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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 47
FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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Sukisha Kilgore, first woman sworn in as postmaster general of Lithonia Post Office By Valerie J. Morgan As the nation celebrates Black History Month, the city of Lithonia is honoring a trailblazer of its own in February. The Lithonia Post Office has a new Postmaster General: Sukisha Kilgore, who was sworn in on Feb. 15 as the first woman to hold the position since the Lithonia facility opened 79 years ago in 1949. She is the ninth postmaster to serve the city and at the helm, Kilgore oversees 120 employees. Terry Clemons, manager of Post Office Operations, administered the oath of office as Kilgore stood before a crowd of guests at the Stone Manor Event Center, located in the city of Lithonia. Lithonia Mayor Shameka Reynolds came
Pictured left to right: Terry Clemons, manager of Post Office Operations; Sukisha Kilgore; and her mother, Emma Jones, and father, Harvey Jones. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
out to witness the historic ceremony and personally congratulate Kilgore. “We are so very proud of her for this accomplishment,” Reynolds
said. Kilgore, 39, began her career in February 2000 as a clerk in the North Metro Postal Service’s processing/ distribution center in Duluth.
“I came to the Post Office straight out of high school. I thought it was a good path for me to take because of job security and the opportunity for
promotion,” said Kilgore, an Augusta native. Kilgore said her mother, Janice Best, who has worked for the U.S. Postal Service nearly 30 years and is now manager of customer service at the Northside Post Office in Atlanta, encouraged her to apply. “I took the test and eventually, I was hired,” said Kilgore. Kilgore, whom supervisors and co-workers lauded as a dedicated, hard worker during her swearingin ceremony, began climbing the corporate ladder in 2005, serving in managerial positions with the City of Atlanta Post Office and Decatur/Wesley Chapel Post Office before making her way to the Lithonia Post Office. “She has always been ambitious. She would take
SEE POSTMASTER page 7
The DeKalb County Senate Delegation meets with Stonecrest’s five council members on Feb. 19 at the Georgia Capitol. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Stonecrest files to dismiss lawsuit against Councilwoman Cobble
By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer
making his decision to allow Cobble to keep her seat on the council, however, Scott said he was not “hung up on due process issues.” He said the city had until Feb. 18 to request a reconsideration of his decision. The city, however, requested dismissal of the case. “I don’t think anyone really knew how to go about requesting an excused absence. In this political climate that we exist in, I think that it’s been made clear across America that you just don’t remove people from office by vote of the body,” Scott had said during the court hearing. Cobble said in an email regarding the city’s dismissal of the case: “I am glad we can now focus on the work of the people and avoid further litigation on these issues. We
Rockdale County’s Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten and NewRock Legal Society recently hosted about 50 students for their annual youth law camp. The free one-day camp, now in it’s fifth year, was held on Feb. 17 in the Rockdale Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten Courtroom where participants got a firsthand look into the legal profession. The students were out of school for President’s Day. The daylong camp kicked off with a complimentary breakfast and greetings by Rockdale County Clerk of Magistrate Court, Patricia Carreker, and the immediate past president of NewRock Legal Society, Rockdale County Commissioner Sherri Washington. Attendees learned the ins and outs of a law career, while attending various workshops on obtaining a legal educational, exploring law-related careers and the criminal justice system. Students got an introduction to crime scene investigations, as well as the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test in a live mock trial. Judge Aten, who founded the camp in 2016, provided the keynote address, “Justice Forward.” Aten is the county’s first African-American female judge and first female Chief Magistrate Judge.
