FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 42
DECEMBER 15, 2018
Published Since April 1995
Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
On Common Ground News would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the DeKalb County Police Department, family and friends of the slain officer who died in the line of duty on Thursday, Dec. 13. We are praying for your strength. We appreciate your sacrifice in keeping our communities safe and do not take your service lightly.
Saints march out of the Benz with thrilling championship victory By Mark Brock DeKalb County School District Athletics Specialist
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endall Boney connected with Jadon Haselwood on a post pattern pass for a touchdown with four seconds to play to rally the Cedar Grove Saints to a 14-13 Class 3A state championship victory over the Peach County Trojans at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. “You have to keep coaching and fighting,” said Saints head coach Jimmy Smith. “We made
a lot of mistakes and you have to credit Peach County for how hard they played on defense. The kids just kept fighting on defense until we could get something going on offense.” Cedar Grove (14-1) was trailing 13-7 following a 30-yard field goal by Peach County’s Rene Galan with just 4:01 to play in the game. Then Haselwood who had punt return that was going for a touchdown called back on a penalty, struck for a big 58-yard kickoff return to set the Saints up with a first and 10 at the Peach
County 37. Robert Jones got loose for a 19-yard gain to the Trojans’ seven to set the Saints with a first goal. Then the Saints had three false start penalties and were facing a third down and 22 with 10 seconds to play. Boney dropped back on the play and threw a bullet to Haselwood cutting in front of a defender at the goal line for the game-tying touchdown with just four seconds to play. Luis Dominguez hit the game-winning PAT and the Saints were just four
SEE CHAMPS page 7
Cedar Grove players celebrate their Class 3A state championships. Photo by Rodney Cofield, Jr.
Stonecrest approves $9 million budget with no tax increase City expands services as it approaches second year in existence
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he city of Stonecrest will ring in the New Year with several new services planned, money in its reserve fund and no new taxes. The $9,168,400 budget includes a $250,000 reserve fund and represents more than a $2.5 million revenue increase or 41% over the 2018 budget. City officials say the revenue boost is primarily due to the city’s ability to now receive a state insurance premium tax. The tax, however, will not affect residents or businesses in the area. Municipalities receive the tax from the state for property, casualty, and life insurance policies purchased by those within the city. “Zero tax increase, just as we promised,” said Mayor Jason Lary. “We went from a $6.4 million budget to a $9.1 million budget without a tax increase and the city can still boast about our zero-millage rate. As promised, the extra revenue came from insurance premiums and an increase in revenue received from business license fees that DeKalb couldn’t collect.” The City Council passed the budget by a 4-1 vote during a special called meeting on Dec. 12. Councilwoman Diane Adoma dissented. Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble did not attend the meeting due to a mandatory job commitment, Communications Director
Mayor Jason Lary, City Manager Michael Harris, and Councilmembers George Turner, Jimmy Clanton, and Rob Turner present the 2019 Stonecrest Budget. Photo provided
Adrion Bell said. The 2019 budget outlines a plan to hire one part-time and seven full-time employees, including a procurement officer, a code enforcement officer, a right-of-way field services manager, three parks and recreation employees, and an administrative assistant. City Manager Michael Harris said the Insurance premiums that the city is receiving from the state is the city’s big new revenue source. “For a new city going into a second full year, Stonecrest’s budget reflects good sound governance,” said Harris. “We’re not actually required to have a balanced budget until our third year of operation per the city charter. We’ve had a balanced budget since our first year. We’re getting all of our bills paid, we’re saving money in our fund balance (reserve fund) and we’re expanding our
scope of services.” The mayor said department directors made presentations to the council and were successful in getting line items added for an economic development plan, Municode software to codify the city’s ordinances and make them easily accessible, a new website and area beautification projects, just to name a few. The city will also expand to include three new departments: Business Development, Parks and Recreation, and Community and Cultural Affairs. The Public Works Department will expand services to include a right-of-way maintenance department that will keep the lawns on the city’s thoroughfares maintained and clean. The city’s business license revenue was increased by the addition of 536 new businesses and the auditing work of code enforcement officers who investigated 170 businesses for 2018 license renewals. More than half of them complied and renewed their licenses, according to Code Enforcement Manager Alejandro Ferrell. The remaining 170 had closed or moved. “Our city is growing, and we are the most reasonable and largest city in DeKalb to live,” said Lary. “In 2019, we will continue to keep our promises of fiscal responsibility as we continue to operate and grow as a world-class city.” The city of Stonecrest, which includes nearly 54,000 residents, was incorporated in 2017. Stonecrest became the fourth city to incorporate in DeKalb County in recent years following Tucker, which formed in 2016; Brookhaven in 2012; and Dunwoody in 2008.
