as a way to continue building bridges in DeKalb. “It’s so key that we come together to build bridges. As we work with the banks and our constituents, we are strengthening our neighborhoods,” Adams said. Mayor Jackson also applauded the Home South DeKalb initiative and CEO Thurmond. “We are really excited about this opportunity. We applaud the leadership of our county CEO and commissioner. While the impact of the housing crisis has faded from the headlines, the results of the crisis continues to affect many families particularly in South DeKalb,” said Jackson. “The issue of negative equity where the value of the property is less than the mortgage that is owed is still a serious problem in many of our communities.
Armed teens lead Conyers Police on chase after burglarizing 18 cars By Valerie J. Morgan
C
onyers Police are looking for a group of armed men, believed to be teens, who brazenly burglarized 18 cars in two neighborhoods before leading police on a high-speed chase onto I-20. Police said the group of suspects, about eight of them, broke into several cars during early morning in the Travers Creek and Windsor Creek communities as residents slept on July 18. The suspects walked from car to car, checking for unlocked doors and then breaking into locked cars, stealing various items. One victim, Diane Strauss, said she dialed 911 after hearing her car alarm go off and peeking through a window and seeing the thieves breaking into her car and others. She said one of the suspects pointed an AK-47 pistol at her. Police arrived immediately after the 911 call and pursued the suspects as they sped through the Travers Creek community in two cars onto Sigman Road. Some of the suspects jumped out of one of the vehicles, and ran to the second vehicle. As police caught up with the vehicle and did a pit maneuver, the teens’ car crashed into a median but kept going. The suspects then sped away in the crashed vehicle onto I-20, eluding police. “We ended the chase for the safety
Conyers Police released Texaco surveillance video of the teen suspects believed to be involved in the auto burglaries in the Travers Creek and Windsor Creek communities.
of other drivers who were on I-20,” said Conyers Police Captain Jackie Dunn. Dunn said officers recovered several wallets, IDs and a stolen AK-47 pistol from the vehicle the suspects abandoned. Dunn said one of the vehicles the teen used during the burglary spree was stolen out of Atlanta. The other vehicle, which was recovered by DeKalb County Police, was stolen from Chamblee. Dunn said the suspects are extremely dangerous. “These aren’t the usual pranks that teens pull. They are endangering the lives of others. They have guns,” said Dunn.
Dunn said the problem with teens carrying guns to commit crimes is growing. “We’re seeing juveniles on almost a daily basis and they have guns. We see them over and over again. The justice system keeps putting them back out there,” said Dunn. Travers Creek experienced a rash of car burglaries last year and two teens were arrested after they were found trespassing at Towers High School in DeKalb County. Jontavious Clark, 17, and a 16-year-old juvenile were found in a vehicle stolen out of Conyers. They also allegedly were found in possession
of items stolen from over a dozen vehicles in the Calloway Crossing and Travers Creek neighborhoods in Conyers. Dunn said surveillance video from a Texaco gas station captured several of the suspects in the July 18 burglaries on camera around 4:13 a.m. when the teens stopped for gas. The 911 call from Travers Creek came in about 4:40 a.m. Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to contact Conyers Police or Crime Stoppers at 404-577TIPS. Tipsters can receive a reward up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.
PAGE 2 • JULY 21, 2018
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DeKalb Sheriff’s Office arrests armed robbery suspect Edward Orlando Edward Gerard Orlando, 23, of Decatur, was indicted by a Grand Jury in May 2018 but did not appear in DeKalb County Superior Court on June 12, 2018 to face charges of Armed Robbery and Theft by Receiving Stolen Property. When the DeKalb Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit attempted to serve a bench warrant issued for his Failure to Appear, Orlando took refuge in an apartment on Shellbark Road in Decatur. Adjacent units were evacuated as a cautionary procedure and Sheriff's Office SWAT unit negotiators were brought in to secure his surrender. Edward Gerard Orlando Orlando was taken into custody without incident and transported to the DeKalb County Jail. The charges resulted from an incident on Oct. 22, 2017 on Glenwood Road in Decatur when, according to warrants, the suspect allegedly used a semi-automatic handgun to rob two individuals of cellphones, jewelry and money. Orlando was apprehended at the scene by DeKalb Police, who were nearby. Authorities say two other alleged perpetrators fled. The firearm in Orlando's possession was later determined to be stolen.
