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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 29

OCTOBER 18, 2019

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Rep. Johnson accepting nominees for U.S. military academies Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is now accepting applications for Fourth District congressional nominations to the military Congressman Hank Johnson service academies – U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point. NY) – for the Class of 2024.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications and supporting materials is Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. in the Congressman’s district office. All complete applications will be evaluated, and qualified applicants will be invited to interview with Johnson’s Academy Nomination Review Board.

To learn more about the nomination process and download an application, visit Congressman Johnson’s online office at https://hankjohnson.house. gov/serving-you/military-academynominations. To speak with a congressional representative about the service academy application process, call 770-987-2291.

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James Woodall elected youngest state president of Georgia NAACP Five DeKalb leaders to join Woodall on historic state cabinet

By Valerie J. Morgan James “Major” Woodall, 25, has been elected as the new state president of the Georgia NAACP. The historic vote of the state NAACP makes Woodall, who is from Bulloch County, GA, the youngest to serve as state president in the 110-year history of the civil rights organization.

The DeKalb County NAACP branch will be well represented in Woodall’s cabinet. DeKalb President Teresa Hardy and members Louise Thomas, Shelby Hall, Vivian Moore and Yvonne Hawkins all were elected to twoyear terms for the 13-member state executive committee. DeKalb is among the 100 branches that are members of the state civil rights organization.

“We are very excited to be a part of the historic executive committee,” said Hardy, who was elected treasurer. “We have been pushing leadership among young people. They have the energy and we are looking forward to working with Mr. Woodall and using that energy to move us forward.”

Woodall is a 2018 graduate of the NAACP’s Next-Gen leadership training program for young adult NAACP members between the

James Woodall

ages of 21 to 35. His involvement with the NAACP includes serving as Georgia Youth and College Division state president and first vice president of the Bulloch County Branch.

“I ran for state president because far too many people are suffocating from lack of access to healthcare, clean air and water, poor education and mass incarceration,” Woodall said.

A graduate student at the Morehouse School of Religion in the Interdenominational Theological Center, Woodall is a minister at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Marietta. He served eight years in the United States Army as an

Intelligence Analyst.

Officials said Woodall’s election, which took place in Marietta at the 77th Annual State Convention, marks a new beginning for the Georgia NAACP, which was founded in 1909. They said Georgia branches are poised to focus on the 2020 elections, the decennial U.S. Census, redistricting and reapportionment, and other critical issues.

In addition to Woodall, the new executive committee includes: • First Vice President: Barbara Pierce (Columbus) • Second Vice President: Jonathan Johnson (Houston County) • Secretary: Delinda Gaskins (Bulloch County) • Assistant Secretary: Tanya LaFleur (Cobb County) • Treasurer: Teresa Hardy (DeKalb County) • Assistant Treasurer: Louise Thomas (DeKalb County) • State President, Georgia Youth and College: Amari Fennoy (Cobb County) Members-At-Large: Jereine Grimes (Cobb), Shelby Hall (DeKalb), Yvonne Hawks (DeKalb), Kipp Carr (Atlanta), Larry Lockey (Waycross) and Vivian Moore (DeKalb)

Real Housewives’ Gizelle Bryant buys Arizona’s restaurant for three daughters L-R: Mayor Jason Lary, Auri Turner and Marsha Turner-Owens.

Stonecrest celebrates city’s youngest entrepreneur

T

he city’s business license technicians process hundreds of applications daily. Recently, however, a different entrepreneur approached their window.

Auri Turner went to City Hall on Oct. 14 to obtain a business license for her candy and confectionery company, Riri’s Party. Turner is 10 years old, making her the youngest entrepreneur on record in Stonecrest.

Mayor Jason Lary interviewed the Flat Rock Elementary School student and her mother, Marsha TurnerOwens, for a Stonecrest TV News Brief.

SEE ENTREPRENEUR page 7

Arizona’s restaurant in the city of Stonecrest plans to celebrate its reopening under new ownership. Gizelle Bryant from The Real Housewives of Potomac television series announced that her daughters would be taking over ownership of the restaurant.

Bryant is the ex-wife of Pastor Jamal Bryant, who serves as lead pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the city of Stonecrest. They share three daughters: Grace, 13, and twins Angel and Adore, 12.