Norfolk Southern to locate headquarters in Atlanta, creating 850 jobs
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orfolk Southern Corporation, a major transporter of automotive products, coal and industrial products, is planning to locate its headquarters to Atlanta, a move that will create 850 jobs. Gov. Nathan Deal was joined by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Dec. 12 to announce that Norfolk Southern will locate its headquarters in Fulton County. The new campus, which represents a $575 million investment, includes dispatch operations, operations and service support center, crew management center, corridor operations offices, national customer service center, administrative functions, marketing department and police communications center. “As a major hub for both transportation and innovation, Georgia is a fitting home for Norfolk Southern’s new headquarters,” Deal said. “As the No. 1 state for business six years in a row, Georgia has become a preferred location for industry leaders like Norfolk Southern, as we have seen more than 30 locations or expansions by Fortune 500 companies in the better part of the last decade. Much of this success can be attributed to our expansive infrastructure network, our culture of collaboration and ready-to-work communities, all of which are essential in helping businesses move goods around the nation and to international markets as efficiently as possible. Deal said the new headquarters would open many doors of opportunity for metro Atlanta residents, while also reinforcing Georgia’s distinction as the Southeast’s gateway to global commerce. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of automotive products, coal and industrial products. Its subsidiary, Norfolk Southern Railway, operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and Washington, D.C. In 2017, Norfolk Southern employed 4,710 Georgians.
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Suspects arrested in murder, shooting of victims found at Brookhaven Waffle House The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has arrested two more suspects in the murder of a man during an alleged armed robbery that occurred in Brookhaven on Nov. 30. The Sheriff's Fugitive Unit, Quintez M. Griffin Stephen D. McAllister Pierre Gregory Singletary assisted by the U.S. Marshal's Office, arrested Stephen D. McAllister, 24, of College Park and Quintez M. Griffin, 21, of Atlanta on Dec. 11. Both were charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, and possession of firearm by convicted felon. The warrants allege that McAllister and Griffin shot Carthel Lamont Johnson, Jr. and Roderick Levelle Francois during an armed robbery at an apartment complex. Johnson died on the scene, according to the warrants. Both victims were found at a Waffle House near the apartment. Sheriff's investigators located and apprehended McAllister in College Park. Griffin was arrested at an Atlanta location and transported to the DeKalb County Jail. A third suspect, Pierre Gregory Singletary, 34, of Brookhaven, was arrested on Dec. 6 after police issued an alert for assistance in locating his whereabouts.
Teens carjack Amazon Flex driver in Rockdale Four teens are facing armed robbery and felony theft charges for carjacking an Amazon Flex driver in Conyers on Dec. 4, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. Tony Hester, 17, of Stone Nadeem Farmer Tony Hester Keyshawn Tricksey Mountain, Keyshawn Tricksey, 18, of Atlanta and Nadeem Farmer, 18, of Lithonia allegedly robbed the Amazon delivery driver while she was dropping off a package on Smokerise East. A fourth suspect, Travail Bennett, 16, was supposedly with the teens but has not been arrested. All four will be charged as adults, officials said. Holding the victim at gunpoint, the teens took the driver’s phone and stole her car, which was found the next day. The victim was working as a contract delivery driver for online retail giant, Amazon, which now offers same-day delivery of household items for Amazon Prime subscribers. DeKalb County police helped identify the suspects, which led to the arrests. Hester was arrested on Dec. 4; Farmer on Dec. 5; and Tricksey on Dec. 7, according to DeKalb jail logs. In addition to armed robbery and felony theft, Farmer and Hester face a second count of felony theft and Hester also faces a charge of entering a vehicle with intent to commit a felony.
