VOLUME 22 NUMBER 22
FREE
SEPTEMBER 3, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Home Chef to create more than 1,200 jobs at Lithonia Industrial Park
By Valerie J. Morgan
ing transportation infrastructure to grow their distribution he Lithonia Industri- network,” Gov. Nathan Deal al Park will welcome said in a news release. “By Home Chef, a meal establishing this new facility kit delivery service, which will and utilizing the state’s skilled create more than 1,200 jobs workforce, Home Chef will and invest $3.35 million in a be able to reach more of the new DeKalb County facility Southeastern market and meet by 2020, officials have anthe needs of a growing cusnounced. tomer base. I look forward The wholesale distributo the company’s continued tion center will lease the investment and growth in our 140,000-square-foot facility state.” now occupied by Miller InHome Chef’s new facility ternational Food on Lithonia will serve as a wholesale purIndustrial Boulevard. chasing, assembling, packag“Home Chef is among the ing and distribution center. many innovative companies “We’re undergoing treusing Georgia’s high-perform- mendous growth and are ex-
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See Home Chef, page 6
Rep. Johnson renames Pine DeKalb County Public Library Lake Post Office for fallen officer launches seed library eKalb County Public Francis Manuel Ortega
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Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) presents the Ortega family with a plaque dedicating and renaming the Pine Lake Post Office in honor of fallen police officer Francis Manuel Ortega, who was killed outside the post office in 2005.
PINE LAKE – On Saturday, Aug. 27, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA04), along with Pine Lake officials, the U.S. Postal Service and members of the community officially renamed Pine Lake’s Post Office in honor of fallen police officer Francis Manuel Ortega. The ceremony was held on Aug. 27 at the Pine Lake Post Office. On Aug. 11, 2005, Officer Ortega, then 25, was shot and killed in front of See Pine Lake Post Office, page 10
Library has added something new and different to its collection. The Library has launched metro Atlanta’s first seed library at the Decatur branch, 215 Sycamore Street in downtown Decatur. The DIGG Seed Library— DeKalb Invests In Growing Gardens—allows library patrons to check out heirloom and open-pollinated seeds that grow well in DeKalb-area gardens. Those who have a DeKalb library card may hoose the seeds they want from a catalogue and take the seeds for free. The purpose of the new service is to provide access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food as well as to educate patrons about food deserts in some of our communities, said Janet Florence, public information officer for the Library System. Food deserts are areas where residents have difficulty finding fresh, healthy food because there are few nearby grocery stores and farmers markets. The seed library was funded with start-up funds from the DeKalb Library Foundation. The Friends of the Decatur Library also donated money. All seeds were donated from Slow Food Atlanta and a number of seed companies, including Hudson Valley Seed Library, Athens Seed, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, High Mowing Seed Company, Southern Exposure Seeds and many more.
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
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Dawkins-Haigler contests District 43 runoff
tate Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler is contesting the July 26 runoff election for the Senate District 43 Democratic Primary after a recount ordered by Secretary of State Brian Kemp did not produce any change in the runoff election results. Rep. Tonya P. Anderson won the runoff by 10 votes. Dawkins-Haigler contends the runoff was marred by voter irregularities and possible disenfranchisement. Dawkins-Haigler said some voters in Rockdale County received non-partisan ballots instead of the Democratic ballot requested. These individuals were only able to vote for a school board representative and not for Senate District 43. Rockdale Elections Supervisor Cynthia Welch said she was made aware that five voters received the wrong ballot but they did not notify poll workers of the mistake until after they pressed “cast ballot.” “There are remedies in place and we can easily fix a problem so long as they
have not pressed cast ballot. By law, we could not issue them another ballot, however, if ‘cast ballot’ was pressed,” Welch said. Dawkins-Haigler said not having any type of paper receipt for voters once a ballot is cast also is problematic. “Contesting this election is not just about my race, but your rights,” said Dawkins-Haigler. She further states “Since Georgia does not provide any type of paper receipt for voters once their ballot is cast, there is no way to adequately address many concerns that may arise at the polling place and even if a recount is requested, the results will not change as the machines are only recalibrating the same information from the data cards. Even with the Presidential fiasco in Florida in 2000, there were paper ballots that could manually be recounted. We are forced to wonder how many others may have been given the wrong ballot who did not file a report.” Dawkins-Haigler said the race was “hijacked” by Republicans crossing over to vote in the Democratic primary to dilute the
Dee Dawkins- Haigler
Tonya P. Anderson
voting strength of Democrats. She points to the fact that over 700 Republicans cast votes in the Senate District 43 Democratic run-off election. “As someone who is constantly fighting to protect the sanctity of the vote as well as being a strong advocate for reinstating Section 3 of the Voting Rights Act, I have to speak up when I know that the will of the Democratic voters has been suppressed by manipulation and dilution. This is 2016 and we can’t sit idly by and allow Republicans crossing over into a Democratic primary to sway an election,” Dawkins-Haigler said.