DeKalb jail inmate dies of apparent suicide The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports that an inmate has died of an apparent suicide while in custody at the DeKalb County Jail. Officers performing security checks at the DeKalb County Jail found 26-year-old Damien Christopher Boyd of Stone Mountain, Georgia unresponsive and inside a cell in the early hours of Monday, July 16. Emergency medical services were rendered immediately by the jail’s medical Damien Christopher Boyd staff and DeKalb Fire Rescue but Mr. Boyd was pronounced dead at the scene. The DeKalb Medical Examiner’s report and official cause of death have not been received. Boyd was arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office without incident on Sunday, July 15, at a Stone Mountain residence on a probation violation warrant issued in May 2018 by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. He was facing charges of Giving False Information to Law Enforcement and No Valid Driver’s License, and he was scheduled to be extradited to the Gwinnett County Jail.
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JULY 21, 2018 • PAGE 3
Leon H. Williams, adopted father, convicted of drowning son in bathtub PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
A DeKalb County jury has convicted a Decatur man of murder for the drowning death of his newly-adopted son. Jurors returned guilty verdicts against 44-year-old Leon Harvey Williams on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (three counts), Aggravated Assault-Family Violence, and Aggravated Battery-Family Violence in connection with the death of 10-year-old Kentae Williams whom he had recently adopted five months prior to the child’s death. The victim died on April 28, 2017 following a series of incidents involving Williams. According to the
Leon Harvey Williams
investigation, neighbors heard Williams, apparently upset with the child’s behavior at school, yelling at and threatening the child while dragging him by his neck around their Glen Hollow Drive apartment complex. One neighbor reported hearing the Defendant say, “You’re
Southeast DeKalb Concerned Citizens Coalition hosted a political forum on July 18 at Redan Trotti Library. DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Gregory Adams and State Superior Court Judge candidate Latisha Dear-Jackson were the only candidates in attendance of the approximately 15 invited candidates who are running in the June 24 runoff election. About 35 community members attended the event and participated in submitting cards with a variety of questions, ranging from elected officials’ accountability to SPLOST projects. –Photos by Travis Hudgons
The public is invited to a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) open house on Thursday, July 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 East Court Square, Decatur. Residents will be formally introduced to the SPLOST Oversight Committee and the SPLOST Program Management Team, Moreland Altobelli. DeKalb County will receive an estimated $388 million in revenue over the next six years as a result of the SPLOST that was approved by voters in November 2017. SPLOST funding will be used to improve roads, public safety, parks, libraries, senior centers and health centers and, combined with the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST), will generate $110 million annually in residential property tax relief for six years. For more information about the SPLOST, visit www.dekalbsplost.com.
Runoff Election Day is JULY 24.
claimed it was an accident. Jurors rejected that defense. Williams will be sentenced during court proceedings on Aug. 3, 2018 by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Daniel Coursey. He faces a minimum sentence of life in prison. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Mirna Andrews with assistance from Deputy Chief District Attorney Dalia Racine, head of the District Attorney’s Sexual Exploitation and Crimes Against Children Unit (SECAC), and DA Investigator Takita Green. Detective Casey Benton of the DeKalb Police Department led the initial investigation.
Two run-off candidates show for Concerned Citizens forum
DeKalb to host SPLOST open house
GO VOTE.
gonna die tonight!” Shortly before his death, young Kentae was beaten with a belt and forced into the bathtub where scalding hot water caused second-degree burns to his feet. The child’s head was then submerged under water twice after he complained about the water temperature. Williams called emergency crews to the home after the child lost consciousness. The victim was rushed to the hospital where he later died. Williams was arrested the following day. During his initial interview with police, Williams admitted to striking the child with a belt multiple times, holding him under water, and causing the burns to his feet, but he
Commissioner Gregory Adams
Latisha Dear-Jackson
PAGE 4 • JULY 21, 2018
Parks department, Atlanta Hawks Foundation to host back-to-school giveaway DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Atlanta Hawks Foundation will hold a backpack giveaway at N.H. Scott Recreation Center on Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. to noon, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur. The event aims to prepare students for a successful school year by providing children with book bags and school supplies. School supplies are limited and a guardian must be present with children to receive supplies.
Stonecrest Fest prepares for second annual event Plans are under way for the 2nd Annual Stonecrest Fest, which will be held on the first Saturday in October in the city of Stonecrest. The inaugural festival was held last year to celebrate history, culture, community, education and family fun in the city of Stonecrest. Charlotte Cain, founder of Stonecrest Fest, Inc., said she wanted to honor the celebration of the new city with a Fall festival each year. Cain served as the entertainment director for the Sweet Auburn Festival for 13 years. This year’s pre-festival will start the prior week with an event each night at a different venue in the city to highlight various aspects of the city and its citizens. For more information, visit www.stonecrestfest.com.
