FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 33
OCTOBER 6, 2018
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Major sewer spills in DeKalb decrease by 42 percent
eKalb County recorded 42.1 percent fewer major sewer spills when compared to the same time last year. In September 2018, DeKalb Watershed Management (DWM) reported 22 major sewer spills for the year compared to 38 reported spills during the same period last year. The CEO Michael Thurmond overall volume of major sewer spills also declined by 72 percent (13.7 million gallons to 3.8 million gallons). “The decline in major sewer spills shows that DeKalb County is moving in the right direction,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “DeKalb is committed to protecting the environment and quality of life and supporting economic development.” County officials cited the following recent accomplishments: • New leadership at Department of Watershed Management • Cleaning large sewer lines for the first time in 50 years • Inspecting 2,049 creek crossings • Removing 1,300 tons of debris from sewer lines • Cleaning more than 600 miles of small sewer pipe • Treating 45 miles of pipe to remove roots • Clearing easements and removing trees The county has invested nearly $100 million to rehabilitate, repair and maintain the county’s aging sewer system. Of that amount, the county allocated $79 million for immediate maintenance and an additional $18.3 million for easement clearings, large and small pipe cleaning, root control and creek crossing inspections. Staff has also been added to proactively report spills and the county created standard protocols and procedures to respond to sanitary sewer overflows. An aggressive countywide fats, oils and grease
SEE WEST NILE page 7
With The Mayor
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tonecrest Mayor Jason Lary will host “Straight Talk With the Mayor” on Oct. 8, 7 p.m., at City Hall. Lary said this month, his topic is entitled “Talkin’ Trash.” He will field questions from constituents and discuss steps the city is taking to crack down on illegal dumping and other code enforcement issues in the city.
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The overall volume of major spills in DeKalb County declined by 72 percent.
public education effort in 2018 has contributed to fewer spills. The county recently partnered with DeKalb County School District and Georgia Piedmont Technical College to develop a “No FOG, No Clog” program helping students learn how to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease.
By Mackenzie N. Morgan
eKalb County District Health Director Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford is urging the public to take extra precaution while outdoors after health officials confirmed a West Nile virus-related death in the county on Oct. 4. The DeKalb woman was in her 90s and a resident of Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford Dunwoody. According to health officials, this is DeKalb’s second West Nile case and first death from the virus. “On behalf of the Board of Health, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time,” said Ford. “Although it’s rare, in some cases, West Nile virus can be fatal. Remember, even though fall has arrived, everyone must still take precautions. The risk of contracting the virus remains whenever temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit,” emphasized Ford. “Symptoms for West Nile virus that require hospitalization include disorientation, flu-like symptoms and a fever that does not respond to regular intervention,” said Ford. Health officials say prolonged warm weather and
Straight Talk
DeKalb County recorded 42 percent fewer major spills when compared to the same time last year.
DeKalb health officials report West Nile virus death
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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program will open Nov. 1
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he Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, will be available Nov. 1. The federally-funded program assists lowincome, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Beginning Nov. 1, residents aged 65 and older or those who are homebound can apply for assistance through LIHEAP. All other eligible residents may apply for assistance beginning Dec. 3. Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. In 2018, the LIHEAP program spent over $48 million to assist more than 140,795 clients with their heating bills. Depending on income and household size, those who qualified for the program received between $310 and $350 toward their home heating bills. To qualify, a family’s annual income must be less
SEE ASSISTANCE page 7
Recently, more than 150 tires neatly stacked about three feet high were dumped on the shoulder of Evans Mill Road near Rock Springs Road, Lary said. “Unbelievable. Whoever did it must have come during the night,” said Lary. “We’re not going to put up with this in the city of Stonecrest.” The city got help from DeKalb County in removing the tires. It took two trips to clean up the tires, officials said. Stonecrest is not alone in experiencing dumping. In July, officials in neighboring Rockdale County had to clean up a twomile trail of over 100 tires that were illegally dumped. A muddy shoe print and the trail of tires led authorities to the suspect, Zavien Corell Sims, a 17-year-old from Conley. Rockdale authorities said the tires were dumped from the entrance lane of 7th Century Row near McDaniel Mill Road to Klondike Road at Stonebridge Trail. Sheriff’s deputies saw a large U-Haul truck that was stopped in the exit lane of 7th Century Row. The U-Haul was unoccupied and the rear area was loaded half way with used tires. Deputies spotted the teen walking on McDaniel Mill Road. He had tire marks on his shirt, mud on his shoes and black residue on the palms of his hands. One of the investigators on the scene located a muddy shoe print in the asphalt that matched the shoes Sims was wearing. Sims was arrested on felony charges for unlawful dumping for commercial purposes. Lary’s October meeting will mark the second installment of “Straight Talk.” The mayor launched his town hall meeting in September to give stakeholders a chance to meet with him and discuss issues relevant to the city.