Kathy Harvey qualifies as write-in candidate for Rockdale probate judge
Business owner Kathy L. Harvey has announced that she has qualified as a write-in candidate for Rockdale County Probate Court judge. In November, Harvey will face Clarence Cuthpert, Jr., an attorney who defeated
incumbent Charles Mays. Harvey is a Law and Public Policy Ph.D candidate at Walden University. She holds an advanced M.Sci. Degree in Law and Public Policy (MLPP), California University of Pennsylvania (CAL-U),
and a MACC in Christian Counseling from Luther Rice University. She operates a business called The Counseling and Consulting Connoisseur. Harvey has two children and three grandchildren.
Kathy Harvey
DeKalb appoints 16 to Charter Review Commission
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eKalb ICEO Lee May has announced appointments to the DeKalb County Charter Review Commission, a diverse body of community leaders who will study various aspects of DeKalb County government and come up with ways to improve the charter. The commission is expected to look at how appointments are made, whether the form of government should be changed to one run by a county-manager and other aspects of organization. The DeKalb County Charter Review Commission is one of the final recommendations of the DeKalb Government Operations Task Force (OTF) created by May in 2014. The OTF advised the DeKalb County delegation to establish a charter review commission to evaluate the county’s organizational act. That legislation was introduced but failed in the 2016 session of the Georgia General Assembly. “Although Senate Bill 421, which provided for the creation of a charter review commission, failed to advance through the 2016 legislative session, it is important that we establish a platform for the citizens of DeKalb County to engage in a deliberate discussion related to the county’s governance structure,” said May. Under May’s executive order, the commission will be comprised of 17 members: Three appointed by the interim CEO, two of which will serve as cochairs of the commission and one of which will represent the now-vacant county commission District 7; one appointed by each member of the Board of Commissioners for a total of six members; two appointed by the DeKalb Senate Delegation; one member appointed by the DeKalb House Delegation; one appointed by the DeKalb Board of Education; one appointed by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce; one appointed by the Georgia Municipal Association; and one appointed by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia. So far, 16 members have been appointed. The Charter Review Commission will hold its first organizational meeting
on Sept. 22, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Final recommendations from the commission must be submitted no later than June 30, 2017, to the DeKalb Governing Authority, each member of the General Assembly from DeKalb County, the governor, the lieutenant governor, speaker of the House and chairpersons of the Senate State and local governmental operations committee and the House governmental affairs committee. The members of the DeKalb County Charter Review Commission are as follows: Commission member Organization Representing Appointed by Rahn Mayo Honeywell Countywide Interim CEO Lee May Ann Hanlon North Fulton CID Countywide Interim CEO Lee May Robert Miller The Miller Group District 1 Comm. Nancy Jester Dean Vanderbilt Retired District 2 Comm. Jeff Rader Bobbie Sanford Sanford Realty District 3 Comm. Larry Johnson Stan Pritchett Morris Brown College District 4 Comm. Barnes Sutton Kathy Register Cong. Hank Johnson District 5 Comm. M. Johnson Jim Grubiak Attorney/Retired District 6 Comm. Kathie Gannon Jerome Edmondson Entrepreneur Dev. Network District 7 ICEO Lee May Delores Crowell AT&T Countywide DeKalb Chamber Dr. Melvin Johnson DeKalb Board of Ed. Countywide DeKalb Board of Ed. Michele NeSmith Assn. of Co. Commissioners Countywide ACC Mayor John Ernst Brookhaven, Georgia Countywide GA Municipal Assn. Carla Smith Signature Healthcare Countywide DeKalb Senate Naomi Godfrey Attorney/Retired Countywide DeKalb Senate TBD TBD Countywide DeKalb House
Anytime Notary. Call to schedule your appointment: 678-468-6852
PAGE 4•SEPTEMBER 3,2016
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Downtown Decatur hosts Concerts on the Square
Coming Up
Music enthusiasts are invited to enjoy free live music on the square for Decatur’s Concerts on the Square September series. Pack a picnic, spread out a blanket and enjoy an outstanding line-up of music every Saturday at 7 p.m. during the month of September. For more information or show details, visit www.decaturdba.com.
