FREE VOLUME 25 NUMBER 7
MAY 17, 2019 Stay connected
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Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary honors Brandon Hayes, 11, with “Champion” medal Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary honored 11-year-old Brandon Hayes for his courageous journey as a liver transplant recipient. Hayes, a student at the Academy of Scholars, received the mayor’s inaugural “Stonecrest Champion Award” at the City Council meeting on May 13. A 5K run/walk was held on Mother’s Day in Brandon’s honor to raise awareness about organ donations and funds to help provide financial relief to Georgia families who have a family member in need of an organ transplant. Brandon’s mother, Cheri Hayes, gave her eldest son the gift of life by donating a portion of her liver. Cheri Hayes and her husband, Daniel, attended the presentation in which the mayor gave Brandon a medal to wear and his gavel to ceremonially open the City Council meeting as the first Champion to serve as mayor pro tem.
SEE CHAMPION page 7
Stonecrest prepares for 25,000 expected at Atlanta-DeKalb Caribbean Festival 2019 By Sarita Mason Intern On Common Ground News
Authorities say police presence will be greater to direct traffic and monitor the 2019 Atlanta DeKalb Caribbean Festival, which will be held on May 25 at The Mall at Stonecrest. DeKalb police said during a community informational meeting on May 15 that they plan to have 98 police officers, 38 security officers and two code enforcement officers to ensure adequate coverage of the Memorial Day weekend event. Last year, 70 officers worked the festival, which was held for the first time in the city of Stonecrest. The event drew 25,000 people to Stonecrest and organizers are planning for the return of some 25,000 this year. The festival, which has been held in other locations in the past, is in its 31st year. Stonecrest hotel representatives said at the meeting they are already booked for Memorial Day weekend as a result of the event.
Mayor Jason Lary said he is excited about the festival’s return to Stonecrest. He urged residents to learn as much about the parade route, traffic plans and other details . “We don’t want folks to get locked out of their homes or can’t get down their street. Twenty-five thousand strong will be here this year again. We’re doing a much better job with regard to improvements to traffic and the parade route this year,” Lary said. DeKalb Police Officer G.T. Karabeika, who is leading the police team supervising the festival, said organizers are using a different vendor for security officers because many did not report to work last year. Karabeika said even without the additional security officers, however, the 2018 event was peaceful. There was one scuffle that resulted in one arrest and that scuffle involved a security officer, she said. “We’ve had many meetings about this event and plan to have a safe event,” Karabeika said. Karabeika said the festival organizers’ contract regarding police security stipulates
SEE CARNIVAL page 7
DeKalb Works provides 400 summer jobs for youths
A youth helps to repair a sidewalk during last year’s DeKalb Works Summer Youth Employment Program.
Officials say 400 youths will be hired for summer jobs through the 2019 DeKalb Works Summer Youth Employment Program. More than 2,700 youths applied for the positions. The program, in its third year, has provided approximately 1,100 jobs for DeKalb residents ages 14-24. “We are pleased with the overwhelming response to this youth employment and empowerment program,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “In addition to receiving a paycheck, these youth are being introduced to job skills and a work ethic that will benefit them as they progress through life.” Thurmond and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners have partnered since 2017 with WorkSource DeKalb to allocate funds to the DeKalb Works Summer Youth Employment Program. Internships in the program also are funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The program, which this year runs from June 3 through July 25, pays DeKalb residents $10 per hour, a
$1 per hour increase from 2018. In addition to work experience, participants receive soft-skills training, in which they learn about punctuality, conflict resolution, presentation and other important job skills. This year, 116 private employers, such as Ricoh, Allstate Insurance, Datum Tech, Grady Health Systems, Wade Walker YMCA and Clarkston Community Center are providing internship opportunities. Among the 109 public partners are the county’s Board of Commissioners, tax commissioner, district attorney, sheriff, solicitor-general, clerk of Superior Court, CEO, DeKalb County School District and various county government departments. As a part of the DeKalb Works program, WorkSource DeKalb provides interns training prior to the start of work assignments and covers all intern payroll and workers’ compensation. For more information about employment opportunities for all ages, visit www.worksourcedekalb.org or call 404-687-3400.