SEE LAWSUIT page 7
SEE CAMP page 7
State lawmakers to file bills to amend city’s charter The city of Stonecrest has dismissed its lawsuit to determine if Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble should forfeit her elected seat on the council, due to absences, based on the city’s charter. Attorneys Emily Macheski-Preston and Thompson Kurrie filed a notice to dismiss the case without prejudice on behalf of the city and Mayor Jason Lary on Feb. 18, bringing a close to the civil action case (No 20CV2341). The dismissal follows DeKalb Superior Court Judge Mark Anthony Scott’s ruling on Feb. 14, denying the city’s request to seeka temporary restraining order against Cobble until a declaratory judgment seeking clarity on the city’s charter could be determined. In
Rockdale Judge Phinia Aten hosts youth legal camp for fifth consecutive year, offers college book scholarship
PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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Customers stand outside the store where flowers were left on owner Tesfaye Birru’s car and at the store’s front door. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Tic Toc Food Mart owner shot to death STONECREST—Grieving friends and supporters made a makeshift memorial outside of the Tic Toc Food Mart on Evans Mill Road in DeKalb County. They placed flowers and stuffed animals near the door to remember the store’s owner, who was shot to death as he was closing the store on Feb. 19. The deadly shooting took place around 10 p.m. Police said they believe someone waited for Tesfaye Birru, 57, as he closed for the night. A friend said Birru was often seen taking his night deposit from the store to his car. Police found Birru’s body on the ground next to his car. Birru and his wife worked at the store. Those who knew Birru said he was a kind and compassionate. Mike McClendon, who owns a restaurant in the area, said he was saddened to learn that Birru had been shot. “It bothered me. I feel the loss because he worked in the community just like me. He was a small businessman out here trying to make it,” said McClendon. “Sometimes, I would see him in there making sandwiches. It’s really said. It’s just getting to the point that crime is so bad. Something has to be done. ” At On Common Ground News’ deadline on Thursday, Feb. 20, police were still investigating the shooting. They were reviewing surveillance tapes searching for leads. Anyone who has any information regarding the shooting should contact DeKalb County Police.
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FEBRUARY 21, 2020 • PAGE 3
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
Left to right: Al Swann, chairman of Beulah Atheltics Department; Charlie Henderson, chairman Beulah Family Life Center Advisory Board; Principal Clifton Spears; Anthony Love, vice chairman Beulah Family Center Advisory Board; Shewanda Pattillo, Cedar Grove Athletic Director; and Cedar Grove Head Coach Miguel Patrick. Pastor Jerry D. Black (top, center) stands in the pulpit.
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie N. Morgan
mackenzie@ocgnews.com Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News 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 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com
Rockdale Democrats to host Post 1 BOC candidates The Rockdale Democrats will welcome candidates for the Board of Commissioners Post 1 seat at its meeting on Feb. 22. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at Nehemiah Empowerment Group Ministries, 2431 Iris Drive, Conyers. The Post 1 candidates incumbent Sherri Washington, Takela Levett, Renee Simpson will share their platforms and field questions.
Stonecrest students help design parks and rec master plan By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer
S
everal students were recognized at a recent Stonecrest City Council meeting for contributing key data for the department’s master plan, which is still underway. Parks and Rec Director Sean DePalma, along with Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and Councilman Jimmy Clanton, honored the students’ efforts by shining the spotlight on them during a special presentation at the Feb. 10 meeting. Student representatives from Lithonia and Arabia Mountain High Schools’ Student Government Associations conducted school-wide surveys generating more than 1,300 completed surveys between the two schools. DePalma said the survey results submitted by the two schools exceeded the total number of surveys received from the entire city. “We made a conscious decision to strategically engage the community at large, including the youth, and they really took the torch and ran with it. These are really well-educated young people and they did an amazing job,” said DePalma. Students from Lithonia High School said they wanted to see an emphasis placed on wellness and mental health. Students also reported a desire to see an increase in fitness, cultural and performing arts programs as well as youth sports in the next five years. Students also reported a desire to see improvements made to facilities including basketball courts, aquatic centers and pools and playgrounds and the addition of outdoor adventure parks, indoor athletic fields and playgrounds in the city of Stonecrest. Students from Arabia Mountain High School got creative and used QR code technology to survey students. They found that their peers were interested in youth sports leagues, and finding solutions to mitigate crime by ensuring all facilities had adequate lighting and providing surveillance and security. “It’s a five- to 10-year plan that will be used to enhance our parks and recreation programs through 2030. It is projected to be brought to mayor and council in April,” said DePalma.