On Oct. 15, Bryant posted a picture on social media announcing a ribbon cutting ceremony for the girls’ new restaurant.

“Sooo excited about my girls starting their own road of greatness.

Join us as they reopen and re-launch their restaurant! #BlackExcellence #BlackGirlMagic” On Common Ground News was unable to reach anyone to discuss the details of the new ownership by its deadline on Thursday.

The re-opening will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m., at Arizona’s, 2940 Stonecrest Circle, Stonecrest.

PAGE 2 • OCTOBER 18, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

DeKalb homicide investigators seek Ellenwood suspect The DeKalb County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating the suspect they believe fatally shot an Ellenwood man.

Police found the body of Frankie Tyrone Russell, 48, on the floor near the dining room inside his residence, located in the 2300 block of Deer Springs Drive in Ellenwood on Oct. 5. Police were dispatched to the home after an alarm was activated by the garage door, which they found open when they arrived.

Investigators said Russell was found with a single gunshot wound to the left side of his head. They said they believe Russell and the suspect were acquaintances and got into a dispute.

The suspect has a tattoo on his hand and arms.

“We’re asking for the public’s help in identifying this suspect,” DeKalb Police spokeswoman Michaela Vincent said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the DeKalb County Police Department at 404-294-2911.

DeKalb police arrest two for attempting to pimp teen girls The DeKalb County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit has arrested Lyndon "Sas" Smith, 26, of Atlanta, and James D. Ruffin, 27, of Snellville, for attempting to pimp underage girls. Smith was arrested on Oct. 17. Ruffin was arrested on Oct. 10.

The unit’s investigation concluded that Smith and Ruffin were planning to travel out-of-state with two teen girls for the purpose of prostitution. Authorities said the teens were safely recovered.

Smith and Ruffin were charged with Criminal Attempt Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude and Criminal Attempt Pimping of a Person less than 18 years of age.

They were booked into the DeKalb County Jail.

James Ruffin

Lyndon Smith

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OCTOBER 18, 2019 • PAGE 3

DeKalb to repair one of its worst repeat sewer spill sites

PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

mackenzie@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 P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com

Stonecrest mayor, staff address I-20 fence eyesore

M

ayor Jason Lary and Stonecrest staff members had a contractor to repair a crumpled fence that has been an eyesore for over a year at the I-20 east ramp at Panola and Fairington Roads, said Communications Director Adrion Bell. The fence, left in disrepair after an accident near the ramp occurred, was repaired on Oct. 14.

Bell said the city had been trying to get the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to address the problem, but after hearing from GDOT officials last week that the repairs would not be addressed for another six months, the city took action.

Lary and Deputy City Manager Plez Joyner contact ASAP Management Group, a local Stonecrest contractor, to repair more than 100 feet of fencing parallel to the I-20 East entrance ramp at Panola Road and Fairington Road, Bell said. The fence can be seen from the Walmart parking lot on

Fairington. It provides a barrier between pedestrians and traffic on I-20.

“We had been talking with GDOT and at our last meeting, they told me that it would be about three to four months before this project would go out for bid,” Joyner said.

The repair cost was below the city’s requirement for contract bidding, so the mayor said he decided to act.

“We had been pleading with GDOT to fix it. They gave us the authorization to fix it, so we did. We are a city of action. We are not going to wait for a possible fatality or someone to get hurt,” Lary said.

Lary said the city was able to find a quality minority-owned Stonecrest business to rebuild the fence to GDOT specifications.

“That’s a big piece of being the city of Stonecrest. We don’t have to wait on repairs and beautification.

We had the SPLOST money for the repair, so we moved forward,” Lary said.

A $3.2 million project will begin this month to fix one of DeKalb County’s most problematic sewer spill sites.

From January 2014 to present, Hood Circle was the site of 12 sewer spills, making it one of the top repeat spill sites in the county, and a source of frustration for residents in the area.

The primary cause of these sewers spill was stormwater entering aging and deteriorating pipes through cracks, vented manhole covers and structural defects.

