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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 49
MARCH 6, 2020
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It’s Official: City of Stonecrest is new owner of Sam’s Club building The city of Stonecrest has closed on its purchase of the 131,000-square-foot Sam’s Club building and property, slated to become Stonecrest’s new City Hall and municipal complex. The city completed the $3 million acquisition with Sam’s Real Estate Business Trust of Benton, Arkansas at 3:56 p.m. on Monday, March 2, Deputy City Manager Plez Joyner said today. Mayor Jason Lary called the deal “monumental.” “This was a monumental move for the city. We will have a home for our new City Hall and all associated future services,” said Lary. “We purchased this building for one third of its value, and ownership is better than renting any day any time,” the mayor said. Lary said the city is in the third year of its five-year lease on the 35,000-squarefoot City Hall space located in the Stonecrest Center building at 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard. Lary said he expects the design and construction of
Mayor Jason Lary
the Sam’s Club building to take about a year and the city would negotiate its exit from the current location at the appropriate time. “I’m going to put together a citizens’ architectural committee so that they can have a say-so in what our City Center will look like,” said Lary. “We’re going to start working on that right away.” Joyner said the Sam’s Club building can only be used for government-type services due to its taxexempt status and seller’s agreement with Sam’s
Artist rendering of the proposed new city hall. Provided by City of Stonecrest
Club. The restrictions include but are not limited to using the building for grocery stores, clothing stores, distribution centers, gaming establishments, internet fulfillment centers, involuntary detention centers, night clubs, bars and other adult activities. Joyner said in addition to establishing a City Hall and other city services, the city could also use the building for state and county offices
Metro Atlanta officials prepare for coronavirus As Metro Atlanta’s first cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) have been confirmed, local agencies and officials say that they are prepared for the virus. S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, who serves as DeKalb County District Health Director and interim Fulton County District Health Director, said that public health officials are ready to respond, if and when the virus surfaces in DeKalb County. in the same household. “The two One recently returned cases identified from Italy. Both have in Fulton mild symptoms and County are are isolated at home S. Elizabeth Ford, MD with other relatives to travel-related exposures, not keep the illness from community spreading, Ford said. spread,” said Ford. “While I COVID-19 spreads realize that everyone is greatly through the air when an concerned about the rapid infected person coughs or spread of the virus in several sneezes. Symptoms appear parts of the world, the actions within two to 14 days that you would take to prevent after exposure and include the spread of any respiratory fever, cough, runny nose, disease is the very same for and difficulty breathing. COVID-19.” Those considered at risk The Fulton County cases, for contracting the virus are confirmed on March 2, live individuals with travel to
such as a tag agency or health services. The city’s financial advisor, Ed Wall, who negotiated the city’s tax anticipation note (TAN) to cover the purchase of the Sam’s Club building, said the city got a good deal. The TAN will cover the cost of the purchase of the Sam’s Club building until the city’s bonds are sold to repay the debt later this month, Wall said.