PAGE 2 • MAY 17, 2019
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Suspect’s charges upgraded to murder in Rockdale toddler’s drowning The charges against Trevor Chase Bohannon, 21, of Conyers, have been upgraded to murder after one of the two toddlers left in his care was pronounced deceased on Mother’s Day following a drowning incident on April 25. Investigators said Bohannon, Trevor Chase Bohannon Jose “JuJu” Salas Morales via Facebook a friend of the children’s mother, was supposed to be watching the children. CBS 46 reported that Bohannon left the children unattended to smoke pot with a friend in the garage. The Rockdale Sheriff’s Office had initially charged Bohannon with two counts of reckless conduct and two counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. The charges were upgraded to murder after the 2-year-old boy, Jose “JuJu” Salas Morales, who remained in critical condition, was pronounced dead at 3:45 p.m. by medical staff at Scottish Rite Hospital on May 12, Sheriff’s spokesperson Yolande Lovingood-Moore said. JuJu would have been 3 years old on May 16. The child’s mother, Bailey Utterback, expressed her deep loss for her son on her Facebook page: “Happy birthday my baby. There are so many words I can say. When I first saw you my heart was full. You was a mommas boy. You never left my side. Every step i make. You would to. Me and you talked about your birthday a lot. You was so exited to go to the beach. I miss you so much and I can't believe your gone baby. I love you my SunShine. Happy 3rd birthday. I love you my big brown eye baby.” Authorities said 911 dispatchers received a call on April 25 around 12:30 p.m. concerning the drowning of the toddlers at a house on Blackberry Lane in Rockdale County. The boy and his 3-year-old sister were taken by helicopter to Scottish Rite Hospital after emergency workers performed CPR. The little girl recovered and was released from the hospital to go home. “Ju Ju” however, remained in the Intensive Care Unit, Lovingood-Moore said. As of May 16, family and friends had raised $2,795 of $7,000 requested through a GoFundMe page, “Ju Funeral Expenses.” A memorial event will be held on May 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Rockdale Sheriff’s South Precinct, 3552 GA-20 SE, Conyers.
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MAY 17, 2019 • PAGE 3
DeKalb SPLOST program paves 35 miles, 107 roads First 100 miles to be complete by September
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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City of Stonecrest launches first repaving projects By Sarita Mason The City of Stonecrest has begun repaving 18 of its worst streets in the city’s first round of infrastructure repairs. City officials and project managers for Blount Construction Company, Inc. held a ribboncutting ceremony on May 14 on Leverett Drive in the Amherst Forest community, where construction crews were out early that morning. Mayor Jason Lary said he was excited for the city to finally get rolling on the project. He said the project addresses improvements residents have been requesting for months, some of them citing dangerous potholes in communities and main arteries in the city. “It’s been a long time coming. There have been promises made and now there are promises kept,” said Lary. The $2 million roads project is being funded with Special Local Option Sales Tax funds (SPLOST) and a Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG). LMIG contributed $500,000, with the rest coming from the Special Local Option Sales Tax funds (SPLOST). Blount Construction will pave a twolane portion of Turner Hill Road, from Rockland Road to the Bojangles restaurant entrance, city officials said. The mayor said
SEE REPAVE page 5
CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MAY 28TH 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD 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:
SLUP-19-001 Dileane Matthews 3317 Panola Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Applicant is requesting to a special land use permit for the operation of a personal care home for four to six people.
CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MAY 21ST 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: REQUEST:
V-19-001 Franklyn Champagne 5714 Southcrest Lane R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District To encroach into the 75’ stream buffer for the construction of a concrete driveway.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-19-002 Colin Jones 3585 River Rock Road RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District To encroach into the rear yard setback for the construction of a deck.