Fundraisers held to assist DeKalb police officer battling cancer DeKalb County Police Detective Darrel Price is battling cancer. The 10-year veteran is out of work on medical leave due to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is hosting a fundraiser to assist Price. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Dunkin Donuts, 2555 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. Detective Darrel Price Detective Price began his fight with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in April 2016. He has undergone treatment, but the cancer has returned and spread to other lymph nodes in his body. In April of this year, while at a routine lab appointment with his oncologist, Detective Price sustained severe nerve damage in his dominant arm. This injury is now preventing him from working. Those who would like to contribute but are unable to attend the fundraiser hosted by Commissioner Larry Johnson may donate online at the Darrel Price GoFundMe page.
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CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, AUGUST 7TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, AUGUST 20TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Land Use Petition(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-003 LDG Development 6554 Chupp Rd / 7247 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) / R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) / O-I (Office-Institutional) Request to change the conditions of zoning to construct 240 townhome units.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-004 Invictus Development Inc 6169 Hillvale Rd R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) Request to Special Land Use permit to construct a senior living facility.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-004 Invictus Development Inc 6169 Hillvale Rd R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) Request to change the zoning of the subject property from R-100 to MR-1 (Med Density Residential) to construct a senior living facility.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED:
AX 18-0001 Halpern Enterprises 6024 Covington Highway R-100 (Residential Medium Lot) Request to annex the western portion of this parcel into the City of Stonecrest and change the zoning of the subject property from C-1 w/conditions and MU-5 to MU- 5 to build a 160 townhomes subdivision.
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JULY 21, 2018 • PAGE 5
Rep. Johnson celebrates staff on being Constituent Services Award finalist Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) recently celebrated and recognized his staff – both in Washington, D.C. and the District – for being named finalist for the first-ever Democracy Awards, the Congressional Management Foundation’s new award recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices. “I want to commend the work of my staff – led by Chief of Staff Arthur Sidney and
District Director Kathy Register – that works hard every day in the service of constituents of Georgia’s Fourth District to help navigate federal agencies and explain policy and legislation in Washington,” said Johnson. “I am very proud of the great work that both offices perform and for being recognized as one of the best in the nation.” Since taking office in 2007, Congressman Johnson has worked to help secure more than $60 million for constituents
seeking help with federal agencies and corresponded with thousands of concerned constituents. Twenty House and Senate offices were honored as finalists in four categories: Constituent Service, Innovation, Transparency and Accountability, and “Life in Congress” – Workplace Environment. Rep. Johnson’s office finished runner-up to Rep. Raul Grijalva’s (D-AZ) office in the competition out of 435 House
of Representative offices. Rep. Johnson’s office was the only office in the Georgia delegation to be recognized. “While we didn’t receive first place that doesn’t really matter,” said Johnson. “What matters are the constituents in Georgia’s Fourth and Taking Care of Home First. We will never forget why we are here – and that’s to serve the common good for our citizens. We look forward to continuing to do our best every day on their behalf.”
Congressman Hank Johnson
Colet Odenigo sworn in as Juvenile Court Administrator in DeKalb A crowd of nearly 100 people gathered to join in the celebration of the swearing in of the newly-appointed Juvenile Court Administrator, Colet Odenigbo on June 13. Odenigbo, the former Chief of Staff to DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, thanked supporters and expressed gratitude and appreciation for the many people who came to celebrate the mark of this new chapter for the Juvenile Courts in DeKalb. "I am so thankful and humbled
to have this opportunity to serve our community and our youth with the highest level of service", Odenigbo said. Odenigbo, a former employee of the Juvenile Court, was received by members of his family, the public and employees of the Courts. Congressman Hank Johnson and DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson's offices presented proclamations to Odenigbo in honor of his new appointment.