The city council approved the TAN for the Sam’s Club building at its Feb. 26 special called meeting in a 4-2 vote. Councilmembers Jazzmin Cobble and Tammy Grimes voted against the measure. In the special called meeting of the Urban Redevelopment Agency on Monday, March 2, four members of the agency approved a resolution
SEE STONECREST page 7
DNA “cold case” serial rapist leads to Conyers suspect
An alleged serial rapist linked to eight sexual assaults cold cases, including five in DeKalb County, has been arrested, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherrie Boston announced on March 4 with officials from several law enforcement agencies. Boston said Wesley Cooley, 58, was apprehended on Feb. 24 near his home in Conyers, where he tried to flee from Cooley, June 2001 authorities. The Fugitive and K9 units of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office arrested Cooley. According to a warrant obtained by the DeKalb District Attorney’s Office, Cooley forced a woman to have sex with him after taking her to a vacant lot on areas where there are ongoing Northlake Parkway in Tucker on April 25, 2017. He was identified as a suspect outbreaks of COVID-19 or Cooley, May 2004 following a positive DNA match in individuals in close contact connection with the Tucker rape. with a person infected with Cooley was charged with rape and COVID-19. taken to the DeKalb County Jail, where The DeKalb County he was booked without bond. Additional Sheriff’s Office said the charges are pending. DeKalb County Jail also is Further investigation revealed that prepared for the virus. The the DNA evidence also links Cooley to jail currently has some 1,800 seven other unsolved sexual assault cases, inmates in its custody. The including four others in DeKalb, two in jail infirmary has a 3,800Atlanta, and one in Conyers. The crimes bed capacity and cannot Cooley, February 2020 span a period of more than 20 years, accommodate infectious dating back to 1999. The victims ranged in diseases. Inmate medical age from 15 to 38 at the time of the offenses. services are provided under “A dangerous predator whom we believe has been terrorizing women for at least two decades, is off the street,”
SEE VIRUS page 5
SEE SUSPECT page 7
PAGE 2 • MARCH 6, 2020
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Family of murdered Tic Toc owner pleads for public’s help Worke Serete is pleading for the public’s help in finding the three suspects who fatally shot her husband, Tesfaye Birru, during an armed robbery on Feb. 19 outside their Tic Toc Food Mart at 2972 Evans Mill Road, Stonecrest. Serete and family members held a news conference on March 2 to ask for the public’s help. Police said they believe someone waited for Birru, 57, as he closed for the night around 10 p.m. A friend said Birru was often seen taking his night deposit from the store to his car. Serete described her husband as a hard worker and devoted father of two sons ages 35 and 14, and a 19-year-old daughter, as one who cared about the community. “He helped anyone,” said an emotional Serete, who broke down in tears during the press conference. “I can’t believe anybody can hurt him.” The couple’s 14-year-old son, Amanuel Chernet, also remembered his father as a loving and kind person. “He was the best father anybody could ask for. But not only was he a father, he a brother to all of his siblings. He was a friend to anybody that needed it,” said Chernet. Birru, who was fondly called “Mr. T” or “Boss” by people in the community. He would allow customers who didn’t have the money to pay
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DeKalb invests $1.9 million in new sanitation trucks PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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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.
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PUBLIC NOTICE OF AUTHORITY MEETING Stonecrest Housing Authority March 11, 2020 4:00 p.m. 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., City Council Chambers Stonecrest, Georgia
A $1.9 million investment will continue DeKalb County’s ongoing deployment of automated side loader (ASL) trucks. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond proposed the funding for the Sanitation Division in the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners on March 3. The upgrade to ASL garbage trucks was initially proposed as part of DeKalb’s 2015 “Rolling Forward to One” initiative. The plan was to consolidate collection to once per week, avoid a near-term rate increase, reduce pollution and reallocate staff. While collection days were consolidated and standard 65-gallon roll carts were issued, ASL purchasing progress stalled. “ ‘Rolling Forward to One’ was not fully executed in 2015 due to poor planning, management and logistics,” said CEO Thurmond. “I appointed Tracy Hutchinson as Sanitation director in 2017 to pull the division’s budget out of the red and improve operations.” Full deployment of ASL trucks is occurring in three phases: procuring trucks, hiring and training staff, and issuing right-sized 95-gallon roll carts for ASL routes. In October 2017, the Board of
Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of 36 ASL trucks, followed by another purchase of 10 ASL trucks in May 2018. The total cost of the 46 trucks is $15.8 million. ASL trucks meet and exceed industry standards. To improve operational, safety and communication functions, all ASLs were modified with cameras, two-way radios and steering that allows them to make tight turns in cul-de-sacs. The first trucks were delivered in November 2018 and final delivery was made in October 2019, completing Phase 1. Phase 2 of the rollout includes hiring and training drivers who have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). ASL garbage trucks are operated by a single driver to enhance route
service, reduce costs, and allow the county to service a growing number of customers. In the FY 2020 budget, $93,000 was reallocated to increase the hourly wage of CDL-certified drivers to help recruit and retain ASL operators. ASL trucks were initially deployed by DeKalb in December 2019, and 23 are currently in use. Phase 2 is ongoing as drivers are hired and trained. Phase 3 of the rollout is to rightsize garbage roll carts. Although residents received 65-gallon roll carts in 2015, for many, the capacity is too small and leads to overflowing garbage bins. This contributes to neighborhood blight and slows collection because ASL drivers must leave their trucks at each stop to complete collection. The $1.9 million investment in Sanitation will initiate the rollout of 95-gallon garbage roll carts to replace 65-gallon carts and increase efficiency of collection on ASL truck routes. Sanitation is expected to begin rolling out the 43,000 carts to customers on ASL routes in June. “By purchasing the ASL trucks, increasing wages to remain competitive in a tight job market, and investing in right-sized containers, we are on track and following through on our promise to deliver best-in-class sanitation service,” said Thurmond.