DeKalb County contractors have finished resurfacing 35 miles of roads in DeKalb through funding provided by the county’s special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). More than 100 roads and streets have been paved, including Norman Road, Rockbridge Road, McLendon Road and Mountain Oaks Parkway. "SPLOST is allowing us to pave more than 300 miles of the bumpiest, most pothole-filled roads and streets in DeKalb and improve the quality of life for all who live, work and travel through the county,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. Citizens can follow the progress of SPLOST road resurfacing by visiting www.dekalbsplost.com and clicking “Project Map.” To date, DeKalb Board of Commissioners has approved two resurfacing projects totaling $40.9 million to target the first 100 miles of the worstrated roads in the county. These first two projects account for a third of the approximately 300 miles planned for paving through SPLOST funds. Contracts were awarded to Pittman Construction and C.W. Matthews Contracting Company Inc. Road resurfacing construction is reliant on fair weather; crews must pause work during cold and rainy conditions. Construction starts with road milling and leveling, followed by deep patching, final asphalt topping and temporary traffic striping. Crews return to add permanent traffic striping and complete any follow-up items. DeKalb County will receive an estimated $388 million in SPLOST revenue over the next six years to improve county roads, infrastructure, libraries, parks and public safety. For more information about DeKalb County SPLOST, visit www.dekalbsplost.com. A list of streets completed as of May 14, 2019, follows. STREET FROM TO ALLANA DR ALLANA CT CUL DE SAC @ 449 ALLENDALE DR GLENWOOD AVE HILLSIDE AVE APPLE ORCHARD RD HENDERSON CREEK RD BOLERO DR APPOMATTOX DR BATTLE FOREST DR MCGLYNN DR ARCARO CT WHIRLAWAY DR ISLAND CUL DE SAC ASHBURY HEIGHTS CT ASHBURY HEIGHTS RD CUL DE SAC @ 941 ASHBURY HEIGHTS RD KATIE KERR DR CUL DE SAC @ 2850 AUTUMN HILL CT AUTUMN HILL DR CUL DE SAC AUTUMN LAKE LN OXFORD CROSSING DR. CUL DE SAC @ 2575 BAYSIDE CT PARKWEST LN ISLAND CUL DE SAC BEXLEY DR MERCER RD BEXLEY DR BOLERO DR HENDERSON MILL RD 3269 BOLERO DR BRAFFERTON PL CARLISLE RD CUL DE SAC BRAMWELL DR HAMBRICK RD CUL DE SAC @ 4244 BRIARGLEN CT BRIARGLEN DR CUL DE SAC @ 3897 BROADVIEW CT CHESTNUT HILL CIR CUL DE SAC @ 3670 CASA LINDA DR COLUMBIA DR SARATOGA DR. CHAMOIS CT GREEN HAWK TR CUL DE SAC
SEE CLOSURE page 5
PAGE 4 • MAY 17, 2019
Commissioner Larry Johnson to host HOA Boot Camp June 1
DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, in partnership with Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. and the HOA Alliance, will host the annual DeKalb Home Owners Association (HOA) Boot Camp on June 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The event is designed to help HOAs around DeKalb network and learn best practices for managing and operating their HOAs. Constituents will enjoy a day filled with helpful information including their rights as homeowners and residents. Representatives from various agencies will be onsite to answer questions and provide information including BB&T, DeKalb County Tax Commissioners Office, GA HOA Alliance, Alliance of DeKalb County, Inc. and Atlanta Executive Property Management. Each year, the event attracts more than 100 residents ready to gain insight on how to be successful, Johnson said. To RSVP, go to tiny.cc/dekalb2019.
DeKalb County Board of Health meets May 23 The next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m., in the Bohan Auditorium, located in the Richardson Health Center at 445 Winn Way, Decatur. The public is invited to attend. Agenda items for the meeting include: • The approval of minutes from previous meetings • Consideration and approval of the proposed Board of Health FY2020 Budget; • The District Health Director’s Report • Consideration of the transfer of unrestricted fund balance to the restricted fund balance (reserve) • Consideration for use of unspent FY 2019 funds in support of FY 2010 CIP projects • Contracts for consideration, to include agreements with Empowerment of Resource Center, Amendment #1, Positive Impact Health, Amendment #1, Someone Cares, Inc., Amendment #1 and a capital project for renovation of T.O. Vinson Health Center restrooms • Presentation on the effects of vaping, TSG, marijuana and other drugs on our children • Presentation on the DeKalb Youth Prosperity Initiative • The Board of Heath’s current financial status report Anyone who would like to bring an issue before the board can be placed on the agenda by contacting India Dyer at 404-294-3787. Written comments to the board will be accepted at: Office of the Director, DeKalb County Board of Health, P.O. Box 987, Decatur, GA 30031.