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DECEMBER 15, 2018 • PAGE 3
MARTA board elects new leadership
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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EDITOR Valerie J. 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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DeKalb Super District 7 Commissioner-elect Lorraine Cochran Johnson is sworn in, public ceremony set Jan. 4
DeKalb County’s new Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran Johnson was sworn in by Judge Badelia Hargrove during a private ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Johnson announced in a statewide release today that her public Oath of Office ceremony will be held on Jan. 4, 2019, 3 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Judge Glenda Hatchett will administer the oath of office. Judge Penny Brown Reynolds will serve as the keynote speaker. The program also will include special guest Georgia Secretary of State Robyn A. Crittenden. To RSVP: email District7oath@gmail.com. For more information, visit Lorraineforchange .com.
Lorraine Cochran Johnson announces staff leaders for Super District 7 DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran Johnson announced Dec. 12 that G. Leah Davis, Ph.D., will serve as her chief of staff. Davis has more than 20 years of work and management experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. A former senior management analyst for the City of Atlanta, Department Leah Davis, Ph.D Johnathan “J.P.” Phillips of Watershed Management’s Office of Performance and Accountability, she led performance review projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Her hard work earned her the Department of Watershed Management Commissioner’s Award in 2018. Johnathan “J.P.” Phillips will serve as Johnson’s constituent liaison. Phillips has resided in the Super 7 District for more than 22 years. He was born in Griffin, Georgia where he was a member of the Griffin High school Class of 1980. Along with completing his marketing degree in 1984 from Morehouse College, he completed MBA courses at Keller Graduate School of Management and Health Care Science courses at Atlanta Technical College.
Rockdale BOC names Angie Luna director of Water Resources Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has named Angie Luna, formerly Director of Operations for the Fort Valley, GA Utility Commission, as Rockdale’s new Director of Rockdale Water Resources (RWR). Luna was appointed during the BOC meeting on Dec. 11. She will begin her duties on Jan. 7. Luna has more than 12 years of experience working in government and management. In her previous role Angie Luna as Director of Operations, she managed five utilities departments including Electric, Water, Wastewater, Natural Gas and Telecom as well as Economic Development spanning a service area of three counties. Luna graduated with a Business Management/Administration degree from Georgia Southwestern State University and plans to continue her education in the near future.
he Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) board of directors has elected former Vice Chair Freda B. Hardage as chair and Fulton County representative. “These are exciting times for our region,” said Hardage. “I look forward to representing our current partners and welcome the opportunity to work with other jurisdictions who want to join Freda B. Hardage MARTA. The growth of transit is vital to the future of our region and I’m excited to be a part of it, as is the entire board.” Hardage is director of Foundation Services for the Alpharetta Medical Campus for Northside Hospital. She was originally appointed to the MARTA board of directors by the Fulton County Commission in 2013 and named vice chair in 2016. William F. Floyd was elected vice chairman. Floyd served 13 consecutive terms as Mayor of Decatur and was appointed to the board in 2017 by the mayors of DeKalb’s 11 cities, not including Atlanta. Clayton County representative Roberta Abdul-Salaam, who has served on the board since 2015, will continue in her role as secretary while former Chairman Robert L. Ashe will now serve as treasurer. Ashe has been a board member for seven years and chairman for the last five. The MARTA board of directors is comprised of 13 members representing Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton counties and the city of Atlanta, as well as two ex-officio members from the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. The policy-setting board meets monthly to address challenges and opportunities facing the Authority, while exploring ways to innovate and expand the system. Board calendars and meeting minutes can be found at www. itsmarta.com/bod-overview.aspx
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Friends of Stonecrest Library Commissioner Gregory Adams to convene panel publishes 2019 calendar as fundraiser discussion on school-to-prison pipeline crisis By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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he Friends of Stonecrest Library recently debuted its 2019 Friends of Stonecrest calendar in its final push to raise funds for next year’s library programming. The calendar features a cover photo of the library’s mountain lodge design and contains vibrant images of 12 different butterflies for each calendar month along with suggested books such as “Salvage the Bones” by Jesmyn Ward to encourage reading in the community. “The Friends of Stonecrest Library wanted to put together a fundraiser that would provide something useful and attractive,” said Jennifer Moore, who designed the calendar and serves as the Friends of Stonecrest Library president. The calendars can be purchased as gifts for coffee tables or desks and provide pertinent dates for library patrons such as book club meetings, writers’ support group meetings, book sales, and Toastmasters meetups, in addition to Friends of Stonecrest meetings. “The calendar is a way to invite people to be involved in the library as well join the Friends of Stonecrest,” said Branch Manager Lilah Lockridge. The calendars cost $5 and proceeds will be used to support programming at the library. Patrons can purchase the calendars while supplies last at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Rd, Lithonia. For more information, email friendsofstonecrest@gmail.com.