Councilman Clanton to host community awareness meeting Stonecrest City Councilman Jimmy Clanton will host his CommUNITY Awareness meeting on Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the AEI StartUp Factory, Jimmy Clanton 7310 Stonecrest Concourse. Breakfast will be served at 9:30 a.m. This month's topics include new information on the city's purchases of the Sears and Sam's Club buildings, assault on the city's charter, the city's finances, possible mileage rate cap increase and more. The event is free and open to the public and held on the first Saturday of every month. For more on the proposed controversial changes to the structure of the city’s government, visit www. ocgnews.com.
Rockdale School Board has opening to replace unexpired term of Katrina Young The resignation of Katrina Young, chairwoman of the Rockdale County Board of Education, has created an opening on the school board. Officials are seeking candidates interested in filling the unexpired term of Young, who is running for chairman of the Board of Commissioners against incumbent Oz Nesbitt, Sr. The school board position shall be filled by appointment pursuant to local amendment to the Georgia Constitution, No. 18, Section 1, which states ... " Should a vacancy occur in the office of any member thus elected, a successor shall be appointed by the judge of Rockdale County Superior Court for the unexpired term." Any person who is interested in being appointed to serve the unexpired term of Katrina Young shall submit a letter to Chief Judge David B. Irwin, Rockdale Superior Court, 922 Court Street, Room 200A, Conyers, GA 30012 no later than March 20.
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ELECTION 2020 DeKalb Cultural Exchange breakfast to host candidates’ forum
Stonecrest Citizens Coalition to host BOE candidates’ forum
The DeKalb Cultural Exchange is hosting its monthly breakfast on March 14, 9 a.m., at the Greater Travelers Rest/House of Hope, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The meeting will provide attendees the opportunity to interact with candidates, as well as learn how to use the new voting machines. A representative from the Secretary of State’s office will be offering a live demonstration on how to use the new voting machines and will be answering questions.
The Stonecrest Citizens Coalition is hosting a forum featuring candidates running for the DeKalb County School Board. The forum will be held on on Monday, March 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at First Afrikan Church, 5197 Salem Road, Stonecrest. Candidates vying for districts 1, 3, 4 and 5 will present their platforms to the community. The forum is a collaborative effort of the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition, First Afrikan Church Action Team and South DeKalb Improvement Association Education, Inc. For more information, contact the coalition at 770-484-1652 or email sccga0118@gmail. com
Tucker Summit CID sets DeKalb candidates’ forum The public is invited to attend a forum for candidates running for DeKalb County elected offices on April 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Stone Ridge Event Center, 1750 Stone Ridge Drive, Suite A, Stone Mountain. Voters will meet candidates running for county and state seats in the district. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. The forum will be hosted by Tucker Summit Community Improvement District, Tucker Northlake Community Development District and Tucker Civic Association.
CFDW to present Rockdale sheriff’s candidates’ debate The Fourth Congressional Federation of Democratic Women will host a Rockdale County sheriff’s debate on Tuesday, March 10, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 N Main Street N.W., Conyers. The five-way race includes incumbent Eric Levett, J. Charles Burris, Donald Ferguson, Corey Hambrick and Moses A. Perdue.