The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management will repair or replace approximately 2,400 linear feet of pipes, some of which were installed nearly 80 years ago. Of this pipe, approximately 1,600 linear feet will be replaced and another 800 linear feet will be rehabilitated.

Additionally, the project will include 18 new or rehabilitated manholes.

In 2018, flow monitors were deployed in the area to collect real-time data that was used to identify the causes of the repeat spills. Flow monitors determine whether wastewater piping is the correct size, the effect proposed developments will have on flows, and where leaks might be causing problems.

The Hood Circle Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project is scheduled to begin Oct. 21, weather permitting. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2020.

This project is part of DeKalb County’s $1.2 billion initiative to rebuild the county’s aging infrastructure.

Dear Stonecrest neighbors, I started this journey six years ago going from neighborhood to neighborhood with just a map and an idea of building an independent, self-sustaining, proud city. There were many dark days and nights, and I sometimes wondered if I could continue to bear the pain of rejection, skepticism, and ridicule.

Through faith, family support and great friends and neighbors along for the journey, we prevailed and became a city.

If we continue to work together, we'll all be proud of the collective work that it takes to move our city forward for now and for generations to come. Like any new venture, it requires time and effort to be completely successful. Two years is an "eye blink" of time when developing a new city from inception to operation.

I'm asking for each of you to allow me to continue leading our journey. I would be honored to earn your vote so that we can continue what we started, together.

Our future is bright in Stonecrest.

Yours in service, Mayor Jason Lary, City of Stonecrest

J.E. Reed

PAGE 4 • OCTOBER 18, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Mark Your Calendar

Pastor Jamal Bryant

New Birth welcomes community to annual Harvest Fire Festival Oct. 29 New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is transforming the church grounds into a fall festival, complete with hayrides, candy, music and more. The annual Harvest Fire Festival, filled with bounce houses, face painting, game trucks and “trunk or treat” activities, is Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6 to 9 p.m., 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest.

“This is New Birth’s annual event to celebrate and commemorate family, community and fellowship,” said Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal H. Bryant. “The church has to be intentional about connecting with our neighbors and cultivating a sense of community that goes beyond the four walls of this church.”

In recent months, Pastor Bryant and the New Birth congregation have actively worked to make a positive impact in the Stonecrest community and beyond through various outreach activities. Some of the church’s key initiatives include providing 5,000 students with brand new shoes for school, launching a program to provide nonviolent offenders with more than $120,000 in funds for bail during Easter weekend, shipping tons of needed supplies to families affected in the Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian and holding a community prayer vigil to demand action to the rise in area crimes.

“Be sure to invite your neighbors, friends and relatives to our Harvest Fire Festival,” Pastor Bryant said.

“We literally have something for everyone to enjoy and look forward to during an evening filled with fun for the entire family.”

New Birth’s Harvest Fire Festival is free and open to the public.

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Executive Director Mera Cardenas to leave Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance Mera Cardenas, executive director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Alliance in the city of Stonecrest, is leaving after serving the nonprofit for nearly a decade. Cardenas, who has accepted a job in Ohio, plans to leave the Alliance by mid-December 2019, Arabia’s Board of Directors said in a statement. The Alliance said it would soon announce the search for her successor.

Cardenas will assume the role of executive director at Canalway Partners, a managing entity of the Ohio-Erie Canalway National Heritage Area based in Cleveland.

During her tenure, Cardenas worked with Arabia’s board and its many partners to connect and protect the area’s cultural legacy, greenspace, trails and historic narrative across the 40,000-acre Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA), located in the city of Stonecrest. Those strong partnerships will ensure the success of the AMNHA far into the future, the organization said.

Cardenas was the first nonvolunteer executive director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, which was founded in 1998 to protect and promote the rich

Mera Cardenas, pictured with Gov. Brian Kemp, who presented the Paul Nelson Award for Outdoor Recreation and Preservation to the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance in September. Photo: Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference.

landscapes and engaging history of this swath of land in the southeast Atlanta metro. The area was officially designated a National Heritage Area

by Congress in 2006. Cardenas has guided the Arabia Alliance to achievements in historic preservation, outdoor recreation and environmental education, as well as managing the growing organization.