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State Champions, Cedar Grove High honored by Beulah Missionary Baptist DECATUR—Beulah Missionary Baptist Church recently honored the Cedar Grove High School football team as the 2019 3A State Champions. The “Dynasty team” was recognized for winning the most recent championship and for earning the title three out of the last four years: 2016, 2018, and 2019. “We are proud to have neighbors who are champions and to welcome them to Beulah to offer our congratulations and our support,” said Beulah’s Pastor Jerry D. Black. “Cedar Grove is a beloved part of our community and we can only pray that the school and all of it departments go higher.” Pastor Black and Beulah presented a special award of recognition to the principal of Cedar High School, Clifton Spears, and to the head football coach, Miguel Patrick. Spears thanked Beulah and expressed the school’s desire to continue to work with Beulah and its Family Life Center. The team’s attendance at Beulah marked the official partnership and plan between Beulah and the Cedar Grove High School. The two will continue to work together to support the Cedar Grove student-athletes, mainly through the Beulah Community Family Life Center. “We must reach out and go outside the walls of the church to help our boys and girls become young men and women,” said Al Swann, chairman of the Athletics Department at Beulah. The Beulah Community Family Life Center, located on the church campus at 2340 Clifton Springs Road, offers a full range of fitness, water fitness and life enrichment programs.
*SPECIAL CALLED MEETING FOR CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD, SUITE 155 STONECREST, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, MARCH 23RD 2020 AT 7:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD, SUITE 155 STONECREST, GA 30038 The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above: LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-20-001 Blue Ridge Atlantic Development 6086-6100 Hillandale Drive MR-1 (Med Density Residential) District Requesting to rezone subject property from MR-1 (Med Density Residential) to MR-2 (Med Density Residential) for the development of 120 units of workforce housing.
Hillcrest Church of Christ
1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm
BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am
"You are invite to attend our Worship Service dressed in African Attire with a Soul Food Luncheon afterward on February 23rd”
PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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Rockdale invites community to discuss economic development
New appointments made at City of Stonecrest Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary recently announced the promotions of several of the city’s key staff members: • Clarence Boone and Al Franklin were promoted as senior directors • Chris Wheeler was promoted as the city's new Planning and Development Director • Sonya Isom was promoted to the Deputy City Clerk • William Settle was promoted to Business Development Director • Tuyanna Daniel was promoted to City Planner • LaRhonda Sutton became the Director of the Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment. • Megan Reid, the city clerk, will be the city's first employee to be hired from the city’s partnership with Jacobs (formerly CH2M).
DeKalb District Attorney Boston to host 5TH annual “Love Run” 5K for domestic violence survivors DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston is inviting the public to join her in the fight against domestic violence. On Saturday, Feb. 29, the District Attorney’s Office is hosting the 5th Annual Love Run 5K to raise awareness about teen dating violence and funds for domestic violence survivors in commemoration of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. According to national statistics, one in three adolescents is a victim of a dating partner’s District Attorney Sherry Boston physical, sexual, emotional, and/or verbal abuse. Sadly, only 33 percent of teens report that abuse. “We must continue to shine a spotlight on this disturbing epidemic impacting our youth,” said District Attorney Boston, who created the Love Run 5K in 2016 while serving as DeKalb County SolicitorGeneral. “Educating our community about the cycle of intimate partner violence plays an integral role in prevention. We hope to raise awareness and save lives,” said Boston. The Love Run 5K is a family-friendly event, which attracts both walkers and runners. The race is electronically chip-timed as participants follow a fast-paced, AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifying course through historic downtown Decatur. The event will kick off from the Decatur Square, 101 E. Court St., Decatur, at 8:30 a.m. To register, visit www.DeKalbDA.org. On-site registration is also available at Big Peach Running Company- Decatur. Proceeds will benefit the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence (WRC). To date, the Love Run 5K has generated more than $22,000 for WRC. On Common Ground News is a sponsor of the event. To learn more about Teen Dating Violence, visit www.loveisrespect.org.