Kwanzaa Awareness celebration set at Wesley Chapel Library The Wesley Chapel Library will host a Kwanzaa awareness celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. The holiday celebration, observed Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, honors African heritage and promotes seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The community is invited to experience Kwanzaa in song, poetic drama and a performance by the ‘Each One Teach One’ African dance troupe and more. For more information, call 404-286-6980.
DeKalb to host public safety job fair Jan. 5 The DeKalb County Office of Public Safety is hosting a job fair on Jan. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Fire Rescue headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. More than 100 positions are available in various public safety departments including police, fire, E-911 and the sheriff’s office. “Recruitment is an important and ongoing function that is essential to the success of the county,” said Jack Lumpkin, Director of Public Safety. “While DeKalb has increased public safety staffing levels, the county is still looking for dedicated men and women willing to serve.” In September, the county announced that public safety staffing levels had increased. The county’s 911 emergency center reached full staff with 126 employees. The county is currently recruiting firefighters, police officers, deputy sheriffs, detention officers, security technicians and E-911 communications officers. At the job fair, attendees will be able to meet with public safety hiring staff, interview for current openings and learn about salary and benefits. The job fair is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. dekalbcountyga.gov.
DeKalb County Commissioner Gregory Adams will host a panel discussion on the so-called school-toprison pipeline. The leadership summit will be held Dec. 18, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Along with the office of DeKalb County School District Superintendent R. Stephen Green, Adams is convening a panel of local leaders to join in a think tank environment to discuss Gregory Adams solutions. In recent years, a significant amount of public policy attention has been given to the consequences of youths falling out of the path of completing their education and adequately situating themselves for stable adult life. Throughout metro Atlanta and in DeKalb County, several organizations have connected with various agencies to help reduce the numbers of young people failing to graduate from high school. Some collaborating efforts have systematically reduced the number of disciplinary class room cases that historically would have ended up as suspensions and expulsions. Acknowledging these facts, this summit hopes to deepen a focus on those who continue to fall through any safety-net gaps. “As I transition from my seat as Super District 7 Commissioner to a more agile posture of direct public policy action, it continues to be critical that we congregate our relationships and intellectual assets around problems that too many of us do not want to expose to the light of continual conversation,” Adams said. “There are problems, nevertheless, that still haunt us in measurable and undeniable ways.”
Kingdom Builders Church to host “13th Annual Big Toy Giveaway” Dec. 22 Kingdom Builders Church, 1151 Flat Shoals Road in Conyers, is hosting its 13th Annual Big Toy Giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m. Thousands of children statewide are registered to attend and receive toys for Christmas. This year’s Big Toy Giveaway will feature a dynamic Christmas celebration with Santa, Rudolph and many more special guests. For over 13 years, Kingdom Builders Church has hosted giveaways that have assisted the community and provided a very fun and safe environment for families during the holiday season. “Through our giveaway, we’ll see an unprecedented amount of excitement and celebration among families from all over Georgia. The holiday joy and light that the children will experience is immeasurable,” said Pastor K. Francis Smith, lead pastor of Kingdom Builders.
100 Black Women Decatur - DeKalb Chapter sets “Bling Your Bra” cancer awareness event The National Coalition of 100 Black Women DecaturDeKalb Chapter Inc. will host its “3rd Annual Bling Your Bra” event on Jan. 5, noon to 2 p.m., at Emory Decatur Hospital, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur. The program will be held in the hospital’s Keeton Auditorium. Speakers will discuss awareness, risk factors and preventive measures for breast, lung and ovarian cancers in women. The event is open to any woman who would like to attend. Free validated parking will be available.