Photo provided
DeKalb honored for Digital Excellence in Government
During its annual conference, the National Association of Counties and the Center for Digital Government recognized DeKalb County and employees for utilizing technology solutions that enable and empower citizens, businesses and the government. The county won seventh place
for counties with 500,000 to 999,999 citizens in the 15th anniversary Digital Counties Survey. The national survey measures county technologydriven performance and innovation. It evaluates counties on 10 characteristics, including transparency, mobility, citizen
engagement, collaboration, security, personnel, connectivity, efficiency, resiliency and innovation. “DeKalb County is honored that its efforts to architect and lead technology innovation in county government is being recognized as we continue to deploy technologies that
PUBLIC NOTICE
enhance services, promote engagement and provide benefits to our residents, constituents and stakeholders,” said Chief Innovation and Information Officer John Matelski. Over the past year, DeKalb County has enhanced its services by leveraging technology in several ways, including:
• Finalized the Hansen Development Services system to enhance operational efficiencies, transparency and customer service across multiple departments by allowing customer interaction for the processing and issuance of
SEE DEKALB page 6
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners has The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners does tentatively adopted a 2018 millage rate which will hereby announce that the 2018 millage rate will be set require an increase in property taxes by 9.85 percent. at a meeting to be held at the Assembly Hall located ard ofatCommissioners announce that the 2018 millage ratehearing will be se All concerned citizens are invited to the public 901 Main Street, Conyers, does GA 30012hereby on Tuesday, 2018 at Street, 10:00 a.m. Conyers, GA 30012 on on this tax increase to be held in the Hall10:00 a.m ted atAugust 9017,Main Tuesday, August 7,Assembly 2018 at located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 on ents Theof O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 do hereby publish the following presentation of the curre Pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 Rockdale County Board of Commissioners does hereby announce that the 2018 millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held Tuesday, July 24 at 10:00 a.m. The time and place of hereby following presentation of the atdo the Assembly Hall locatedpublish at 901 Main Street,the Conyers, GA 30012 on Tuesday, August levy 7, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. istory of the tax digest and for the pastanfive years. additional public hearings on this tax increase is in current year's tax digest andthe levy, alongof the with Pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 do hereby publish following presentation current the year's tax digest theof the tax digest andhistory levy, along withof the history tax digest and levy forand the past levy five years. for the past five the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, years. Georgia 30012 on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. CURRENT 2018 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
PUBLIC NOTICE
CURRENT 2018 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY ($ in 1,000's)
COUNTY WIDE
2013
Real & Personal Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber-100% Heavy Duty Equipment
2013
2014
2015
2,045,856 203,460 2,086 115 49
2,127,752 169,054 1,938 0 0
2,195,024 114,533 1,897 0 0
2,045,856 203,460 Gross Digest Total 2,251,566 Less M&O Exemptions 383,016 2,086 Net M&O Digest 1,868,550 115 Gross M&O Millage 20.70 49 0.00 Less Rollbacks Net M&O Millage
20.70
2,251,56638,679 383,016 Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase 1,868,550 Net Taxes Levied
20.70
2,298,744 387,457 1,911,287 20.24 0.00 20.24 38,684 5 0.0
($
2016 2,323,248 2014 86,580 2,027 0 0
2017
2,436,480 64,396 2,019 0 0
2,127,752 2,311,454 169,054 2,411,855 2,502,895 397,547 416,759 415,582 1,9382,087,313 1,913,907 1,995,096 0 20.19 20.19 20.19 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.19
20.19
20.19
40,281 42,143 2,298,744 -43 387,457 1,639 1,862 -0.1 1,911,287 4.2 4.6
38,642
20.24
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate in 1,000's) of 20.19 mills, an increase of 1.81 mills. Without 2018 this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no 2,667,125 2015 2016tax increase 49,581 more than 18.38 mills. The proposed 2,269 for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is 0 0 2,195,024 approximately $72.40 and the2,323,248 proposed tax increase 114,533 2,718,975 for non-homestead property with a86,580 fair market value of 428,044 1,897is approximately $217.20.2,027 $300,000 2,290,931 20.19 0.00 20.19 46,254 4,111 9.8
2
2,4
0 0 0 Board of Commissioner will hold 0 a Called Further, the
Meeting on Tuesday August, 7, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in 2,311,454 2,411,855 the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, 397,547 30012, for the purpose of setting416,759 the 2018 Millage Rate.
1,913,907
1,995,096
20.19
20.19
2,5 4 2,0
PAGE 6 • JULY 21, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Common myths about probate
By Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr.
T
here are several myths that have circulated for years regarding the time it takes to probate an estate and the expenses associated with the probate process. Many people assume these myths are correct simply because of what they have always heard. But, as I am sure we have all learned through the years, when we rely on what “they” said (which is often the source of the information that started the myth), more often than not there are inaccuracies in the information provided. A few of the common myths pertaining to the probate of an estate are: 1. If someone dies without a Will, the State will take their property.
This myth is simply not true, UNLESS, the heirs of the deceased person (“decedent”) fail to appear and make claim for or against the property owned by the decedent at death for which no disposition was provided for either by will or otherwise. This process, known as “escheat”, will only be utilized after a period of four years have passed and the personal representative petitions the probate court of the county in which the letters were granted for determination that the property has escheated to the State. If any alleged heir files an objection, a hearing will be held to determine the validity of the claim. 2. It takes years to probate an estate. Most estates can be resolved within six months to a year. If there is a will and none of the heirs contest it, the process should not take very long at all. After the proper notices have been given either by personal service or publication as required and the time for any objection has expired, or the heirs sign an Acknowledgement of Service and Assent to Probate Instanter, the probate process will move forward. However, if an heir does object, the process will be extended to resolve the issues raised in the objection.