Community meeting set to discuss new Stone Mountain senior center DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw will host a community meeting on the proposed District 4 senior center on Monday, Feb. 24, 6 to 8 p.m., at Antioch A.M.E. Church, 765 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain. The public is encouraged to attend and receive an update on the proposed design and center programming services for constituents. The senior center will be located on a 2.7-acre, county-owned parcel at 4875 Elam Road, Stone Steve Bradshaw Mountain. Wood Inc., the architect of record, will be present to discuss the design, receive feedback and answer questions. “Since the first community meeting that was held last June, we have made a lot of progress towards this new state-of-the-art District 4 senior community multicenter,” Bradshaw said. “The center will have the added amenity of a saltwater swimming pool. I look forward to sharing the proposed design and programming amenities with my constituents’ and hearing from them on the center design and programming.”
Commissioner Post 1, Sherri L. Washington and Rockdale County Planning and Development Department in partnership local community organizations bring the ‘Growing Everyday: Strong, Steady, Sustainable’ meeting to the community. This meeting will be held on Feb. 27, 6 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. The purpose of this public meeting is to kick off Sherri Washington the Economic Development Strategic Plan. During the meeting several speakers will discuss and focus on the current demographics and status of existing business in Rockdale County. “We are looking for new ways to move Rockdale County forward,” said Washington. “We want to make sure the citizens understand what it takes to make Rockdale County stand out in our region as it relates to economic development.” The meeting will feature speakers from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Catalyst and the Mighty 8th Media to talk about the regional business landscape in the Atlanta Metro area, current trends, opportunities for Rockdale to grow and the importance of branding strategy. For more information, contact Rockdale County Department of Planning and Development at 770-278-7100.
Rockdale water resources systems restored After the recent ransomware attack, Rockdale Water Resource’s (RWR) systems have been restored. “RWR wants to thank the residents of Rockdale for your patience and understanding during the recent outage. Rockdale County apologizes for the inconvenience and is putting measures in place to prevent this from happening again,” Rockdale County said in a news release on Feb. 20. During the outage, RWR stopped all disconnects for failure to pay and any additional late fees to ensure there were no negative impacts to customers. County officials said any account that requires immediate attention, as well as residents who need to make a payment, may do so: Online at https://ipn2.paymentus.com/cp/rwr Via telephone at 1-844-396-2347(Available 24 hours) In person at 958 Milstead Avenue, Conyers For additional help or questions, residents are encouraged to contact Water Resources Customer Service office Monday- Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 770-278-7400.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLANS ENTITLED “THE CITY OF STONECREST CITY HALL URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN” AND “THE CITY OF STONECREST GOVERNMENT COMPLEX URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN” TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 2nd day of March 2020, at 6:00 p.m., at City Hall at 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard in Stonecrest, Georgia, the City Council of the City of Stonecrest (the “City”) will hold public hearings on (1) an urban redevelopment plan entitled “The City of Stonecrest City Hall Urban Redevelopment Plan” (the “City Hall Plan”) and (2) an urban redevelopment plan entitled “The City of Stonecrest Government Complex Urban Redevelopment Plan” (the “Government Complex Plan”). The City Hall Plan sets forth an urban redevelopment project for the urban redevelopment area of approximately 17.802 acres located in the City at 2994 Turner Hill Road. The general scope of the urban redevelopment project set forth in the City Hall Plan consists of the acquisition of real property that is improved by an existing building containing approximately 131,514 square feet, which was used as a “Sam’s Club,” and the renovation of such building for use by the City as its City Hall. The Government Complex Plan sets forth an urban redevelopment project for the urban redevelopment area of approximately 15.167 acres located in the City at 8020 Mall Parkway. The general scope of the urban redevelopment project set forth in the Government Complex Plan consists of the acquisition of real property that is improved by two existing buildings containing approximately 144,391 aggregate square feet, which were used as a “Sears Department Store and Automotive Center,” and the renovation of such buildings for use by the City for public safety purposes and for lease by the City to other state and local governmental entities. Any interested person may submit oral or written comments on the City Hall Plan or the Government Complex Plan at the hearing. Both plans are on file at City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, Stonecrest, Georgia, and a copy of either plan may be obtained from the City Clerk of the City. City Clerk, City of Stonecrest
