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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 11
JUNE 14, 2019 Stay connected
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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
DeKalb community mourns Arabia High student who collapsed, died after workout By Valerie J. Morgan
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colorful memorial of balloons and flowers were placed on a bank outside of the Zaxby’s restaurant where 17-year-old Elyse Purefoy worked as a cashier in Stone Mountain. The rising senior at Arabia Mountain High School, who was a member of the school’s dance team, collapsed on June 10 during a summer training workout and was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Purefoy was a straight-A student who worked part-time at Zaxby’s. Kimberly Cuffie, one of Zaxby’s shift managers, said workers at the restaurant were shocked and saddened by Purefoy’s death. “We are all praying for her family,” said Cuffie, who described Purefoy as a quiet, shy girl. Cuffie said that Zaxby is hosting a fundraiser to help the family with funeral expenses. The fundraiser and a balloon release will be held on Saturday, June 15, between 5 – 8 p.m. at the Zaxby’s located at 451 S. Deshon Road, Stone Mountain. “We just want to do whatever we can to help the family,” Cuffie said.
Elyse Purefoy
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Centenarian celebrates 104 years of living, laughing, dancing By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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eanette Everhart is not your average centenarian. The spry 104-year-old brought in her birthday laughing, singing and cutting up on the dance floor. The celebration took place on June 13 at the Traditions Health and Rehabilitation Center amidst an intimate circle of family, friends and well-wishers. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary attended the celebration and danced a little jig with Everhart. The mayor beamed as he presented a bouquet of flowers to potentially the oldest centenarian in the City of Stonecrest.
SEE PUREFOY page 10
SEE CELEBRATES page 11
Gov. Kemp makes historic appointments for insurance Commissioner, Cobb District Attorney
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wo minorities made history in Georgia with appointments by Gov. Brian Kemp’s on June 12. Doraville Police Chief and Brigadier General John King was named Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner and Safety Fire Commissioner, the first Hispanic to serve in that capacity. Cobb Judicial Circuit’s Chief Magistrate Judge Joyette Holmes was named the incoming District Attorney. She is the first AfricanAmerican and first female to serve as District Attorney in Cobb. Holmes succeeds Victor Reynolds, who was appointed in February as director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations by Kemp. “John King is a decorated soldier, passionate community advocate, and devoted law enforcement leader with decades of experience,” said Kemp. “As Georgia’s next Insurance Commissioner and Safety Fire Official, John will put hardworking Georgians first by shaking up the status quo. He will restore faith in the Department of Insurance and will always do the right thing – even when no one is looking. Chief King
John King
Joyette Holmes
has once again answered the call for public service. I know he will continue to be a bold leader and champion for the people.” “Judge Holmes is a servant leader in her community, and I am very excited to select her as Cobb’s new District Attorney,” said Kemp. “I know Joyette will put the safety of Cobb families first and always do the right thing - even when no one is watching.” A native of Mexico, King has worked diligently to keep his community safe. He created
and implemented several youth education, crime-prevention, and anti-gang programs. To help build strong relationships with diverse populations, Commissioner King hired bilingual officers, place numerous languages on his fleet of police cars, and partnered with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to enhance economic growth in the community. Commissioner King is an American hero serving as a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army National Guard as Director of the
Joint Staff for the Georgia DOD. He is the former Commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and has deployed to BosniaHerzegovina, Iraq and Afghanistan. During his long tenure in the military, King earned a Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantry Badge, meritorious service medals, and a NATO award for his service in both Bosnia and Afghanistan. He also received the El Salvador gold medal for achievement in 2006. King received his Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and public administration from Brenau University and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Holmes is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice. Holmes earned her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law in Maryland. Before her appointment as the Chief Magistrate Judge for Cobb County Judicial Circuit, Holmes served as prosecutor under District Attorney D. Victor Reynolds and Solicitor Barry Morgan. Prior to that, she represented clients in in her private practice.