DeKalb summer camps set parents’ orientation May 30 DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is inviting parents to learn more about summer day camp programs during an orientation on Thursday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m. Summer day camp programs are offered for youths ages 5-15 and information sessions will be held at all recreation centers, except Redan Recreation Center. DeKalb County Recreation Centers • Browns Mill Recreation Center: 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 • Exchange Recreation Center: 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 • Gresham Recreation Center: 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 • Hamilton Recreation Center: 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079 • Lucious Sanders Recreation Center: 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia, GA 30058 • Mason Mill Recreation Center: 1340-B McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA 30033 • Midway Recreation Center: 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, GA 30032
SEE CAMP page 6
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DeKalb History Center to host guided tours of Flat Rock exhibit Every Wednesday during the month of June, form 1 to 2 p.m., the DeKalb History Center will offer guided tours of “Deep Roots in DeKalb: the Flat Rock Story of Resilience,” an exhibit located in the DeKalb History Center, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. Tours will be conducted in collaboration with Flat Rock Archives and led by Johnny Waits, the archives’ president and co-founder. A of the Flat Rock community, Waits will provide an insider Flat Rock Elementary School class photo, circa 1947perspective into the community he 48. Courtesy of Flat Rock Archives. grew up in and discuss the everyday life and challenges his family and neighbors faced since the founding of the community in the mid-1830s. Admission for the tours is $5 for DeKalb History Center members and Flat Rock Archives members. Non-member tickets are $10. Spots are limited.
Rockdale Community Ambassadors seek volunteers for “Trash Bash” cleanup June 8 The Rockdale Community Ambassadors is hosting its first “Trash Bash” cleanup on Saturday, June 8, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The group is recruiting volunteers in the community to help clean up illegal signs and litter along the gateways to Rockdale County along I-20.
SEE TRASH page 6
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
Calendar of Events for the Month of May and June Mother’s Day Breakfast and Worship Service May12th beginning at 8:00 am. Vacation Bible Camp June 3rd to 7th from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Register online @ hillcrestcoc.net.
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CLOSURES continued from page 3
CHEROKEE HTS CHERRYBROOK DR CLIFTON FARM DR COHASSETT CT COLUMBIA WOODS CT CONTINENTAL WAY CONVAIR LN CONWAY RD DURHAM CIR DURHAMSHIRE PL FARMVIEW CLOSE FOREST PATH FOX VALLEY CT FOX VALLEY LN FOX VALLEY TR GARDEN CIR GENA DR GLENDALE DR GLENWOOD DOWNS LN GOLF BROOK DR GRAND PINES DR GROVE PARK WAY GUINNESS CT HAIRSTON PL HAIRSTON TER HENDERSON CREEK RD HIGH MEADOW CT HIGH MEADOW DR HILLSBOROUGH LN HILLSIDE AVE HOLLY LN INDIAN MANOR DR INTERNATIONAL PARK DR JOHN ALDEN RD KNIGHT CT LAGOON CT LARKSPUR TER LEDO AVE LEISURE SPRINGS CIR LEWFIELD CIR LOCHLAND RD LOMITA RD LONE STAR TR LOST CREEK CIR
TO LANI FARM RD SNAPFINGER RD CLIFTON SPRINGS RD COHASSETT LN TONEY DR INTERNATINAL PK DR MIDWAY RD FAIRLEE DR ROWLAND RD CARLISLE RD KING RD WALKER RD N FOX VALLEY DR KING RD FOREST PL MCAFEE RD HOLLY HILL DR THRASHER CIR GLENFAIR RD (E) FIELDGREEN DR LEISURE WOODS LN OAK GROVE RD FENBROOK DR S HAIRSTON RD HAIRSTON PL LESLIE DR COLONY E DR MERCER RD TULIP DR CANDLER RD CHRISTMAS LN S INDIAN CREEK DR CONSTITUTION RD KINGS TROOP RD GRESHAM RD LAGOON WAY TULIP DR GLENWOOD RD LEISURE SPRINGS DR HATFIELD CIR CAVANAUGH AVE GLENWOOD RD STONEGATE DR POST ROAD PASS