GETTING READY FOR SUMMER Camp sites for DeKalb’s summer food program DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is urging agencies serving as camp sites to apply for the Summer Food Service Program. The program, which will be held June 1–July 24, ensures school children have nutritious meals during the summer. To qualify as a site, 50 percent of children served must meet the income guidelines for free- and reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are members of households that receive food stamp benefits or Aid for Dependent Children (AFDC) assistance automatically qualify. Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and targets children up to age 18. Applications and full program site participation requirements can be found at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks under Summer Food Application or picked up Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Mason Mill Recreation Center at 1340 McConnell Drive in Decatur. Agencies with summer camps that are interested in becoming a program site should call Rose Myrick at 678-698-1114. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
DeKalb Parks and Rec hiring for summer employment The DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for seasonal summer employment now until March 31. Jobs for hire include positions as food monitors, camp counselors, recreation assistants and bus drivers. Applicants must be 18 or older, unless applying for lifeguard or pool manager positions. Lifeguards and pool managers are required to be 16 or older. Proof of current certification from American Red Cross or other nationally-recognized aquatic training programs is required for all aquatic positions. All applicants selected will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check prior to employment. To view available positions or complete an application, visit DeKalb County’s job search portal by going to www.dekalbcountyga.gov, select, “How Do I” and select ”Apply for Jobs.” For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public education specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Rockdale BOC Chairman OZ Nesbitt to discuss re-election plans to move county forward Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Oz Nesbitt is holding a forum on Saturday, March 28, 12 p.m., at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 N Main Street N.W., Conyers. County residents will get a chance to hear the Chairman discuss his plans to continue to move Rockdale County forward.
Conyers-Rockdale Caribbean Association to host candidate debate April 14 The Conyers Rockdale Caribbean Association, Inc. is inviting the public to attend the “What Have You Done for Me Lately?” candidate debate on Tuesday, April 14, 6 to 9 p.m. The 2020 Get Out the Vote nonpartisan debate series will give community members a chance to meet candidates and learn their platforms. The location of the forum to be announced. For more information, call 470-207-3666 or visit www.conyersrockdalecaribbeanassociation. org.
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CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary to keynote Startups Africa Conference Since honoring Miss Nigeria in 2019 with a key to the City of Stonecrest after the Miss Universe pageant in Atlanta, Nigeria’s interest in Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary has grown. The mayor has been tapped to serve as a keynote speaker for the upcoming “Unleashing the Power of African Female Entrepreneurs” business conference. Lary will be in Nigeria March 24-April 1 to attend the Startups Africa Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, where Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary he will also visit state governors and other leaders to discuss building cultural exchange and commerce with Stonecrest. Lary said he plans to discuss the incorporation of the city of Stonecrest as its founder and the city’s trajectory, as well as his upcoming launch of the “Mayor Lary’s Udemy Skills Challenge” to help grow entrepreuners and professionals with access to more than 100,000 online training courses. “This is important because in America nearly everyone has both a cell phone and a computer, but in Africa there are more cell phones than computers,” said Lary. “This platform is easily accessible through cell phones. The accelleration of growth and development of the mind is one of the quickest ways to overcome obstacles in life.” Lary also will welcome new government relationships with the Federal Republic of Nigeria through Sister City/State Relationships, which includes Delta State, Lagos City, Ondo State, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The City of Stonecrest has three Sister City relationships within Guyana, South America. This past Valentine’s Day, the city of Stonecrest hosted the “Stonecrest and Guyana Reception and Symposium” with more than 200 attendees, including a senior member of President David A. Granger’s Cabinet and two mayors from the largest cities in the country.