KCRB honors Farmers and Merchants Bank with beautification award Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) is saluting Farmers and Merchants, 2140 Old Covington Highway, has the final winner of the 2018’s Beautiful Business of the Month. KCRB plans continue the award in 2019. To honor a business that exemplifies a committed effort to keeping the community beautiful, nominations can be made via the county website at www. RockdaleCountyGA.Gov or by phone at 770-278-7052. All residents are encouraged to nominate a business they would like to recognize in the community. For more information, contact Felicia Glover at Felicia.glover@ rockdalecountyga.gov or 770-278-7059.
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DECEMBER 15, 2018 • PAGE 5
DeKalb’s Watershed Management receives two awards The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) was recently recognized with two awards for wastewater collection system and water quality. DWM was awarded the 2018 Gold Collection Systems Award at the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Fall Conference Pictured from left, Jesse LeBoeuf (Cobb County Water for scoring high on criteria System), DWM Collections Systems Committee Chair, Orthelus T. Perdue, Edgar Smith, Darren Eastall, and Heather Veal that review preventative (Macon Water Authority). Photo provided maintenance, system evaluation, rehabilitation programs, and training. GAWP is Georgia's largest professional water and wastewater organization and recognizes organizations which take exceptional effort to properly manage, operate and maintain collection systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also honored the department with the Water Fluoridation Quality Award. For the fourth consecutive year, the county received this award for maintaining a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water for 12 consecutive months in a calendar year. Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is ideal for preventing tooth degeneration. According to the CDC, drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities and tooth decay by nearly 25 percent in children and adults. For additional information about DWM, visit www.dekalbwatershed.com.
DeKalb House Delegation holds pre-legislative town hall meetings The DeKalb County House Delegation held Pre-Legislative town hall meetings on Dec. 11 at the Stonecrest Library and Dec. 13 at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium in Decatur. State lawmakers will discuss issues and hear from the public about concerns to address for the 2019 Legislative Session at one more meeting: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019 4362 Peachtree Road, N.E., Brookhaven State Rep. Karla Drenner, District 85, is acting chair. The public is encouraged to attend.
Stanley Pritchett resigns as President of Morris Brown College Dr. Stanley J. Pritchett plans to resign as president of Atlanta’s Morris Brown College, effective Dec. 31, college officials said. In the coming weeks, the Board of Trustees will name an interim president to serve until a permanent president is appointed, the college announced in a news release. The new president will be charged with leading Morris Brown College forward to fulfill its mission of Dr. Stanley J. Pritchett providing students a first-class education. For 12 years, Pritchett dedicated his leadership to charting a course to re-accreditation. The board expressed its thanks and appreciation to Pritchett for his service and dedication.
Photos provided
Historic Vaughters’ Barn renovation is completed
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ollowing a month of work, stabilization of historic Vaughters’ Barn – the iconic white-painted structure located off of Klondike Road in the city of Stonecrest – is complete. The building required significant renovations to fix years of wear and tear, the result of aging materials and the elements. Now that construction has finished, the Barn and meadow loop trail are once again available for hikers and photographers. Vaughters’ Barn is surrounded by more than 140 acres of former dairy pasture that now serves as wildlife habitat. DeKalb County was at one point the biggest dairy producer in the state of Georgia, and this tract of land was part of a sprawling agricultural economy. Owned by S. B. Vaughters, the barn held cows and horses for most of the 20th century. As most of the surrounding landscape was filled with development, Vaughters sought a different future for his land. “Nearly all the rest of DeKalb County is covered up with homes and businesses...I didn’t want that here,” he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution in 2002. He sold his farm, including the barn and family home, to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources that same year; the land is now managed as part of Panola Mountain State Park. The barn, which sits adjacent to Klondike Road and the Arabia Mountain PATH trail, is a central feature of the AMNHA and a popular spot for photographs. (Please note that commercial photography requires a permit from Panola Mountain State Park. Prior to the recent renovation, the walls and roof of the barn were bowing outwards and parts of the building had sustained significant water damage. Workers repaired the interior, replaced windows, braced the roof and made other repairs throughout the month of November. The restoration was completed in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, the nonprofit arm of the AMNHA. Now that the building is again secure, it will be used as an educational resource for people to learn about the history of DeKalb County. Included in the renovation is the ability to bring guided tours inside the barn, something that was not possible before, and interpretive signage. “Vaughters’ Barn is a key feature of Arabia Mountain NHA, and we are looking forward to further educating visitors about the natural and human history of this former farm,” said Mera Cardenas, executive director of the Arabia Alliance.