Cardenas says her departure is bittersweet: “It has been a great honor

and privilege to be part of the Arabia Alliance at such an important juncture in the community’s development. It’s also been great fun, working with our board and partners, to create programs, grow partnerships and share these remarkable landscapes and touching stories. That foundation is solid. With a strong board of directors, numerous non-profit and governmental partners, and excellent staff, I am confident the Arabia Alliance is poised for its next act and prepared to welcome its next leader.”

In a statement, Arabia Alliance co-founders Kelly Jordan and Becky Kelley said: “Hiring Mera was one of the best moves the Arabia Alliance has made in its 20-year history. On behalf of the Alliance Board and staff, we wish her the very best in her new role.

We look forward to continuing the exciting projects underway that started under her tenure with the Alliance.”

Jordan said the board, which is comprised of 17 members, would not likely appoint an interim director. Staff members, Kelly said, are in place to manage the day-to-day operations until an executive director is hired.

Rockdale County to host Fall 2019 Small Business Summit The Rockdale County Department of Planning and Development will host its Fall 2019 Small Business Summit Nov. 7-8 at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers.

The Nov. 7 session will provide a resource fair from 4 to 8 p.m. to assist business owners with representatives from the Department of Revenue, the Chamber of Commerce, local banks, marketing firms, and others.

On Nov. 8, 8 a.m. -12 p.m., sessions will be held on various marketing topics featuring speakers from Mighty Eighth Media, a top marketing firm by Inc.com, and Lorraine Harrison, a local print media specialist. To attend the events on Nov. 8, a ticket is required.

Tickets for the Friday session costs $10 and can be found online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rockdale-county-small-business-summittickets-70814308503.

For more information, contact Kellie Littlefield with Rockdale County Department of Planning and Development at 770-278-7140 or email kellie.littlfield@rockdalecountyga.gov.

Free!

Law Topic Speaker Series

NANCY GUINN CONYERSROCKDALE LIBRARY

864 Green St SW, Conyers, GA 30012

NOVEMBER 2, 2019 10:30 AM

WILLS WILLS: Purpose and types ASSETS INTESTATE TESTATE TRUSTS PROBATE - Purpose POWER OF ATTORNEY – Purpose and Types For additional information call the Clerk of Courts Law Library Intern at 770-278-7903

“It is essential that our citizens take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and assets while they still can. Therefore, it is important that they understand how to ensure a smooth transition through the Probate Court Process.”

– Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr.

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OCTOBER 18, 2019 • PAGE 5

FRONT AND CENTER

Congressman Hank Johnson connects with thousands during town hall series

D

istrict 4 Congressman Hank Johnson reached thousands of residents in person and via Facebook live during his “Moving The Fourth Forward” town hall series. The town halls, which began at the Lou Walker Senior Center in DeKalb County on Aug. 13 concluded at the Newton County Historic Courthouse on Oct. 10.

Johnson, who represents all of Rockdale County and parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Newton counties, heard from the public on a host of issues during the town hall meetings—from global warming to the impeachment inquiry underway against President Trump. The Democratic Congressman even heard from a Republican at the Oct. 8 Rockdale town hall meeting who announced her plans to run for his seat in 2020. Johnson drew laughter from the audience when he said he was afraid to ask if there was anyone else in the audience running for office.

The Rockdale meeting drew a packed audience at the Rockdale Career Academy. Johnson’s office said nearly 3,000 people watched the video of the recorded meeting via Facebook live with about 700 leaving comments.

The most popular issues at the Rockdale meeting were the

impeachment inquiry concerning President Trump, immigration and patent law. Johnson also discussed the proposed Safe Roads Act of 2019(H.R. 3773) after a constituent told him the legislation, with its hefty insurance liability requirements could put her small trucking business out of business. The legislation would require commercial trucks to equip their fleets with automatic braking systems as a way to curtail fatalities on highways and would

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

“ Hillcrest Church of Christ would like to invite the Community to our Family and Friends Day Sunday November 3rd” Worship service begins at 10 am.”

require trucking companies to have a minimum insurance liability of $5 million. Johnson said the legislation was proposed after five Georgia Southern University nursing students were killed in April 2015. Truck driver John Wayne Johnson failed to press his breaks, causing a seven-car crash.