Meredith Lilly honored by Atlanta City Council Surrounded by hundreds of wellwishers, Meredith Lilly received a proclamation on March 2 recognizing her “contributions to politics and public policy and for the positive impact that she has had locally and abroad” from the Atlanta City Council. Councilmember Andrea Boone made the presentation. Lilly, an attorney, entrepreneur and political activist, was recognized during national Women’s History Month. “I am honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Lilly. “My siblings and I learned to be servant leaders from our parents who never missed an opportunity to help those in need.” “Meredith will tell you the truth and is a powerful advocate,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, who attended the event. “She is one of the great
VIRUS continued from page 1 contract with Wellpath. The agency also partners with state and federal health departments to implement industry-wide protocos and guidelines for containment of infectious diseases. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms made public the city’s ongoing preparations to any potential health threats posed by the coronavirus. “The full efforts of the City are invested in the urgent and deliberate coordinated response with federal and state partners this health threat demands,” said Bottoms. “City officials— including those appointed to the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force—are working in concert to ensure the well-being of the people of Atlanta. Further, information and additional resources have been posted to the City’s website. Atlanta residents should be safe and protect themselves and their loved ones.” Last month, under the direction of Bottoms, the Mayor’s Pandemic Coordination Team was created to lead the city’s strategic plan to ensure minimal impact to the City of Atlanta in the case of a COVID-19 pandemic. The team is led by the City’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Angelica Geter Fugerson, and the City’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and former FBI Special Agent, Felipe den Brok. The Work Group is an interdepartmental effort with the mission of ensuring City operations continuity and public safety readiness. In January, efforts were implemented directing the City’s Department of Enterprise Assets Management (DEAM) to work with their janitorial team to conduct continuous sanitizing and cleaning of all entry points and touch points (handrails, door knobs, etc.) throughout City facilities for the health and wellbeing of employees and visitors. The city has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to COVID-19 on its website at www.atlanta.gov/ governent/mayor-s-office/.
BEST PRACTICES • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. • If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, do not wear face masks. According to the CDC, surgical masks should be reserved for people who exhibit symptoms (to prevent them from spreading the virus through respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus) and healthcare professionals who are taking care of sick people. Regular surgical face masks are not effective in protecting against COVID-19. If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. For the updated information about COVID-19, visit: dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirusor cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html. Find answers to frequently asked questions at cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html.
women in DeKalb County and the State of Georgia.” Other speakers at the ceremony included a variety of public officials and community activists including: Mereda Davis-Johns, DeKalb County Commissioner Steven Reed, Mayor of Montgomery, AL Rev. Gerald Durley, Sr., pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Henrietta Antoinin, executive with Atlanta Life Insurance Company and long-time community activist Meredith, who works in the office of DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, is responsible for constituent services for the 750,000 residents of DeKalb.
Sponsors needed for fourth annual Golf for Veterans Tournament The Rockdale County Veterans of Foreign Wars 5290 is seeking sponsors for its fourth annual Golf for Veterans Tournament set for Saturday, May 16 (Armed Forces Day) at the Honey Creek Golf and Country Club, 635 Clubhouse Drive, SE, Conyers. Proceeds support the VFW Rockdale Veterans Relief Fund. Contact golf@vfw5290.org for sponsorship information.
Olde Town Conyers ready for Saint Patrick’s Day Street Party Live on Commercial Street is hosting a Saint Patrick’s Day street party on Saturday, March 14, 2 to 11 p.m., on Commercial Street in Olde Town Conyers. The Celtic Tavern, Sweet Treat Depot and Tin Plate Conyers invite you to come out for this year’s annual Saint Practice Day Party the Saturday before Saint Patrick’s Day. Commercial Street will be closed for guests to dine and drink and enjoy live music and other outdoor activities.
PAGE 6 • MARCH 6, 2020
Commissioner Johnson to host 3rd Annual Black Business Showcase DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, in partnership with DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and Chairperson, Dr. Alice White Bussey, will host the 3rd annual Historic Celebration of Black Businesses. This year’s theme is “Partnering for Success.” The event will be held March 10, 6 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Larry Johnson The purpose of this celebration is to present a “Black Business Showcase” of 100 diverse black-owned and operated businesses throughout Metropolitan Atlanta. In addition, a list of these preferred businesses will be documented and marketed throughout DeKalb County and the State of Georgia. “In order to have a thriving community, we must have small and medium-size businesses contributing to not only the economy, but the standards of how we live. We must look for ways for black businesses to continue to invest in our communities, to benefit and practice good business relations”, said Johnson. The attendees will be able to engage with DeKalb County and community partner services as follows: • Procurement and Contracting – Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) • On-site pre-certification for DeKalb County; • Participate in the Business Exchange Networking Reception; • Obtain information on the County’s Small Business Loan Program; • Discuss Business expansion through SPLOST; • Engage with Decide DeKalb • Documented in a Preferred List of Black Businesses. Special remarks will be shared by Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Ashley Bell, SBA Regional Administrator; Margaret Muhammed, president Georgia Black Constructors Association and Helen Butler, executive director Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda (Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, Convener). For more information, please contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425, or visit www.commissionerlarryjohnson.com.