CUL DE SAC @ 1060 DEAD END @ 2010 WILD SPRINGS CT CUL DE SAC COLUMBIA WOODS DR BOULDERCREST RD CELIA WAY DEAD END #1438 ALLGOOD RD CUL DE SAC @ 4069 CUL DE SAC @ 5416 CUL DE SAC @ 725 CUL DE SAC @ 950 FOREST PATH CUL DE SAC SECOND AVE MIRIAM LN GLENROCK DR CUL DE SAC @ 3983 CUL DE SAC @ 5000 DEAD END CUL DE SAC @ 1704 FENBROOK DR CUL DE SAC @ 4912 CUL DE SAC @ 4912 WAKE ROBIN TR CUL DE SAC @ 1624 CUL DE SAC @ 1382 BROOKCREST CIR QUILLIAN AVE N DRUID HILLS RD CUL DE SAC @ 4280 CUL DE SAC (TEMP) CARLISLE RD DEAD END CUL DE SACS N & S TULIP DR BURGESS DR LEISURE SPRINGS DR HATFIELD CIR CITY LIMIT (ATL) TERRY MILL RD GREENROCK TR POST ROAD PASS
REPAVE continued from page 3
the entire road would be dug up and repaved. “This is the start of building a whole new Stonecrest,” said Lary. “The city plans to pave a new street every day until about the end of the summer.” The mayor said a laser analysis
of every road in the city has been done to determine which streets would be repaired in the first phase. He said eventually every street that needs repair would be fixed. Lary said it also was important for the work to begin in spring in order to get as many streets as possible re-
MAY 17, 2019 • PAGE 5
LOUDEN DR LYNN LN LYNWYN LN MALVERN BLVD MANASSAS LN MARTINS CROSSING RD MCCARTER STATION MCLENDON DR MERCER RD MIDVIEW DR MILTON ST MOUNTAIN OAKS PKWY MOUNTAIN VIEW DR NORMAN RD NORTHBROOK DR NORTHVIEW AVE OLD COACH CT PARKSTONE DR PATRICK CT PEACHCREST CT POST ROAD PASS RAINOVER DR RANGEWOOD DR ROCKBRIDGE RD ROCKEY VALLEY DR ROYAL ABBEY DR SANDEN FERRY DR SMOKECREEK CT SPRINGLEAF POINT SUTTERS MILL RD SWEET AIR LN TIVOLI PARK CT TRALYN CT TUDOR CASTLE CIR TYNE WAY VERNA DR WATKINS GLEN RD WATSON BAY TR WEDGEWOOD TER WESLOCK CIR WEST LAKESIDE DR WHISPERING OAKS CT WHITNEY CT WIND RUN WAY WOODFALL CT
ZELDA DR GLENWOOD RD MORELAND AVE 681 MALVERN BLVD BATTLE FORREST DR MARTIN RD REDAN TRACE E PONCE DE LEON AVE COVINGTON HWY MIDWAY RD E PONCE DE LEON AVE S DESHON RD SHEPPARD RD RAYS RD CHAMBLEE TUCKER RD CANDLER RD OLD COACH RD PINE ROC DR ST PATRICK ST JACKSON DR WALKER RD 3765 RAINOVER DR 2687‐8 RANGEWOOD DR NORTH CLARENDON AVE BOULDERCREST RD KINGSGATE RIDGE LINKWOOD LN SMOKETREE WAY CUL DE SAC MTN OAKS PKWY MUIRFIELD DR PARKWEST LN COLUMBIA DR TUDOR CASTLE DR FENBROOK DR AURIE DR SUTTERS MILL RD CUL DE SAC @ 503 OAKLAND TER CLIFTON SPRINGS WAY MCAFEE RD SUTTERS MILL RD KEMPER PL CREEK STONE LN COBBLESTONE LN
paved before cold weather returns. Blount project managers said construction crews planned to mill three inches of asphalt and pour three inches of new asphalt to provide motorists with a new, smoother ride on Leverett Drive. The work was scheduled for completion on the
DEAD END DERRILL DR DEAD END @ 1295 DEER LAKE TRAIL CUL DE SAC @ 2355 5482 MARTINS CROSSING RD 5270 MCCARTER STATION LAWERENCEVILLE HWY DEAD END @ MALIBU JACKSON DR DEAD END @ 756 ROCKBRIDGE RD MEMORIAL DR CITY LIMIT (CLARKSTON) HIDDEN ACRES DR WILLA DR CUL DE SAC DEAD END ST PATRICK ST CUL DE SAC @ 1491 LOST CREEK CIR SHADOWBROOK DR CUL DE SAC @ 2801 NORTHERN AVE CUL DE SAC @ 3829‐32 CUL DE SAC @ 631 FRANCINE DR CUL DE SAC @ 3132 SPRINGLEAF CT CUL DE SAC @ 503 CUL DE SAC CUL DE SAC CUL DE SAC CUL DE SAC @ 1994 CUL DE SAC @ 1207 AURIE DR CUL DE SAC @ 6979 CUL DE SAC @ 591 MIRIAM LN WESLOCK CIR MARION CIR CUL DE SAC @ 6966 CUL DE SAC @ 5393 CUL DE SAC @ 6938 & 7065 CUL DE SAC @ 625
same day it began. “We’ll be able to complete repairs on some of the streets the same day. Residents will leave for work in the morning and when they return, they’ll have a new street,” the project manager said.