GWINNETT
UGA Extension Service hosts Fall gardening, lawn care courses Fall gardening
Decatur Book Festival set for Labor Day weekend
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ens of thousands of book lovers will gather on the Decatur Square over Labor Day weekend for the 11th annual AJC Decatur Book Festival Saturday, Sept. 3, to Sunday, Sept. 4 at the Old Decatur Court House, 101 E Court Square, Decatur. There will be a wide array of events, panel discussions, cooking demonstrations, music, dance, theatre troupe performances and other programming for adults and children of all ages and interests. The festival will feature lectures and signings from more than 300 national and local authors, including award-winners, best-sellers, and some just getting started. For more information, visit https://www.decaturbookfestival.com.
ATLANTA
Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the 12th annual House in the Park Atlanta festival The 12th annual House in the Park festival will once again be at the historic Grant Park Sunday, Sept. 4, 12 to 8 p.m., 800 Cherokee Ave, Atlanta. Enjoy one full day of nonstop soulful house music, R&B classics and all genres in between. The family friendly event is free and will include food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and will feature four of Atlanta’s most renowned soulful house music DJs, plus free water to keep you hydrated all day long. For more details, visit www.houseinthepark.org.
DEKALB
Car, bike show and health fair set at VOF Voices of Faith Ministries is hosting a car and bike show on Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the church’s Stone Mountain campus, 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W. The event will include a health fair with free health checkups, performances, live music, raffles and prizes for cars and bikes that place. The event is free and open to the public. To be a vendor or to register for the car and bike show, visit www.voicesfaith.org or call 770-498-5850, ext. 330.
DeKalb Library to host Smithsonian’s National Museum traveling exhibit DeKalb County Public Library is hosting a special exhibit on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer branch, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker. The exhibit, entitled Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and The March on Washington, 1963 features historic photographs and paintings that explore two pivotal events in American history — The Emancipation Proclamation and the 1963 March on Washington. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, developed the exhibit to commemorate the achievements these events represent. The exhibit explores their historical context, what they accomplished and failed to accomplish, and their impact on the generations that have followed.
Join Gwinnett County Extension Agent Timothy Daly Sept. 8, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Government Annex Building, 750 South Perry St., Lawrenceville. Daly will discuss caring for your lawn during the fall to keep it healthy and attractive. The class will be held in the second-floor conference room of the building.
Herb Gardening A lecture on herb gardening will be hosted at the same location on Thursday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Herbs are excellent garden plants that require minimal maintenance and come in a variety of scents, flavors, and colors. Register by Sept. 6 for the classes by calling 678-377-4011.
ROCKDALE
Library offers school night pajama story time Bring the kids to enjoy stories, interactive songs and simple crafts before bedtime on Thursday, Sept. 8, 6 to 6:45 p.m., in the storytime room at the Nancy Guinn Library, 964 Green Street, Conyers. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in all activities. Children are welcome to come in Sleepwear. All ages welcome. For more information, call youth services at 770- 388-5040, ext. 113.
11th annual Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival set for Labor Day weekend The Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival and Family Fun Day will be held Sunday, Sept. 4, noon to 10 p.m,. at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. The Grace Atlanta Jerk Festival is one of the largest Caribbean-themed food festivals in North America and is expected to draw nearly 20,000 Caribbean nationals. Jerk Fest offers Caribbean cuisine, arts, crafts, live performances from national and international artists, a young people’s activity zone, an authentic Caribbean-style food and produce market plus a games tent for domino and ludo aficionados and much more. The highlight of the festival is the cook-off competition to determine Atlanta’s Top Jerk Chef. Winner receives the Grace Foods Atlanta Top Jerk Chef trophy and other prizes. Part of the proceeds from the event goes to benefit the Atlanta Montego Bay Sister Cities Foundation and other charitable organizations. For more information, visit http://atlantajerkfestival.com.
This week’s Coming Up was compiled by Mackenzie N Morgan Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers. Calendar events are published weekly as space permits.