DeKalb residents can dispose of old paint, other hazardous waste at free event The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host a household hazardous waste recycling event Saturday, March 21, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur. DeKalb residents will have an opportunity to properly dispose of dangerous household items that are no longer in use. Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, paint, paintrelated products and artist supplies will be accepted. Paint will be limited to 10 gallons per vehicle. Agricultural waste, ammunition, radioactive materials, pharmaceuticals, biohazardous and biomedical waste will not be accepted. Participation is free and open only to DeKalb County residents. Proof of residency may be requested. For more information, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov.
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Voices of Faith Ministries to offer free grief support series Have you lost a loved one? How are you handling your grief? Those who are seeking grief support are invited to attend the “GriefShare” support group at Voices of Faith Ministries, 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W., Stone Mountain. You will learn how to walk the journey of grief to find healing and hope and be supported along the way. The 13-week session begins on March 24. Sessions are available at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. To register, visit voicesfaith.org. Participants also can call 770-4985850 x326 or email mercy@voicesfaith.org.
CRCA, Black Heritage of Rockdale to host Black Heritage symposium Join the Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts (CRCA) and Black Heritage of Rockdale County for a Rockdale Black Heritage symposium on Saturday, March 14, 2 to 4 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. The program, entitled “Embracing the History Around Us: Housing in JP Carr Community,” will share Rockdale County’s black history highlighting the housing in the J.P. Carr community. The second induction ceremony for the Black Heritage Hall of Fame also will be conducted. The community is invited to bring their stories, memories, pictures and any other items relevant to the J.P. Carr community to share. The event is free and open to the public.
FAMILY REUNION EXPO March 21, 2020 | 12 p.m. — 5 p.m. Stone Ridge Event Center 1750 Stone Ridge Dr., Suite A Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Register online discoverdekalb.com/reunions or call 770.492.5018
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STONECREST continued from page 1 authorizing the city’s newly created Urban Redevelopment Agency to pursue the purchase of the bonds. Councilmembers Jazzmin Cobble and Tammy Grimes had notified the council last week that they were unable to attend the meeting. Wall said the city secured a 3.18 percent interest rate for a 20-year, taxfree bond to pay for the $3 million purchase of the Sam’s Club building and a 3.56 percent taxable, 10-year bond for the Sears building, which the city is purchasing for $2.1 million. Joyner said the closing date for the Sears building is scheduled for March 30. “The annual payment (for both buildings) is about $350,000 a year and that’s about what the city is currently paying now to rent their current city hall,” Wall said. Joyner said the city had to spend an additional $75,000 for the Sam’s Club and Sears building transactions because the city was delayed in obtaining approval for the bonds after four members of the council—Jazzmin Cobble, Tammy Grimes, George Turner and Rob Turner—staged a walkout on Feb. 10. The group walked out in protest after a motion failed in a 2-2 vote to excuse Cobble for missing two council meetings last year. Council members George Turner and Rob Turner voted to excuse the absences. Mayor Jason Lary and Councilman Jimmy Clanton voted against the motion. City officials said Cobble would have to forfeit her seat, based on the charter. The bond referendums were up for vote that night but no city business could be conducted because there was no quorum. Only Councilman Jimmy Clanton and the mayor remained for the meeting. They honored high school students for their work on a survey concerning the future of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Joyner said the city was able to pull the deal together to make the new Stonecrest government center into a reality, despite adversity. “I also want to recognize the unwavering and visionary support of Mayor Lary and the Stonecrest City Council whose keen eye for this awesome opportunity trumped all adversity to complete the crystallization of our New Stonecrest Government Centre into a reality,” Joyner said in a March 2 e-mail to council members and city officials.