3. The fees and expenses associated with the probate process will diminish the assets of the estate. The fees and expenses associated with the probate process generally consists of filing fees, including the costs of personal service or service by publication upon the decedent’s heirs. Attorney’s fees can vary depending upon various factors such as the standard rates for attorneys in the geographic area where the petition to probate is filed, as well as the experience and expertise of the attorney you choose. If an heir of the decedent contests the will, attorney’s fees can increase significantly. While this section does not claim to address every possible expense that could arise during the probate process, it does address those fees and expenses most commonly associated with the same. 4. I am required to leave at least $1.00 to my heirs to avoid them inheriting more. You are not required to leave anything to anyone in your will. Your assets may be distributed in any manner you choose. Even married persons can elect to leave their assets to someone other than their spouse, such as a charity, church, or organization. However,
if the decedent’s assets include real property titled to them and their spouse as joint tenants, the property will transfer to the surviving spouse after death. 5. The oldest child must serve as executor of their parent’s estate. There is absolutely no truth to this myth. The decedent can appoint anyone he or she chooses to serve as executor of their estate. In many cases the eldest child may not be the most responsible one, which is why the decedent appointed one of their younger children as executor. If an executor is named in the will, the court will generally appoint that person as executor unless an objection is filed and the court finds that there is a compelling reason not to follow the decedent’s instructions. The information included herein is only intended to address some of the common myths associated with the probate process. This information is not all inclusive, and should not be used as or considered to be legal advice. Throughout each month, the clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge— Rockdale’s elected constitutional officers—discuss topics relevant to their respective roles
11th Annual S.T.E.M.S Fair set at St. Philip A.M.E. Registration is under way for Saint Philip A.M.E. Church’s 11th Annual S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Fair. The event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 25, 8:30 a.m. to noon, in the church’s Marcia Moss Family Life and Administration Center, 1607 Richard Allen Drive, Decatur. The fair will expose students to S.T.E.M. careers through hands-on activities with professionals in science, engineering, and math, as well as a variety of technical careers. Growth
DEKALB continued from page 5
building permits, business and alcohol licenses and more. • Enhanced the legislation process management system featuring agendas, meeting minutes and on demand videos that are available to the public. • Streamlined the County’s mobileresponsive, customer-focused website that allows ease-of-viewing across different devices. • Increased engagement with citizens through social media and a countywide weekly e-newsletter. • Enhanced cyber security systems to proactively prevent and manage threats. • Expanded deployment of the Integrated Justice Information System that allows for all law enforcement and court agencies to collaborate, eliminating duplicate data sources and simplifying agency interactions. • Modernized the Public Safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system enhancing dispatch and tracking for 911 and related calls.
in S.T.E.M-related jobs is projected to double through 2024 resulting in
increased demands for an educated and prepared U.S. workforce. St. Philip’s Resource Ministry is working to make sure middle and high school students are exposed to careers to encourage their interest in pursuing S.T.E.M.S opportunities. Exhibitors will include TRS Robotics, 3-D Printing, Blueprint Camp LLL, DeKalb County Extension Service 4-H, Young Women in Biology, Clorox, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others. Each student who attends will
receive a backpack with school supplies. There also will be parent workshops on how to prepare students for college, education resources to compete effectively, and information on summer programs and leadership experiences to supplement students’ educational experience. To register for the S.T.E.M.S. event, visit www.spccareerresourceministry. org. The deadline is Aug. 19. For more information, visit: www. saintphilip.org or call Saint Philip A.M.E. at 404-371-0749.
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JULY 21, 2018 • PAGE 7
Crowd packs teacher job fair at Cultural Exchange Breakfast The Cultural Exchange Breakfast partnered on July 14 with the DeKalb County School District to host a mini job fair at the House of Hope(Greater Travelers Rest Church in Decatur. Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and DeKalb School Board member Vicki B. Turner, who host the monthly breakfast, said the turnout for the job fair was a tremendous success. A total of 155 attended and 20 candidates received teacher recommendations. “Thank you for an amazing opportunity to partner and provide breakfast and employment opportunities for the community,” said Bernice W. Gregory, Chief of the Division of Human Capital Management for the DeKalb County School District.
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