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SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 • PAGE 5
Peabo Bryson headlines at Old School 87.7’s Porsche Foxx to host On Lithonia Amphitheater on Common Ground News’ Peabo Bryson concert Sept. 10 By Valerie J. Morgan world go round.
On Common Ground News is presenting Peabo Bryson at the Lithonia Amphitheater, 2501 Park Drive, on Saturday, Sept. 10, 7 to 11 p.m. The JFly production, “A Night of Jazz & R&B,” also will include special guests Dee Lucas, the Heather Hayes Experience and Brooke Alford. Proceeds benefit “The How Big Is Your Dream? Foundation, a nonprofit that provides training and summer camps to youths who are interested in honing their musical talents for the entertainment industry. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages or purchase food and beverages from vendors. Advance tickets start at only $30/ $35 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit ocgconcerts.com. For vending opportunities, call Glenn Morgan 678-770-7851.
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adio personality Porsche Foxx, who made history as the first woman to become No. 1 in Atlanta’s coveted “Afternoon Drive Show” time slot with WVEE-V103, is back. This time, Foxx has a new gig with Old School 87.7 FM. She’s doing “The Porsche Foxx Show” during the afternoon drive, weekdays, 3 to 7 p.m., “rocking the box with Foxx” as only she can. “It feels good to be back. I love Old School and I feel especially blessed to be reconnected with my dedicated following of listeners. I have missed them,“ said Foxx, who came aboard 87.7 FM on July 11 after a long hiatus. She was with V-103 in the afternoon slot from 1998 to 2004 and did some online radio stints after that. “It was important for me to get back to my passion and I’m doing what I love—connecting to people—all colors, all creeds,” said Foxx regarding her new show. Foxx is set to host On Common Ground News’ Peabo Bryson concert at the Lithonia Amphitheater on Sept. 10, 7 p.m. Foxx says although she hosts special events two or three times a week, along with doing the Porsche Foxx Show at 87.7, she has been taking extra care to balance her busy schedule with “me” time. She spends her mornings meditating or walking and then she’s on her laptop, tapping into social media, listening to the radio and reading so that she can share her distinctive perspectives about the people, places and issues that make Atlanta and the
“I keep it real. To me, that’s what it’s all about,” said Foxx. A native of Kansas City, MO., Foxx is proud of her hometown. “Make sure you put the MO on the end of Kansas City. I’m from Kansas City, MO,” she says. Foxx said that that she got the name Porsche Foxx from a producer with whom she had worked in Little Rock, Arkansas. “He was kidding me that I was a fox and I said I didn’t mind being one so long as I could have two “xes” on my name,” said Foxx. So what else might surprise fans about the drive time queen? She plays saxophone. Well, she once did. “I played alto saxophone in high school and while I was a student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I don’t know about playing now. I’m not sure if I still know where the keys are, “ Foxx quipped. “ I was able to take a hobby and turn that into paying for my education because my parents couldn’t afford to send me to college.” Foxx said she plans to share her story of making her comeback some day but for now, she’s glad—thankful—to be able to do what she does: serve the community and keep folks entertained and informed as they drive home in the evenings.
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PAGE 6 •SEPTEMBER 3,2016
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Home Chef continued from page 1
cited to expand our distribution footprint,” said Pat Vihtelic, Home Chef founder and CEO. “The culture of collaboration makes Georgia the ideal location for us today and tomorrow. We’re confident that DeKalb has the skilled workforce necessary for us to achieve our ambitious growth goals.” Home Chef’s investment in the Lithonia area is exciting news for other business owners in the Lithonia area such as Mike McClinton, who owns Robert’s Restaurant at 2810 Evans Mill Road. “I’m excited because it will bring workers to my restaurant. They will be looking for somewhere to eat lunch and dinner and we have some of the best soul food known to Man,” said McClinton. McClinton said he expects new housing developments will be spurred by the 1.200 jobs Home Chef will bring to the area. “They are going to have to build housing in the area. I believe it’s going to be a major economic impact,” said McClinton. “It’s what we need in DeKalb.” Home Chef currently employs more than 500 people nationwide in marketing, technology, production and customer service. Home Chef offers fresh ingredients with stepby-step instructions for consumers to make quality dishes right at home from the meal kits that are delivered to consumers who purchase them. State Rep. Doreen Carter, who represents District 92 and is president of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, says she loves the idea of a company not only creating jobs but providing healthy eating options for the community. “I am excited that we have a company that
Above are some of the options offered by Home Chef’s recipe kits for consumers to prepare at home for themselves.