Board Chair Tiffany Callaway Ferrell & President & CEO Leona Barr-Davenport
st
Luncheon Co-chair Steve Ewing
Luncheon Co-chair Mack Wilbourn
Cordially Invite You to the
Annual CEO Appreciation Luncheon
Tuesday | May 21, 2019 | 11:30 AM Networking Begins at 11:00 AM | Luncheon Begins at 11:30 AM Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
41st Annual CEO Awards Luncheon Honorees
William Pate
Jan Prisby Bryson
John Ahmann
Dr. Paul Judge
Milton H. Jones, Jr.
SPONSORS
Rockdale County
For more details, visit our site at www.AtlantaBusinessLeague.org
PAGE 6 • MAY 17, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale Board of Assessors to extend office hours June 8
T
Jordan Thornton
Beating death suspect surrenders to DeKalb authorities
T
he DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest in the alleged beating death of an Atlanta man. Warrants received in the sheriff's office on May 12 accuse Jordan Thornton, 21, of punching Anthony Concepcion Allen, 23, in the head repeatedly, causing bleeding and swelling of the brain that ultimately led to Allen's death. The incident took place on May 8 at a Hemingway Road residence in Stone Mountain. Thornton turned himself in to authorities at the DeKalb County Jail without incident on May 13. He is charged with aggravated battery and murder.
he Rockdale County Board of Assessors is offering extended hours on Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. – noon, at their offices, 981 Milstead Ave., Conyers. Chairman Will Barkley said the extended Saturday service would give those who are unable to come in during the week the chance to do so on a weekend day. “We owe it to the citizens of Rockdale County to be as accessible as possible to ensure they are able to ask questions regarding their property assessments and exemptions,” Barkley said. “We realize the need to sometimes do things outside of the scope of our daily operations to assist those who cannot get to our office during normal business hours. Our goal is to put citizens first with an emphasis on our seniors.” The deadline for filing for Homestead Exemption is April 1 of every year. To be eligible for Homestead Exemption, you must own and reside in the property as your primary residence prior to Jan. 1 of the tax year. Upon filing, you must have a Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID with the property address you are applying for the exemption on. Proof of residency includes water, gas, or electric bills, car registration and/ or voters’ registration prior to Jan. 1 of the taxable year. For more information, contact the Board of Assessors office at 770-278-7676.
CAMP
continued from page 4 • N. H. Scott Recreation Center: 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur, GA 30032 • Tobie Grant Recreation Center: 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, GA 30079 For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.
TRASH
continued from page 4
Volunteers will meet at the Rockdale County Department of Transportation Office, 2570 Old Covington Highway S.W., Conyers. The City of Conyers is expanding the areas where golf carts may be driven In the event of inclement weathinstead of regular vehicles. The motorized cart (golf cart) district, established er, the cleanup will be held on Saturin 2014 by the Conyers City Council, has now more than doubled in size in the day, June 15. hopes of spurring more interest among residents owning and operating golf carts to Rockdale County’s Board of navigate city streets, officials said. Commissioners Chairman Oz Nes The City Council began working on expanding the golf carts district after its bitt, Sr., created the Rockdale Comannual January planning retreat, where several topics were discussed. The expansion munity Ambassadors as a volunteer of the district now extends south of the railroad tracks that divide the city. board to help promote Rockdale in a “In looking at the motorized cart district and how it could be enhanced, we positive light. The Trash Bash camdetermined expanding the area allows for the opportunity for more residents to paign, there will be three separate participate, while increasing mobility in where they can go within the district,” said community cleanups. Mayor Vince Evans. “It’s our hope that we will see more carts on city streets in the Interested volunteers can regisfuture.” ter for the event on Eventbrite.com, Public Works and Transportation employees have completed the installation of by searching for “Trash Bash #1.” new cart district signage in the expanded district. Residents interested in operating a Registration is free. motorized cart or golf cart in the motorized cart district must abide by guidelines in Papa John’s pizza will provide the city ordinance and register the cart with the Conyers Police Department. food for the volunteers. A link to the ordinance and map of the expanded district are available for For more information, contact download on the city website at http://www.conyersga.com/residents/golf-cartSitarah Coote at sitarah.coote@ district. rockdalecountyga.gov or (770) 278 7057.