SUSPECT continued from page 1 said Boston. “This is a huge moment for the victims on whose behalf we advocate. We will continue to fight for them; to seek answers, and justice, no matter how long it takes.” Cooley was identified through the investigative work of the Georgia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (GASAKI) Task Force with assistance from the Conyers and DeKalb County Police Departments. GASAKI was established in 2018 in partnership with the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) as part of a multi-year, multi-million dollar federal grant under the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The team consists of prosecutors, investigators, and victim advocates from the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, the Atlanta Police Department, the Prosecuting Attorneys Council (PAC), and CJCC (with resources from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department and Live Safe) working collaboratively to solve cold case sexual assault crimes. Additionally, the GASAKI Task Force relies on the ongoing work and commitment of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab to test backlogged sexual assault kits. “Ultimately, the Task Force is proving what public good can be done by a victim-centered, multidisciplinary, and collaborative approach,” said Jay Neal, executive director, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. “This is an important project and we are going to see it through—continuing to show survivors that Georgia stands with them.” Cooley’s crimes may be more extensive than currently known, authorities said. In addition to rape, Cooley also faces a separate charge of Criminal Attempt to Commit a Felony for an alleged attempted sexual attack of a female victim in Lithonia in October 2017. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by him is asked to call the Day League’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 404-377-1428. Counselors are on standby to assist and to forward information to law enforcement.
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Rockdale UGA Extension to host B.E.A.M.S. teen mental health awareness event The Rockdale County UGA Extension Office, in conjunction with the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners and Rockdale County Public Schools, is hosting the Teen B.E.A.M.S. event on March 12, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive S.W., Conyers. The mini conference for 6th through 12th graders focuses on mental health awareness, resilience, coping strategies, and self-care. The evening will consist of a free dinner, interactive breakout sessions, door prizes, and a keynote speaker discussing their story of hope, healing, and overcoming adversity. There will be mental health professionals on site to meet with any youths who choose to speak with them. Youths can choose two breakout sessions from a menu of options. B.E.A.M.S. (Building Education Around Mental Services) offers mental health support to teens and is an opportunity for them to learn how to take care of themselves and their friends, build healthy habits, raise mental health awareness, and connect with caring adults trained to help. For planning purposes, class supplies and food for dinner, all interested parties must register at www.tinyurl.com/teenbeams. For more information, contact MaryBeth Hornbeck at Marybeth. hornbeck@uga.edu at 770-278-7360.
HELP continued from page 2 him later for items from his store, which he and his wife had operated for the past five years, his family said. Ferede Mekuria, a cousin of Serete’s, said Birru was a humble man who loved his family and always had a smile. “He loved to smile and help people. He doesn’t deserve this,” Mekuria said. Police found Birru’s body on the ground next to his car. Police believe a burgundy/maroon 4-door Honda Accord pulled up to a Citgo gas pump. Two of the three suspects are visible on surveillance video that police released to the public in hopes that someone will recognize the suspects. “If anybody has any information, no matter how big or small, every tip or lead will be looked into,” said Homicide Detective J.V. Williams. Anyone who has any information about the case is asked to contact the DeKalb County Police Department at 770-724- 7850, Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, text 274637, or visit the Crime Stoppers website. Tipsters will remain anonymous and are eligible for rewards up to $2,000.
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CONGRESS ON THE STATE OF BLACK BUSINESS IN METRO ATLANTA “2020: The Game Has Changed — Are You Ready to Play?” THE OBJECTIVE of this year’s Congress is to understand the
changing economic climate, emerging hurdles, and how businesses can adapt, thrive and sustain this change in 2020 and beyond. Whether you are a business owner or a professional seeking to make connections for the future, you can take advantage of this opportunity. Come to the Congress to meet key decision makers, and to learn how to grow your business and grow our community’s wealth.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
• Meet key decision makers at organizations who will create billions of dollars in economic activity • Network with potential partners, customers or employers • Learn from successful business owners who will share tips on how they succeeded MEET TOP EXECUTIVES FROM MAJOR ORGANIZATIONS WHO WILL SHARE PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES WHEN Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 8am-3pm WHERE Atlanta Metropolitan State College Easley Conference Pavilion 1630 Metropolitan Pkwy., SW Atlanta, GA 30310 Visit atlantabusinessleague.org for more information and to register online, or call us at 404-584-8126.
PAGE 8 • MARCH 6, 2020
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