is truly using innovation to provide healthy food options for families has chosen Lithonia to be their home,” said Carter. “The Lithonia community will truly benefit. I believe that this is the beginning of the much-anticipated revival of the industrial area. Home Chef delivered more than 1 million meals in 2015 and expanded to nationwide service in 2016. “Home Chef’s presence in DeKalb will be the first meal kit delivery service production facility in metro Atlanta, an exciting new concept taking the nation by storm,” said Decide DeKalb President Ray Gilley. “With this unique project choosing to locate in the heart of east DeKalb, it signals to us and hopefully the rest of the business community, the incredible opportunities available here for additional jobs and investment. DeKalb’s robust transportation network, close proximity to the airport and diverse workforce will help enhance
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Home Chef’s delivery capacity to new and existing customers in and around the southeastern United States.” Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) project manager Josh Stephens represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with Global Food Properties, Decide DeKalb, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Quick Start and Georgia Power. “In partnership with our economic development allies in DeKalb County, we are thrilled to celebrate the news that an innovative company like Home Chef has decided to grow their U.S. operation in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “We are in the business of creating quality job and investment opportunities across the state, and we are looking forward to the positive impact that Home Chef is sure to have on the region.”
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Make the pledge to just spend $10 at your local Farmers Market
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he Georgia Farmers Market Association (GFMA) is asking you to pledge to “Just Spend $10” at your local farmers market over the summer. Supporting your local farmers market is important because the money you spend shopping with local vendors is more likely to be reinvested in your local economy. In fact, The New Economics Foundation, a London-based think tank, compared what happens when people buy produce at a supermarket vs. a local farmer’s market and found that twice the money stayed in the community when folks bought locally. If you’re still unconvinced, research has shown that for every dollar spent with local businesses, 45 cents were reinvested in the local economy. Imagine what spending $10 per week at the Lithonia Farmers Mar-
ket can do for “A Place to Imagine.” Speaking in percentages, the multiplier effect holds that if everyone spends a greater percentage locally, the multiplier effect turns that into big bucks for the local economy. This is why supporting your local farmers market is a matter of economic viability. So what can you get with this $10? The options are boundless at the Lithonia Farmers Market. Through a variety of vendors at the market, shoppers can choose from fresh produce, sustainable meat and dairy and much more. And, while you’re doing your part to help strengthen your local economy, you’ll also be building a sense of community as you meet the great folks responsible for providing a local option for fresh, sustainable food. Go ahead, make the pledge to
DeKalb to celebrate National Senior Center Month
Senior centers in DeKalb County will be showcased in September for National Senior Center Month. “DeKalb County is grateful for its seniors and is proud to be able to provide quality programming through its senior centers around the county,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May. This year’s theme is “Find Balance at Your Center,” noting the varied ways older adults engage with their community and their peers emotionally, physically and mentally. DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs, Central DeKalb Senior Center, Lou Walker Center, South DeKalb Senior Center, Lithonia/East DeKalb Senior Center, DeKalb Atlanta Senior Center and Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center will host activities throughout the month. Lou Walker Senior Center, located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia, will kick off National Senior Center Month on Thursday, Sept. 1, with a session on “Brains, Balance and Better Short-Term Memory,” presented by Tyrone Bailey, the center’s wellness director, from 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. The center’s “Last Days of Summer” patio cookout, hosted by Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, will be held from noon to 2 p.m. The Central DeKalb Senior Center, located at 1346 McConnell Drive, Decatur, will host a workshop on preventing falls on Friday, Sept. 23, at 12:30 p.m. to provide seniors with tips on how to remain steady, active and mobile for life. DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will issue a proclamation on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m., at the Manuel Maloof Building, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.
Are you ready to expand your business internationally?
The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce is accepting reservations for its Third Wednesday Luncheon, where a discussion will be held on how to expand your business internationally. The meeting will be held on Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at This Is It Banquet facility, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. Shehzin Jafar, international trade manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, will be the keynote speaker. Jafar assists clients through market research, foreign market promotions and through identifying key contacts and international buyers. She provides information on incentives and business development tools provided by the Department of Economic Development. Jafar will share information on how you may expand your company’s footprint internationally. Admission is free to Chamber members with advance registration ($10 at the door). Guests may attend with advance registration of $20 ($25 at the door). To RSVP for the luncheon, visit greaterlithoniachamber.com.