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“I STILL DO”
FEBRUARY 21, 2020 • PAGE 5
60 couples renew marriage vows at Voices of Faith’s mass wedding
STONE MOUNTAIN – Love filled the air as 60 couples renewed their vows in a mass wedding ceremony, “I Still Do,” at Voices of Faith Ministries on Sunday, Feb. 16. Two generations of the same family were among those who tied the knot again: Raymond and Jessica Johnson, married for 40 years, renewed their vows. So did their daughter, Regina, and son-in-law Delwin Wright, married for two years. Son, Raymond Johnson, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Joi, married for 18 years, also renewed their vows. The family of six, who were lined up behind one another, smiled as they made their way down the aisle. Voices of Faith’s pastor and founder, Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. and his wife, First Lady Pamela Hawkins, led the processional. Their son, Garrison Hawkins, 6, served as ring bearer, and Kellie Brown, 6, the daughter of Kareen and Dwight Brown, served as the flower girl. The mass vow renewal ceremony, which was held following the church’s 11:30 a.m. worship service, was a first for Voices of Faith, said Bishop Hawkins, who officiated the ceremony. “The wedding and marriage ministry came together and produced a masterpiece. It was beautiful,” said Bishop Hawkins. “Renewing marriage vows reminds the couple that marriage
is not just love, but commitment and action. By renewing, you’re saying to your mate that I’m in it for the long haul.” The Valentine’s weekend celebration was the vision of Michael and Patricia Carter, who oversee Voices of Faith’s Marriage Ministry, along with Adrienne Ware, who oversees Voices of Faith’s Wedding Ministry. “The celebration included couples from our Stone Mountain and Conyers campuses, as well as couples who are not members of the congregation,” said Ware, who served as the director of the mass ceremony. Ware said all of the brides received a rose while the men received a boutonniere. Each couple also received a framed photograph of themselves, a certificate of their renewal vow, a special CD from Bishop Hawkins and a dessert reception with cupcakes and a wedding cake for them and their guests. Jessica Johnson said the day was as sweet as the cake and cookies. She said her husband shed tears of joy because he was so moved by the celebration. “It was really special for me and my family. I asked my daughter and son to renew their wedding vows with their spouses. I bought my daughter a dress just like mine to wear for the celebration,” Johnson said. “I was praising God and thanking Him for everything that He has done.”
Raymond and Jessica Johnson (middle) pose with their children. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG News
PAGE 6 • FEBRUARY 21, 2020
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Kelly Price performs at New Birth’s mass wedding A dozen couples were wed during New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s mass wedding on Sunday, Feb. 16. “The Vow,” the congregation’s second joint marriage ceremony, featured a special performance by Grammy-nominated R&B and gospel singer Kelly Price. While the 12 couples wore traditional wedding attire, the New Birth congregation dressed in African-inspired garments in recognition of Black History Month. All couples participating in the ceremony were required to complete mandatory pre-marital counseling but did not have to be members of the New Birth congregation, said Dr. Jamal Bryant, who officiated the ceremony. Bryant, who took the helm at New Birth just over a year ago, said television shows like ‘The Bachelor’ and ‘Married at First Sight’ have reduced marriage to a social experiment.
Dr. Jamal Bryant and Kelly Price
“We wanted this ceremony to truly celebrate marriage and the vows our couples exchanged in a special way,” Bryant said. “Marriage not only signifies a commitment between two people but also an outward demonstration of a commitment and bond that symbolizes God’s love for the church.” A host of local sponsors helped
alleviate the financial burden for many of the participating couples. Donations and partnerships from local businesses provided formal wear, decorations, photography and spa treatments for the brides and grooms. According to the popular website theknot.com, the average wedding costs nearly $25,000 in metro Atlanta with the national average cost hovering at $27,000.
“Part of our goal was to remove the financial barriers that would burden or even deter couples from having a wedding ceremony,” said Bryant “Thanks to our generous sponsors and members of our congregation, we were able to help alleviate that financial barrier and provide a memorable ceremony and reception for each couple to cherish.”