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32 DeKalb schools honored by Gov. Deal for ‘Beating the Odds’ Thirty-two schools in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) scored higher on the 2018 College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) than similar schools across Georgia. An additional 52 schools are performing “Within the Expected Range,” according to the Governor’s Office, which means they have made significant progress toward Beating the Odds. ‘Beating the Odds’ is a statistical analysis that compares a school’s actual performance on the CCRPI with the performance of schools with similar performance across the state. Schools that perform higher than similar schools are considered “Beating the Odds.” “For the second time in a single week, students at DeKalb County School District are proving to metro Atlanta and beyond that the district is soaring to new heights in education,” said Superintendent R. Stephen Green.
“These talented students, from these 32 exemplary institutions, are living proof that circumstances do not hinder academic achievement. We applaud their efforts and look forward to future news of their success. The district remains committed to continuing such achievement in DeKalb County, and to meeting all challenges head-on.” The following school characteristics are included in the Beating the Odds Calculation: • Percentage of economically disadvantaged students • Percentage of English language learners • Percentage of students with disabilities • Percentage of students in each race/ ethnicity • Percentage of female students • School size • Whether school is defined as nontraditional
• Student mobility • School type (Elementary, Middle, High, and schools that span grade clusters). The ‘Beating the Odds’ system is new for 2018 and serves as a baseline year for new data. Results for 2018 should not be compared to previous years due to significant changes in the calculations used by the Governor’s Office to report these results. The DeKalb County School District salutes the following schools for Beating the Odds: Ashford Park Elementary School Chestnut Charter Elementary School Dunwoody Elementary School Montclair Elementary School Henderson Mill Elementary School McLendon Elementary School Pleasantdale Elementary School Leadership Preparatory Academy Lithonia Middle School Princeton Elementary School
Redan Middle School Wynbrooke Elementary School Allgood Elementary School DeKalb Early College Academy Hambrick Elementary School Rockbridge Elementary School Stone Mill Elementary School Stone Mountain Elementary School Stone Mountain Middle School Bob Mathis Elementary School Browns Mill Elementary School Southwest DeKalb High School Woodridge Elementary School DeKalb Alternative School Wadsworth Magnet School Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology Cedar Grove Elementary School Cedar Grove Middle School DeKalb School of the Arts Kelley Lake Elementary School Oakview Elementary Robert Shaw Traditional Theme School
Rockdale’s Sims Jr. Beta Club receives six awards at state convention The D.L Sims Elementary School (SES) Junior Beta Club in Rockdale County won six awards at the Junior Beta Club State Convention in Savannah Nov. 28-30. The following awards were presented to Sims: Painting—second place (Grace Prince) Technology—fourth place (Magic Boyd and Timothy Harvey) Performing Arts—fifth place (V'nai Edmead, Dani Donald, Chance Sanford, Samaya Williams, Karleigh Prince, Makyaii Walker, Ty Mortimer) Songfest—fifth place (all scholars) Jewelry—fifth place (Taylor Holmes) Gold Key Award 10 Percent Growth (all scholars) SES also achieved the honor earlier this year of being named a National Beta School of Distinction. The SES Junior Beta Club sponsors are teachers Wendy Thomas and Shalaiwah Neil (pictured with
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: THURSDAY, JANUARY 3RD 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JANUARY 21ST 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following text amendment within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
Photo provided
the 2018-2019 National Beta School of Distinction banner). The club also has support from Betty Saylor, Shirelle Graves, Tennille Madden, and Charlotte Walton. Club members (pictured with SES Principal
RZ-18-008 David Miles 2374 Cove Lake Rd MR-1 (Med Density Residential) District Request to change the zoning to C-1 for the development of Storage Facility.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-18-007 / SLUP-18-007 Beverly J Searles Foundation 6807 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to change the zoning to MR-2 and Special Land Use permit for the development of Senior Housing.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0007 Community Development Department City Wide Minor modifications to Chapter 27 Article IV Supplemental Uses; Minor modification to Chapter 7 Building Code.