“Just Spend $10” and help your local economy thrive! The Lithonia Farmers Market is open Sundays through Sept. 18, 1 to 5 p.m., at the Lithonia City Hall, 6920
Main Street. The Lithonia Farmers Market is made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Live Healthy Gwinnett hosts free yoga in the park during September September is National Yoga Month and Gwinnett Parks and Recreation invites the public to connect with nature Sunday, Sept. 4, 7 a.m., at Vines Park, 3500 Oak Grove Rd SW, Loganville. The hour-long class will be guided by instructors from Ebb & Flow: Yoga Surf Studio. All skill levels welcome; bring a mat, towel and water bottle. Pre-register at www.gwinnettparks.com with code YIP47501 Call 770-822-8869 or visit www.livehealthygwinnett.com for more information and the full schedule of events. Some events may cost more for residents outside of Gwinnett County.
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Ellenwood man found guilty of killing 6-month-old daughter
A DeKalb County jury has found an Ellenwood man guilty of killing his 6-month-old daughter by violently fracturing her skull multiple times. Reginald Demarcus Johnson, 36, was convicted Monday of felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children for the April 2015 death of Jordan Johnson. “This is a tragic and horrific death,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James. “It is our responsibility as parents to do everything in our power to protect our most preReginald Johnson cious commodities … our children. So to forcibly damage such a young child – then try to blame her twin brother – is repugnant and inexcusable.” Jordan died of blunt force trauma to the head. An autopsy showed that she had multiple skull fractures and bleeding inside her brain. The defendant told emergency responders that he woke up to find Jordan unresponsive with her 6-month-old twin brother, Jeremiah, on top of her. He suggested that the twin, who was uninjured, might have caused Jordan’s death. However, evidence at trial from medical experts and investigators found the amount of force needed to injure the baby would’ve had to have been smashing on a table or other flat surface or an adult stomping the baby’s head. Johnson faces life in prison and will be sentenced at a later date.
Conyers releases surveillance video of Sigman Bottle Shop burglary Conyers Police Department is seeking the public’s help in capturing two suspects who burglarized the Sigman Bottle Shop on Monday, Aug. 29, just after midnights. The heavier male was armed with a handgun. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspects may result in a cash reward of up to $5,000.00. Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at: 404-577-TIPS (8477). Surveillance video of the burglary suspects is available at: https://youtu.be/CULoqzyh7lo
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Former Gwinnett barber indicted for death of ex-girlfriend’s son
A DeKalb County grand jury recently indicted a Gwinnett County man for the murder of his ex-girlfriend’s son amidst a violent June 2016 crime spree. Carlester Gilbert is charged with malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery, four counts of aggravated assault and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. “A man this dangerous has no business on our streets,” DeKalb County District Attorney Robert Charles Gilbert James said. “We will make sure that Mr. Gilbert’s victims receive justice for what he’s done.” On June 11, Gilbert went to the home of his former girlfriend and boss and got into an argument with her oldest son, Rashad Williams. Gilbert shot Williams in the back of the head, then shot and injured Williams’ younger brother Detavious Kwakye. Gilbert shot at Williams’ other brother and another teen as they fled into the home. Both teens were able to escape. The 39-year-old Gilbert then allegedly robbed a nearby Chevron at gunpoint before he was seen by police officers who reported him tossing the gun out the window of his vehicle. He led police on a high-speed chase beginning on Georgia Highway 78 near Stone Mountain, going south on I-285, and then westbound on I-20 West. Speeds during the chase from DeKalb County into Atlanta at times reached in excess of 90 mph. During the chase, the truck Gilbert drove slammed into a police car, forcing the car into a civilian vehicle, before he was stopped near Martin Luther King Drive in southwest Atlanta and arrested. Gilbert also is charged in Norcross with armed robbery, false imprisonment, and two counts of aggravated assault for attacking Williams’ mother with a wrench and knife on June 6, and stealing her SUV, purse and cash and allegedly fleeing to Florida. He is being held without bond in the DeKalb County jail.