Georgia Legislative Black Caucus to host annual Heritage Dinner The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) will host its annual Heritage Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The theme for this year’s dinner and awards ceremony is “GLBC: Building on The Past, Standing Strong in The Present, Elevating Georgia 2020 and Beyond.” At the dinner, the
GLBC will honor past legislators and leaders who made an impact on the GLBC, offer insight on the current political climate and how the caucus intends to be a cornerstone in a new and better Georgia. The Heritage Dinner is co-chaired by State Rep. Karen Bennett, (D-DeKalb and Gwinnett) chair of the GLBC, along with State
Representatives Camia Hopson (D-Albany) and Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus). Veteran lawmaker and former GLBC chair, State Rep. Al Williams (D-Midway) will serve as the honorary co-chair.
SEE DINNER page 7
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FEBRUARY 21, 2020 • PAGE 7
POSTMASTER continued from page 1
Eric Elam
Troy Fiddes
Hiphop performer Ahuto Dakkid, Troy Fiddes arrested in DeKalb, charged with robbery + assault The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested 26-year-old Acworth resident Eric Jordan Elam and 19-year-old Covington resident Troy William Fiddes. Elam is known locally as the hiphop performer “Ahuto Dakkid.” Both suspects are accused of picking up Amir Azad on Feb. 7 in a vehicle and driving him to Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, where they beat him with a handgun and robbed him. Authorities said Elam and Fiddes stole an I-phone, about $100 cash and the black and blue Jordan sneakers Azad was wearing. The suspects left Azad stranded on Memorial Drive with no shoes. Azad sustained injuries requiring treatment at a hospital, according to warrants. Authorities cited as probable cause “social media contacts to make connections in the music industry.” DeKalb Sheriff’s investigators took Elam into custody on Feb. 18 without incident at a Decatur residence. Fiddes was taken into custody without incident on Feb. 19 at the same location. Both suspects were booked into the DeKalb County Jail. Elam was wanted for aggravated assault and armed robbery in Cherokee County. He is accused of shooting and robbing 24-year-old Kennesaw man. Authorities said the victim told them he was at an apartment to sell Elam a pair of shoes when the shooting occurred. Cherokee officials also charged Elam with armed robbery in connection with a Feb. 3 incident in which he allegedly robbed a woman at gunpoint at a Walmart on Bells Ferry Road, stealing her cell phone and cash. Elam was wanted in Gwinnett County for violation of probation.
CAMP continued from page 1 Aten said the camp continues to grow each year and that she looks forward to offering more students the opportunity to explore the legal profession at future camps. This year, she is offering recent and past Youth Law Camp attendees the opportunity to apply for a college book scholarship. Students must submit a typed essay showing how the applicant’s youth law camp experience has significantly impacted his or her academic, civic engagement, or community service achievement. Applicants must be a senior in high school or enrolled in an accredited college by Fall 2020. The deadline to apply is May 1. For more information, email magcourt@ rockdalecountyga.gov.
DINNER continued from page 6 “Georgia is primed to become the political epicenter in 2020,” said Bennett. “As a caucus, we have to educate and empower all Georgians to become actively engaged. The Heritage Dinner is an excellent opportunity to convey our message, invest in our future and celebrate our victories.” Founded in 1973 and established in 1975, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus is a 501(c)3 non-profit, nonpartisan organization comprising of 65 Georgia House and Senate members. For more information and tickets: https:// gablackcaucus.org/
the gloves off at any time. She’s always been dedicated,” said Corliss Blake, a supervisor who served as mistress of ceremonies for the swearing-in celebration. Bishop Janice Best, a cousin who traveled from Richmond, Virginia, to witness Kilgore’s swearing-in ceremony, said Kilgore has always had God in her life and she has always pushed for excellence. “I’ve watched her grow and flourish,” said Best. “I’ve told
her mother that she(Kilgore) comes from good stock. I’m looking forward to her moving higher and higher.” Kilgore said the desire for excellence is definitely in her DNA, crediting her mother for being a guiding force in her life. She said she plans to continue pushing for excellence in her new role. “My goal as postmaster general is for the Lithonia Post Office to provide excellent
service. Carrier are getting out sooner on the streets and getting the mail delivered and I’m pushing to get customers who come in and out of here. That’s my goal,” said Kilgore. Kilgore and her children— Ronald, 11, and Harmony, 9— live in Lithonia. The family are members of Berean Christian Church, where Kerwin B. Lee is pastor.