“It’s been at $750,000 for decades,” Johnson said, referring to the existing insurance liability rates for truck drivers. “It hasn’t kept up with the times, and inflation…

Perhaps there is some way we can adjust it for small businesses.

I’m all about the small guy, the little guy,” said Johnson, who cosponsored the bill.

At the Oct. 10 town hall, which was held at the Newton County Historic Courthouse, impeachment also was a hot issue, as well as immigration. There was a lot of back and forth about the way Trump is running the white house and some republican voters wanted the Congressman to investigate his rival and former Vice Democratic President Joe Biden instead of moving forward with the impeachment of Donald Trump.

The Newton County town hall video has had about 2,000 views and about 300 comments and/or people actively engaging during the video. You can view a photo album of the town hall here.

To view the Rockdale Video: https://www.facebook. com/RepHankJohnson/ videos/479947122617716/ You can view a photo album from the Rockdale town hall here.

To view the Newton video: https://www.facebook. com/RepHankJohnson/ videos/339853416824443/

LOCAL HVAC FIRM SET TO MANAGE A $15 MILLION LOAN FUND Financing available for homeowners and churches to update their HVAC Units The National Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG), a leading, minority-owned Carrier and Bryant HVAC firm, has been selected to manage an $15 million HVAC Loan Fund.

NSEG will be responsible for offering HVAC financing options for homeowners and churches within the faith-based community impacted by the Environmental Protection Agency’s phase-out of the R-22 refrigerant, commonly known as freon.

We will offer financing to homeowners that have excellent, good, moderate and challenged credit scores. As well as our Rent-To-Own financing option.

CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: WEDNESDAY, NOV 6TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038

Due to the mandatory 2020 deadline for the freon phase-out, the cost of freon is expected to increase by as much as 500% over the next year. Homeowners that have older model or non-functional HVAC units 10 years or older are urged to contact NSEG for a free HVAC evaluation. The new refrigerant, R410A, will not work in the older, freon-based HVAC units.

CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, NOV 25TH 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038

“This will be a game changer within the HVAC industry for homeowners and local churches across the Metro Atlanta area” said Percy Brooks, Founder and CEO of the NSEG. “We will start the program in South DeKalb and Rockdale Counties.” The cities will include: Lithonia, Stone Mountain, City of Stonecrest, Conyers, Ellenwood, and Decatur.

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-19-004 GPS Hospitality c/o Hilliard Starkey Law 2773 Evans Mill Road C-1 (Local Commercial) Applicant is requesting a Special Land Use permit for operation of a drive-thru facility.

According to Brooks, NSEG has established a solid track record of providing affordable HVAC services within these cities, with over 85% of clients being African American female homeowners. The firm also provides services for senior citizens and veteran homeowners. NSEG’s goal is to now meet with over 100 churches across the Metro within the next six months as well.

Brooks states that NSEG looks forward to providing our HVAC financing and sales to homeowners and churches affected by the mandatory EPA phaseout of freon that has caused major damage to the ozone layer and climate change.

For additional information, please contact Percy Brooks at 404-218-6445 or email at percybrooks.meb@live.com Website address: www.hvachomesystem.com

PAGE 6 •OCTOBER 18, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Stonecrest hosts re-opening of Browns Mill Recreation Center

T

he city of Stonecrest hosted the grand re-opening of Browns Mill Recreation Center on Oct. 12. The center closed recently for more than $100,000 in repairs and upgrades to the heating and air conditioning system, gymnasium floor, lift station, backflow preventers, and the fire suppression and safety system. The city also added a new Wi-Fi and communications system, which includes a video announcement flat-screen television at the center’s entrance and will soon add a new computer laboratory.

Stonecrest’s Parks and Recreation Director Sean DePalma said the upgrades are a requirement for obtaining the center’s first license through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

“We are going overboard to make sure this center is clean and safe,” DePalma said. “We cleaned the HVAC system and greatly improved the air quality, replaced outdated fire extinguishers, and purchased new AEDs. We also hired a Stonecrest resident to place a new city seal at the center of the basketball court.”

DePalma also said that he has applied for the state license and is awaiting the necessary inspections which he anticipates passing.