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SEPTEMBER 3,2016 • PAGE 9
16-year-old charged with arson in McCurdy Park playground fire
STONE MOUNTAIN – The DeKalb County Fire Rescue’s Fire Investigations Unit and Stone Mountain Police Department have charged a 16-year-old with first-degree arson in connection with a fire that destroyed the playground at Jim McCurdy Park, located at 5190 Poplar Springs Road in Stone Mountain. The teen, whose identity is being withheld because he is a juvenile, has been remanded to the custody of the DeKalb County Juvenile Detention Center pending further processing. The arrest is the result of information received from residents regarding the fire that destroyed the wood-framed playground structure on Aug. 26 after 8 p.m. Information received by Stone Mountain Police detectives was sufficient enough to initiate a warrant for arrest carried out by DeKalb County Fire Rescue investigators. There could be more arrests in this case, according to DeKalb County Fire Rescue investigators. Anyone with information pertaining to this ongoing investigation is asked to contact the Arson Tip Line at 800282-5804.
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Funeral services set for Drucilla Woods, Kiman Woods of Lithonia The City of Lithonia lost two of its committed and dedicated citizens, Brenda Drucilla Woods and Kiman Woods, in a tragic car accident on July 27. Kiman Woods, Drucilla Woods’ nephew, was a gifted musician and played at First St. Paul AME Church. Drucilla Woods was a community activist and the sister of former Lithonia Mayor Marcia Glenn. On Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m., there will be a musical celebration at First St. Paul AME, 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia. There will be a joint funeral service on Saturday, Sept. 3, 1 p.m., at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia.
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PAGE 10•SEPTEMBER 3,2016 Pine Lake Post Office continued from page 1
the Pine Lake Post Office while conducting a routine traffic stop. Ortega was a part-time officer of the Pine Lake Police Department and a full-time officer at Georgia Regional Hospital. Ortega’s family – his parents Francisco and Luz, his sister, Joann, and his children, Frankey and Kaylie, – joined the community for the renaming ceremony. Ortega’s sister Joann joined the rest of her family and the gathered crowd in fighting back tears. She thanked the Congressman and his staff for pushing for the renaming bill to become law so her brother “may be deeply missed but he will never be forgotten.” The dedication plaque with Officer Ortega’s name is now displayed in the front corridor of the Pine Lake Post Office. The ceremony took shape once Johnson’s bill H.R.3274 renaming the building became law on June 13. “Officer Ortega’s commitment to justice and willingness to face danger when others turned away, his desire to stand up for what was right – not what was easy, and his compassion for those in need should be applauded, commended and recognized in perpetuity,” said Johnson. The Pine Lake Post Office, which sits on Rockbridge Road and Spring Drive in the Fourth Congressional District, was filled beyond capacity at the ceremony. Congressman Johnson was joined by State Sen. Steve Henson; Pine Lake’s current and past mayors – Melanie Hammet, Kathie deNobriga and Greg Zarus; DeKalb County’s Chief Operating Officer of Public Safety Cedric L. Alexander; Pine Lake’s Police Chief Sara Y’hudah-Green, as well as DeKalb County and Pine Lake police officers, their police chiefs and members of the community.
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City of Decatur Police launches 9-1-1 text messaging for emergencies The City of Decatur Police Department is using cell phone technology for emergency calls. Now, the public can send a text message to 9-1-1 as an integrated service to the department’s 9-1-1 network. Thorough testing has been conducted and texts to 9-1-1 is live, for the public inside the City limits of Decatur. Texting to 9-1-1 provides accessibility to the hearing and speech impaired population and provides an alternative to reach help in a dangerous situation when a voice call is not possible or where a voice call fails due to a high volume of phone activity but texting is successful. How to text to 9-1-1 in an emergency: • Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field. The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed. • Push the “Send” button. • Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker. • Text in simple words- do not use abbreviations. • Keep the text message brief and concise. When to text to 9-1-1: • If you are hearing impaired. • When a voice call could increase a threat. • If you are injured and cannot speak. • If you are in a remote location and can only send a text message. Currently, the four major carriers; AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless have agreed to offer the text to 9-1-1 service. However, this does not mean that the service is available in all areas. If out of the area, you will receive a message stating that the text service is not available and to call 9-1-1. Photos, videos and other attachments cannot currently be sent to 911 via text, although these capabilities will be available in the future. The Police Department reminds the public to “CALL IF YOU CAN, TEXT IF YOU MUST.”
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