LAWSUIT continued from page 1 need to be about doing the important work of the City and not fighting among ourselves.” Cobble’s attorney, Bryan Tyson, said: “There is no danger that the City’s actions are called into question. Georgia law makes clear that an officeholder does not forfeit his or her office without the intervention of a court and that all acts while holding that office ‘are valid as the acts of an officer de facto.’ That language is from a Georgia Court of Appeals decision in 2018, finding that a school board seat in Taylor County was not made vacant automatically without a court’s intervention. Georgia law ensures that all actions of the City remain valid unless there is a Court order to the contrary.” Cobble’s absences came to light last month after two citizens, through Georgia’s open records laws, requested the 2019 attendance records for all of the City Councilmembers. Cobble missed City Council meetings on Sept. 23 and Oct. 14 due to her outside full-time job, city officials said. The absences were never excused in the form of a vote from the City Council. Some members said during a special called meeting on Feb. 10, however, that they believed since Cobble notified the city clerk of her absences, the notifications were sufficient. The charter states in Section 2.03 (a) that a council person forfeits his or her office by “failing to attend one-third of the regular meetings of the council in a three-month period without being excused by the council. “ Lary said the city had a responsibility to seek clarity from the court on the matter. “I did not seek to remove her (Cobble) from her seat. We sought to find out the answer to the charter of her missing days, which is still unanswered,” said Lary. “As mayor and the leader of the city of Stonecrest, I have to handle pleasant and unpleasant situations. I had no choice but to seek a remedy for a person that committed multiple absences highlighted by citizens’ requests. It is my responsibility and oath of office to remedy all situations for the city of Stonecrest. It is not personal. It is a function of the job.” Meanwhile, the DeKalb County Senate Delegation, headed by State Sen. Emanuel Jones, met today (Feb. 19) with Stonecrest City Councilmembers Cobble, George Turner, Rob Turner, Tammy Grimes and Jimmy Clanton at the State Capitol to discuss a Senate bill that would
among other things clarify “automatic excused absences.” Mayor Jason Lary was barred from the meeting. The proposed amendment to Section 2.03 of the charter revising paragraph of the subsection (a) as follows: (3) failing to attend one-third of the regular meetings of the council in a three-month period without being excused by the council; provided, however, the absences due to the following shall automatically be excused: (A) A personal accident, emergency, illness, or injury; (B) An accident, emergency, illness, or injury of an immediate family member, or ( C) Obligations arising from the elected officials outside full-time employment. A councilmember unable to attend a meeting due to one or more of the circumstances provided in subparagraphs (A), (B), or (C) of this paragraph shall provide written, electronic, or telephone notice to the city clerk before the beginning of the meeting, and the city clerk shall notify the remaining councilmembers of the councilmember’s excused absence.” “These are our suggestions—the delegation— in terms of a solution,” said Jones. State Sen. Steve Henson, who attended the meeting, said rather than force someone to give up their elected seat, the City Council could consider other measures to address councilmembers’ absences. Henson suggested that notices could run in the newspaper notifying the public of a councilmember’s absences, restricting councilmembers’ payments based on meetings attended or having them lose assignments on appointed committees. State Rep. Vernon Jones said the House is working on legislation to clarify the portion of the charter dealing with excused absences and the process that should take place. Sen. Jones interrupted Rep. Vernon Jones from questioning the council members, saying he was not a part of the Senate delegation. The two had a heated exchange after the senator refused to recognize Rep. Vernon Jones as a sitting lawmaker, saying the representative’s comments were that of a “citizen.” Rep. Vernon Jones criticized Sen. Jones for barring Mayor Lary from the meeting. He walked out of the meeting.
TAXES
LAWN CARE
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We cater to the entire family. Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available
900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 900 N. Hairston Rd. 404-294-8500
Suite B Stone Mountain, Spalding Dentistry GAGentle 30083 6460 Spalding Drive 404-294-8500 Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006