LAND USE PETITION:
TMOD 18-0008
Shavon Beckett) are Sydney Andrews, Talia Barron, Magic Boyd, Cameron Brown, Jayla Brown, Jeniah Bussey, Ashton Chambers, Dani Donald, V’nai Edmead, Makyaii Walker (Hunnicutt), Henry Leonard, Hsee Moo, Ty Mortimer, Karleigh Prince, Chance Sanford, Simari Scott, Trenton Smith, Samaya Williams Taylynn Barron, Chloe Bridgeman, Izabelle Downam, Timothy Harvey, Taylor Holmes, Morgan McCoy, Elisha Moore, Faye Moore, Grace Prince, Ethan Ramos, Exavier Smith, Kailyn Walker. Established in 1934, The Beta Club is the nation's largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization. They focus on developing achievement, character, leadership and service in today’s youth. Junior Beta Club includes grades 4-8 and Senior Beta Club includes grades 9-12. For more information please contact Wendy Thomas at wdavis@rockdale.k12.ga.us or visit www.betaclub. org.
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DECEMBER 15, 2018 • PAGE 7
Atlanta Hawks players assist nonprofit in providing free eye exams, glasses to DeKalb students
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ore than 60 students at Toney Elementary School received new glasses and got to try them out in a unique way – shooting hoops with Atlanta Hawks players: Kent Bazemore, Vince Carter and Tyler Dorsey. The event celebrated a partnership between the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and nonprofit provider Vision To Learn, now in its second year, providing free eye exams and glasses to students in Metro Atlanta. An estimated 55,000 children in metro Atlanta go to school every day without the glasses they need to see the board, read a book or participate in the classroom. The primary hurdle is a lack of access to vision services for students in low-income communities. To solve this problem, Vision To Learn brings vision services to students at school using mobile clinic vans. “Vision To Learn provides kids with the glasses they need to succeed in school, and in life,” said Ann Hollister, founder and chair of Vision To Learn. “Support from the Atlanta Hawks Foundation helps us serve many more kids and, just as important, makes getting glasses fun and exciting for students.” A multi-year partnership with the Atlanta Hawks Foundation has helped fund the program. At the Dec. 10 event, more than 60 students tried on their new glasses for the first time, assisted by the Hawks players, Harry the Hawk, and the Hawks ATL Dancers. Then, the students walked to the gym, where they were treated to a surprise basketball clinic, demonstrating how better vision helps students succeed in school and in athletics. “The Atlanta Hawks Foundation is proud to support Vision To Learn in Atlanta,” said Andrea Carter, Hawks
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seconds away from their second state title in three years. “We got just the coverage we were looking for on the play,” said Smith. “Kendall threw it just like he does in practice and Jadon did what he does with the catch.” Peach County’s Justin Harris fielded the kickoff at the five and went up the right sideline where he was run out of bounds after the clock had wound down to zero sending the Saints on to the field to celebrate. Peach County (12-3) took a 3-0 lead into half as Galan hit a 48-yard field goal with 1:43 left in the first half as the Saints put the stop on a 12-play drive, 51-yard drive by the Trojans. Peach County’s second possession of the half ended in a punt and Cedar Grove had good field position at their own 47. It would take just two plays for the Saints to get into the end zone. Boney tossed a 41-yard pass to a leaping Montre Montfort down to the Peach County 12. The next play Boney took off on a draw and bulled his way into the end zone for the 12-yard scoring run. Dominquez hit the PAT for a 7-3 Saints lead. Peach County answered as Noah Whittington finished off a 12-play, 70yard drive with a two-yard run with 16 seconds left in the third quarter as the Trojans regained the lead at 10-7.