Golf carts wave of the future as Conyers expands district
ChurchesNow.org is coming in June, Churches Now is a digital display network for Churches. For more info on Churches Now call 678-770-7851.
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MAY 17, 2019 • PAGE 7
CARNIVAL continued from page 1
the parade must start promptly at noon. The outdoor festival will begin at 4 p.m. and will end at 10 p.m., she said. Last year, a number of employees who work at businesses in and around the mall, as well as guests staying at Stonecrest hotels, were stuck in gridlock traffic longer than expected due to the parade starting late, officials said. Al Franklin, the city’s Community and Cultural Affairs director, said the city is urging businesses to plan ahead. “We’re telling businesses to let their employees know that they need to leave for work much earlier on that day. We already know that it is going to take about four hours for the parade to pass,” said Franklin. “Traffic is going to be restricted in and around Mall
Parkway during that time.” Franklin said parking for fees will be available at the former Target store and AEI Start-Up Factory. Free parking, he said, will be available at Salem Bible Church, 5460 Hillandale Drive. City officials and organizers, he said, are trying to secure shuttle services from Salem and additional parking. City officials said businesses have the right to restrict parking to their customers and designate parking for their employees, if they choose to do so. However, councilman Jimmy Clanton, who attended the meeting, encouraged businesses to look beyond the inconvenience the crowds might bring for that one day and instead, devise ways to capture customers. “We’re going to have 25,000
people in the city. Businesses can pass out fliers offering specials and coupons to convince customers to come the next day,” said Clanton, who represents District 1, which includes The Mall at Stonecrest. Clanton also said although code enforcement officers would be out issuing citations to vendors who do not have permits to sell food or other products, the city would offer “a day of grace” for businesses that erect special signage for mrketing. He said residents also would be permitted to offer their homes for parking and rentals, if they choose. Rowdiness in communities, however, would not be tolerated, and police will intervene if there are problems, officials said. During the event, there will be three ambulances and bike medics
set up around the perimeter of the festival, Fire Marshall representative David Smalls said. Also, along the parade route, there will be four water stations for participants to use. The parade will start at the intersection of Mall Parkway and Turner Hill Road and end at Stonecrest Square near the Hilton Garden Inn. The festival will be held near the Sears and Kohl’s parking lot. Admission to the festival, where vendors, music and live entertainment will be, is $20 for adults and children 6 and up. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under. For more information about the festival, visit Atlantacarnivalbc.net OCG News Editor Valerie J. Morgan contributed to this report.
City to host Icon Eddy Grant at Mayor’s Caribbean Celebration Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary will honor Caribbean icon Eddy Grant during the Mayor’s Caribbean Celebration on May 25, 4 to 8 p.m., at the AEI Startup Factory. Grant is known for his distinctive fusion of African and Indian music indigenous to his native Guyana, along with the rock and roll music of Chuck Berry. Grant founded The Equals, who topped the chart with its classic, “Baby Come Back.” Grant’s very danceable tune, “Electric
Avenue,” was a No. 2 hit in the UK and U.S., following the No. 1 hit “I Don’t Wanna Dance,” a hit in every country except the U.S. The gifted Grant released several albums he wrote and produced, in addition to recording them in his own studio, manufacturing them in his own factory, and issuing them on his own record label. In fact, Grant is said to be the only major artist, who over a 50-year plus career, owns every recording and song he ever created, according to his biography. Grant founded the first black-owned
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“I just take my hat off to the family. They are resilience,” Lary said. “His mom gave a third of her liver. They both recovered. He’s healthy, smart, A student. He’s the whole package and that’s why he is our first recipient of the Stonecrest Champion Award.”
professional recording studio in Europe, Coach House Recording Studio, and the Ice Records label. Mayor Lary said he is looking forward to welcoming Grant. The city of Stonecrest formed sister relationships in 2018 with three cities in Guyana to encourage international business to come to the city Stonecrest. Lary said guests will have an opportunity to meet Grant, take pictures and get an autograph during the reception at the AEI Startup Factory. Tickets are available on EventBrite.
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