The exterior of the recreation center was improved on a recent volunteer day in which the city partnered with the South DeKalb Family YMCA to plant flowers and upgrade the landscaping. DePalma said the upgrades also included an interior and exterior paint job.

“We took over the parks a couple of months ago and this was one of the centers that needed the most attention. I have coached here and brought my sons up playing at Brown’s Mill. “…I am so proud of the work that everyone has put into this center. I am overwhelmed.”

Stop the Violence panel discussion set Oct. 23

diversity of the community. In addition to the walk, festivities included free multicultural foods, free T-shirts and entertainment.

Dr. Barbara Hall is hosting a “Stop the Violence” panel discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road.

The moderator-led panel will have an open dialogue about the rash of violence in South DeKalb County. Panelists include law enforcement officials, community leaders and Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary. Residents are encouraged to attend to ask questions and offer solutions.

DeKalb Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson pushes empowerment initiatives DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson attended the DeKalb County Homeless Symposium on Oct. 11. The event brought together the community and professionals who work with the homeless population from across the region Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to share information on strategic planning, policy initiatives, programs and best practices concerning the homeless population.

The symposium was sponsored by DeKalb County Community Development and Our House, Inc., United Way of Greater Atlanta and DeKalb County Continuum of Care.

Cochran-Johnson participated in the 15th Annual TEA Walk on Oct. 12. More than 3,000 residents came together for a 2-mile empowerment walk on Buford Highway to promote civic engagement and to celebrate the

Clarkston to host 2020 Census “prep” rally The City of Clarkston’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee will take its October meeting into the community. The city’s 2020 census “prep” rally on Oct. 28, 6 to 7 p.m., at Refuge Coffee, 4170 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Clarkston.

The rally is being held to inform attendees about the importance of participating in the 2020 Census and to increase awareness of how the 2020 Census data will be used in determining funding for Clarkston’s infrastructure projects, public safety and economic development.

Clarkston residents are invited to enjoy food and learn about the Complete Count efforts.

Historic DeKalb Courthouse to host “ghost” tour The DeKalb History Center is hosting a popup ghost tour featuring the Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6 to 7 p.m. on the first floor of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur.

Recount the history of the building and look into some unexplained occurrences that have happened over the years. The Historic DeKalb Courthouse has been in its current location in downtown Decatur since 1829. Up until 1967, the building served as the official county courthouse, holding countless court proceedings and serving as the center for legal business in DeKalb County. The DeKalb History Center has since moved in and called the courthouse home, but many wonder if certain entities have remained behind from the days the building functioned as a courthouse. A building this old is bound to have a few secrets.

Tickets for members are $10 and $15 for nonmembers. The price includes one drink ticket. For more information, visit www.dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088.

City of Stonecrest sets “Trunk or Treat” The City of Stonecrest’s Parks and Recreation Department is inviting families to join its Trunk or Treat on Halloween (Oct. 31), 5 to 7 p.m., at the Browns Mill Recreation Center, 51001 Browns Mill Road.

Adults are invited to decorate their vehicles’ trunks for kids stopping by to receive treats. The fun-filled evening will include prizes for “Best Costume” and “Best Trunk.” For the trunk competition, register at http://bit.ly/ trunk-n-treat

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Slow going for Conyers City Council races

Early voting is off to a sluggish start in the Conyers City Council races. The voting period began Tuesday, Oct. 15 for the Nov. 5 General Election.

As of 4:30 p.m., Oct. 17, only 28 voters had cast ballots, according to Rockdale Supervisor of Elections Cynthia Willingham.

The city has 7,035 registered voters on its rolls.

Willingham said 26 people had cast votes in person, while 2 mailed in ballots. Only voters in City Council Districts 2, 3 and 4 are eligible to participate in this election.

Voters can confirm their voter registration at www.mvp.sos. ga.gov. Contact the Rockdale Board of Elections Office: 1261 Commercial Drive S.W., Suite B or 770-278-7333.