Photo via Facebook
Funeral set for Adell Walker Adams, mother of DeKalb County Commissioner Gregory Adams DeKalb County Commissioner Gregory Adams and his family are mourning the loss of his vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and mother, Adell Walker Adams, who died of a heart Inclusion. “This program has made an immediate impact attack on Dec. 8. She was 82. in the lives of thousands of Atlanta students. With the help Mrs. Adams, born April 18, 1936, was a from a pair of glasses, kids can achieve their highest and native of Epes, AL. She moved to Atlanta in 1964. best in the classroom, on the court and in the community.” She worked at the Nabisco Company for 25 and a Vision To Learn serves several school districts in half years before retiring in 1995. Mrs. Adams was Atlanta including the DeKalb County School District, preceded in death by her husband, Tony Samuel Atlanta Public Schools, and Clayton County Public Adams, who passed Jan. 31, 1995. They were Schools. married 38 years. “DeKalb County School District is delighted to have To this union five children were born: the support of Vision To Learn and the Atlanta Hawks Samuel, Willie, Delores, Melvin and Gregory. Foundation. Students do better when they come to school The funeral is scheduled for Saturday. Dec. prepared to learn, and a pair of glasses is a critical tool for 15, 11 a.m. at Lucas Temple True Church of those with vision issues,” said Superintendent R. Stephen God and Christ, 679 Glendale Road, Scottdale. Green. Minister Shedrick Pullin is officiating the service Prior to the start of the 2018-19 season, the Hawks and Bishop Oprie Jeffries will conduct the eulogy. committed to making an impact on 50,000 lives through 50 Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes & community events in honor of their 50th year in Atlanta. Crematory, Inc. is handling the arrangements. Photo provided
Peach County forced the Saints to punt from their own five-yard line and got the football on Cedar Grove’s 30 to start with great field position. A 23-yard pass from Jaydon Gibson to Terkel Jefferson had the Trojans threatening at the Cedar Grove seven with a first and goal. An illegal substitution penalty and the Saints’ defense getting to tackles in the backfield forced the field goal by Galan that put the Trojans up 13-7. The state title was Cedar Grove’s second to go with its 2016 title and gives DeKalb County Schools their 14th overall. Cedar Grove’s Jimmy Smith now has two football state titles while also having won four consecutive (20152018) state championships in Class 3A track. His career record at Cedar Grove in six seasons is 67-14-1 and 18-4 in the playoffs. Jadon Haselwood finishes his career with 153 receptions for 2,872 yards and 44 touchdowns. He also has 11 total touchdowns on special teams and defense. Haselwood also changed from his No. 2 jersey to No. 11 to honor former teammate Trevon Richardson who graduated a year ago and was killed in a shooting last May. The team dedicated the game to Trevon and had a poster with them on the trophy podium.
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“Norfolk Southern is excited to embark on a new future in the city of Atlanta,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO. “This future depends on collaboration with customers, suppliers, and partners – and ready access to technology, talent, and our 22-state network. A unified office team in a new Atlanta headquarters will connect Norfolk Southern with every resource needed for success.” For the new campus, Norfolk Southern is purchasing property at 650 West Peachtree St. NW in Midtown Atlanta and collaborating with Cousins Properties for development purposes. “We are proud that another Fortune 500 company will make Atlanta its home,” said Mayor Bottoms. “Norfolk Southern’s decision to expand its current Atlanta operations and relocate its headquarters here is a testament to Atlanta’s thriving business community and talented workforce. The approval of the Gulch redevelopment helped make this possible. We look forward to welcoming them to their new home in Midtown.” Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Senior Project Manager Randall Toussaint represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with Invest Atlanta, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia
Power. “We are thrilled that Norfolk Southern selected metro Atlanta for their new headquarters,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “As the #supplychaincity, Atlanta is a global leader in supply chain infrastructure, and Norfolk Southern is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Our region will be a perfect fit to support Norfolk Southern’s long-term growth plans.” “As a city founded as the terminus of a railroad line, it means so much for Atlanta to have Norfolk Southern choose to locate their headquarters here,” said Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “The estimated $811 million economic impact the company will bring to our city will create and retain jobs, attract investment, and further strengthen our position as a toptier transportation and logistics hub.” “We are committed to maintaining Georgia’s title as the No. 1 place in the nation in which to do business, and a huge economic development win like Norfolk Southern is a testament to Governor Deal’s leadership,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Norfolk Southern has a long history in Georgia, and we are uniquely equipped to support their needs as they expand their footprint in Georgia.”
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