OCTOBER 18, 2019 • PAGE 7

Day of Giving Fall Fest set in Rockdale SAMPLE BALLOT

CITY OF CONYERS VOTERS ONLY CITY OF CONYERS GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 5, 2019 This SAMPLE BALLOT contains all Council District Races to appear on the City of Conyers General Election Ballot. Only Voters in Council District 2 Post 2, District 3 and District 4 are eligible to vote in this Election. Please refer to your "Voter Precinct Card" to confirm your Council District. We hope you will use this valuable resource as you prepare to cast your ballot. You can mark this sample ballot and use as a guide when you vote. Please share this Sample Ballot with Voters in your household.

To register & confirm your voter registration / find voting locations / request a mail ballot: • Secretary of State My Voter Page: www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP • WE'VE MOVED - Rockdale Board of Elections Office: 1261 Commercial Dr SW, Suite B, Phone: (770) 278-7333 Website: www.rockdalecountyga.gov EARLY VOTING PERIOD 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, OCTOBER 15 - OCTOBER 30 (NO WEEKENDS) 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM. OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 1 THUR - FRI (extended hours) EARLY VOTING LOCATION WE'VE MOVED - ROCKDALE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS 1261 Commercial Dr SW, Suite B, Conyers, GA 30094

CITY OF CONYERS For City Council District 2, Post 2

For City Council District 4

(Vote for One)

(Vote for One)

CONNIE ALSOBROOK

DEMETRIUS MYATT

JACOB L. BAILEY

VALYNCIA SMITH

Write-in

Write-in

(Incumbent)

CONYERS EARLY VOTING HOURS & LOCATION 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Oct.15 - 30 (No weekends) 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 (Thursday and Friday extended hours)

Location for voting In-Person during the Early Voting Period Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration 1261 Commercial Drive, SW, Suite B Conyers, Georgia 30094

Visions of the Minds and the Rockdale County Think Tank will present the annual Community Day of Giving Fall Fest and Health Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26, 5 to 8:30 p.m., at 1524 Flat Shoals Road, Conyers. he family event will include costume contests, music, face painting, arts and crafts, bounce houses, karaoke, games, prizes, free health screenings, food and clothing distribution

For City Council District 3 (Vote for One)

GERALD A. HINESLEY SR. (Incumbent)

Write-in

DeKalb County Solicitor-General invites families to “Sunday Night Lights” Stand with DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling as she helps DeKalb families build healthy relationships during “Sunday Night Lights” on Oct. 20, 4 p.m., at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals.

DeKalb families are invited Donna Coleman-Stribling to take part in discussions focused on conflict resolution led by certified facilitators over dinner.

Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling received funding from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to expand domestic violence prevention programs through her office. With the additional funding, the Solicitor created the #NOTinmyDEKALB initiative.

The domestic violence prevention and mentorship campaign features two programs: Because We Are Family and Sunday Night Lights.

For more information, visit www.

NOTinmyDEKALB.com.

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Early voting in DeKalb County began on Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 1. Voters in 12 municipalities as well as unincorporated DeKalb will be able to participate because there is a countywide referendum on a proposal to restructure DeKalb’s ethics board. Those who live in the 12 cities will elect mayors and/or City Council members. For more information on DeKalb’s early voting count, visit www.ocgnews.com for updates.

ENTREPRENEUR continued from page 1 “I own a very creative business. I make candy accessories and party treats. We also come to birthday parties and provide treats and play lots of games kids like to play to give moms and dads a break,” Turner said during her interview.

Turner is not new to business ownership.

She said she gets her business ideas from her mom and two years ago, she started a business selling icees and finger-dippers.

“When we moved, we grew and started making more things,” Turner said Marsha Turner-Owens said her daughter doing an excellent job in her business and in school.

“We recently moved to Stonecrest from Virginia and we knew that we were going to

do some big things when we got here. Riri is very creative and often kids don’t have things to do to keep them off the phone and to keep them out of trouble. So, I figured let’s do something to keep her hands busy and create some things that will keep her growing in the right direction,” Turner-Owens said.

Mayor Jason Lary said the city is proud of the young entrepreneur.

“She is our youngest and we are going to support her in every way that we can,” Lary said. “She is doing things that some adults don’t have the courage to do.”

Turner presented the mayor and city leaders with one of her products, a candy kabob. In return, the mayor presented Turner with a city T-shirt.

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