FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 43
DECEMBER 22, 2018 Stay connected
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DCSD to provide students free daily meals and snacks during Winter Break A processional that included DeKalb County law enforcement and others from around the state also was held for Officer Flores on Saturday, Dec. 15. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
DeKalb Police Officer Edgar I. Flores remembered with emotional tributes
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eKalb County Police officers and other public safety personnel traveled in a more than a milelong motorcade from the Public Safety headquarters in Tucker to All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody to honor fallen Officer Edgar I. Flores on Dec. 18. A packed crowd, which included Governor-Elect Brian Kemp, attended the DeKalb memorial service. Emotions ran high and tears flowed as tributes were made saluting Flores. Police Chief James Conroy presented Flores’ family the Medal of Honor, the highest award given to an officer. “We are a family. We’ve got honor guards here from as far away as Dallas, Boston. Chicago is here, and Chicago tragically lost two last night in an incident. Yet here they are to support us,” Conroy said. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond; Major KD Johnson, Commander of the South Precinct; and Officer Justin Hamilton, who was flanked by members of the police academy who graduated
with Officer Flores. Said Hamilton as he fought back tears in remembering his last shift with Flores: “We said goodbye and I told you that I would see you later and we gave each other a hug. If I had known that would be the last time I would see you, I would have hugged you harder.” Officer Flores’ brother, Alex Flores, also spoke during the service. “He was an amazing brother, son, boyfriend, role model, friend and most importantly, a police officer,” said Alexis Flores. “He fought for what he believed in. He fought for equality. Unfortunately in that fight, he lost his life.”
Harris Blackwood presented a proclamation to the family from the Governor’s office. Officer Flores would have turned 25 years old on Dec. 17. He was engaged to be married. He had only been on the police force for a year and a half. He died in the line of duty while working a routine traffic stop on Candler Road in South DeKalb on Dec. 13. Officer Flores had pulled over Justin Taylor, 33. Taylor suddenly led on foot and shot the officer in the head as the officer pursued him. A short time later, police arrived on the scene and tracked Taylor, shooting him during the pursuit. He also died. Indi, a K-9 officer that was shot during the chase, pulled through surgery and attended Officer Flores’ funeral with his handler. The crowd stood to its feet as Indie walked to Officer Flores’ casket. The funeral in DeKalb was one of two held for Officer Flores. A funeral also was held on Dec. 19 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Flowery Branch.
DeKalb’s war on blight: Nearly 300 properties demolished
Since January 2017, DeKalb County’s blight remediation program has demolished or abated 292 vacant, abandoned or poorly maintained properties. The county’s efforts to eradicate blight has increased seven-fold from the previous year, 2016. In 2019, the county plans to conduct a first-ever comprehensive study of blighted properties in DeKalb. Approximately 139,000 parcels will be reviewed. “Fighting blight and beautifying DeKalb County improves quality of life and the health of our citizens,” said CEO Michael Thurmond. “The county has significantly increased our efforts to revitalize DeKalb by dedicating funding for blight programs and enhancing our partnership with the judicial system.” DeKalb Blight Remediation Program Gets Results
DeKalb County Demolition and Abatement Properties
2016 2017 2018 (YTD) Demolitions 36 105 31 Abatements 7 48 108 Total 43 153 139
At the beginning of 2017, Thurmond allocated $3.8 million in funds approved by the Board of Commissioners to enhance blightfighting initiatives and address derelict properties in DeKalb.
SEE BLIGHT page 7
DeKalb County demolished 31 properties in 2018, including 521 Warren Avenue, Scottdale, GA. The Demolitions and Abatements Task Force was established to create a coordinated and expedited approach to wipe out blight in DeKalb. Photos provided
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he DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will provide students with free meals and snacks during the Winter Break, thanks to the district’s School Nutrition Services’ Holiday Giving schedule. Daily hot lunch, on-the-go breakfast and snack services will go uninterrupted during Winter Break on Dec. 26, 27, 28 and 31, as well as Jan. 2 and 3. The meals will be provided free of charge to all children in the DeKalb community at two locations: Stone Mountain Elementary and Woodward Elementary. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. on the scheduled dates. A non-perishable breakfast will be provided for students to take home. In addition, families are invited to take part in nutrition education training, interactive activities, a backpack giveaway, and free vision screening. The vision screenings will take place at 9:30 a.m. until noon on Dec. 27 at Stone Mountain Elementary, and on Jan. 3 at Woodward Elementary. In addition, on Dec. 28, at both schools, “Back Pack Meals”– made up entirely of nonperishable food items will be provided to students. Officials say research shows that students who have access to meals during breaks have a reduced risk of experiencing adverse outcomes and physiological conditions, such as impaired concentration, health and wellness, as well as cognitive and emotional development. “When we talk about ‘wraparound’ services at DeKalb County School District, we are talking about providing opportunities for success by any means necessary,” said DCSD Superintendent R. Stephen Green. “Thanks to our School Nutrition Services, students who rely on the district for their daily meals will continue to receive them without interruption. We will continue to support our community, and take education in DeKalb County to new heights.”
PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 22, 2018
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Conyers Police seek public’s help in theft of price tag guns at Burlington Conyers Police are searching for a suspect who stole several “tag guns” from the shipping and receiving area from the Burlington store at 1485 Highway 138. Police said the male suspect was captured on store cameras taking the pricing tag guns on Dec. 7 around 5:40 p.m. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspect may result in a cash reward of up to $2,000. Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information: 404-577-TIPS (8477) or www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org.
Conyers Police arrest two teens in separate threats targeting students, teachers Two Rockdale County teens—a 15-year-old magnet school student and a 14-year-old high school student—are now in youth detention facilities charged with making threats against students and teachers in unrelated incidents on Dec. 17. Conyers Police said the15-yearold student posted a violent rant on his social media page regarding one of his teachers as he was working on an end-of-the-year project while also studying for exams. The suspect threatened to kill the teacher via a violent sexual act if he did not make the grade, as well as blow up the school. He then planned on killing himself. This suspect did not show up at school on Dec. 17 and detectives were able to locate him in his parents’ custody, where they arrested him. Police were made aware of the 14-year-old’s threat after a
parent notified school personnel. With the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Conyers Police were able to track down the source of the threats and ultimately locate the suspect. The suspect had warned classmates not to wear their headphones while at school or else they would be shot in the back. The suspect said that he had a list of both teachers and students he planned on shooting at school. The teen was taken to juvenile custody. “We want to assure students and their parents that we do not take such threats lightly,” Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson said. “Officers worked throughout the night to ensure the safety of our students and teachers as this semester draws to a close here before the holidays. Thank you to the FBI and Rockdale County school administrators for helping us maintain a safe environment for our students.”
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DECEMBER 22, 2018 • PAGE 3
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.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
City of Stonecrest eyes former Target to house public safety, parks and rec departments
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he city of Stonecrest is gearing up to expand in 2019 and recently took the first steps toward finding a site for the Stonecrest City Center to house more of its departments. The City Council passed a resolution on Dec. 17 to appoint a committee to enter into negotiations for a lease with an option to purchase the former Target building located at 8109 Mall Parkway in Stonecrest for the expansion. The city plans to house the Department of Public Safety and Parks and Recreation in the 100,000-square-foot building, which is owned by Allen Family Investments, L.L.C., Lecester Bill Allen. The resolution follows the city's recent announcement that the council had passed a balanced budget of $9.1 million for 2019 with no tax increase for residents. The budget includes $250,000 in reserves and the addition of departments and expanded
negotiations for the Stonecrest City Hall lease at the Strayer University building; and Attorney Winston Denmark, a partner of Denmark-Fincher, LLC, one of two law firms representing the city. Lary said the committee has been tasked with developing a recommendation within the next 30 days for the former Target building.
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tonecrest Mayor Jason Lary kicked off his re-election campaign on Dec. 20 with supporters attending a reception at the AEI Startup Factory in the city of Stonecrest. Lary said even though the election isn’t until next year, he wanted to end 2018 on a high note and start 2019 strong. Lary, who announced in September that he had prostate cancer, said he never missed a City Council meeting while undergoing medical treatment, which he completed this month. “I thought that I was going to have to step back and take some time off, but I just powered my way through it,” said Lary. “I’m ready to move forward in 2019.” Several supporters who attended the kickoff spoke of Lary’s drive and determination to lead the city. Attorney Bernard Knight recalled meeting Lary when Lary was working to form the city. Knight said he was impressed with Lary’s vision and the progress that the city has made in the last year and a half including getting the Stonecrest Development
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, right, stands with his supporters. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Authority up and running, the Planning Commission, Zoning and Appeals Board, a new comprehensive plan for the city and $40 million in SPLOST funding over the next six years. “The vision that Jason had back then and that he still has and is making happen is a vision of a city, which is nonpartisan, biracial and which is working to benefit everybody, increase the quality of life here and bring about responsible environmentally-friendly economic growth. “We need to have Mayor Lary continue in his leadership of this city.” Larry Steele, a friend who said he has known Lary since they were teens, urged supporters to get behind the
Total SPLOST Receipts
$4,217,195
Total Interest
$5,207
Total Project Expenditures
$0
SPLOST Account Balance
$4,222,402
Cost
2018 SPLOST Projects
$0
Project Name
services. Mayor Jason Lary made the following appointments, including himself, to the committee that will begin negotiations for the former Target building: Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble, who has played an integral role in monitoring the city’s finances; Acting City Manager Michael Harris; Robert Scott, who handled the
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary launches re-election campaign
City of Stonecrest 2018 Annual SPLOST Financial Report
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
The City of Stonecrest is in the process of identifying a SPLOST Program Manager, as such, no projects utilizing SPLOST funds have been procured.
man he described as “the most tenacious person that I’ve ever met.” “When he sets his mind to do something, he will move heaven and earth and he will make that thing happen… He is not going to quit until the last stone is turned, until the last rock is lifted, until everything possible can be done,” Steele said. Steel reminded supporters how hard Lary worked for the formation of the city, despite naysayers and opponents who said the city would never come to fruition. Lary led the effort for cityhood, pushing four years. Voters approved the referendum for incorporation in Nov. 2016 and elected Lary as the city’s first mayor in March 2017. Due
to staggered terms for the City Council, Lary is up for reelection next year. Lary’s pastor, the Rev. Edward Randolph, Jr. of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, told supporters he was proud of Lary’s leadership as mayor and at church where Lary recently became an ordained deacon. “Just to watch him grow… We’re just so proud of the things he is doing,” said Rev. Randolph. “We are certainly looking forward to some great things.” Other speakers included Al Desmond, a long-time friend; developer Vaughn Irons; Lary’s youngest son, James, and his wife, Debra.
PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 22, 2018
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House Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom sets final meeting The House Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom will hold its L-R: Lance Hammonds, Judge Courtney Johnson, Teresa Hardy and Freda Hammonds. Photos provided final meeting on Dec. 28, 11 a.m., Room 606 of the Coverdell The DeKalb NAACP Vaughn Irons, 2nd VP Vivian Moore membership. In addition to Legislative Office Building, 18 Capitol held a swearing-in Edwina Clanton, 3rd VP Waymon Norwood, Jr. building membership, the State Rep. Vernon Square S.W., Atlanta. ceremony on Dec. 15 for Denise Brown, Secretary Angela Patrick civil rights organization, Jones State Rep. Vernon Jones (D-Lithonia), its newly-elected officers. Sandy Johnson, Assistant Zepora Roberts Hardy said, plans to a member of the study committee, said DeKalb County Superior Secretary D.E. Smith increase visibility and Court Judge Courtney Lisa Wright, Treasurer Louise Thomas focus on relevant programs the Committee is looking closely at the issue to ensure consumers are protected Johnson performed the Denise Thomas-Allen and activities that directly and accurate information is shared about oaths of office. Members At Large: Cherry Willis support a better DeKalb kratom. The officers who were Gil Garland Hardy said she is County. “Kratom provides benefits to a lot of sworn in to serve for the James Hall looking forward to serving For more information individuals from all walks of life, ages 2019-2020 term are: Shelby Hall and she’s encouraging on membership and and genders. The overwhelming evidence, Teresa Hardy, President Freda Hammonds those who have not joined activities, visit www. supported by the National Institute Lance Hammonds, 1st VP Martha Jackson the NAACP to sign up for dekalbganaacp.org. on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is that some kratom products are being adulterated, contaminated and counterfeited that are unsafe,” said Jones. “That adulteration has The DeKalb NAACP will conduct Worldwide!” International Outreach at the Greater its annual observance of Jubilee Day on “Prior to being emancipated from Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta. led to unfair claims that kratom itself harms consumers when it does not. We need to Jan. 1, 10 a.m. to noon, at Rainbow Park human bondage, many brave black men Program activities include make sure that we are sharing accurate Baptist Church, 2491 Columbia Drive, and women escaped to or immigrated music by the Rainbow Park Baptist information about kratom so that people Decatur. to other countries looking for justice, Choir, the dissemination of African Jubilee Day commemorates tolerance, fairness and racial freedom,” American history and distribution of an are educated about its benefits, and we need to stop the adulteration and counterfeiting. the signing of the Emancipation said DeKalb NAACP President Teresa educational program souvenir booklet. Proclamation by President Abraham Hardy. “Whatever happened to these The community is invited to the event. I am committed to protecting every consumer from unsafe products, including Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863 and is held each brave souls and what are their legacies?” Parents are urged to bring their year by NAACP branches throughout To help answer these questions, children to experience the enriching and unscrupulous adulterators and counterfeiters of kratom products.” the country. With the proclamation, representatives from Canada, Liberia, uplifting educational program. The public is invited to attend the slavery for blacks officially ended in the Mexico and Sierra Leone have been Rainbow Park Baptist is under the meeting and will have the opportunity to U.S. invited to participate in the discussion leadership of the Rev. Steven Dial, who sign up to testify. The NAACP DeKalb branch’s and celebration. The keynote speaker is senior pastor. For more information For more information about the House 2019 program will have an international will be the Rev. Sidney W. Morris, about the Jubilee Day celebration, call Study Committee on Risks Associated with theme, “Searching for Justice a native Liberian and director of the DeKalb NAACP: 404-241-8006. Kratom, call Jones’ office at 404-656-0287.
New officers for DeKalb NAACP sworn in
DeKalb NAACP sets 2019 Jubilee Day celebration
CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petitions located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-007 Lashley Tractors 6953 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to exceed maximum ground sign height and sign development standards.
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DECEMBER 22, 2018 • PAGE 5
Dr. Jamal Bryant was installed as New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s new pastor on Sunday, Dec. 9. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
Dr. Jamal Bryant: ‘New
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housands flocked to welcome New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s new pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant, on Sunday, Dec. 9. Bryant took the helm, igniting the crowd with a sermon entitled “Bite Me” in which he rebuked enemies—snakes—who try to tear down others. He invited those who had left New Birth out of despair to return, along with those seeking a church home where they can grow and become involved in ministry and the community. “I need New Birth to get the word out to everyone that our church is back on fire,” said Bryant. Atlanta businessman Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., chairman of New Birth’s board of directors, said the sermon was just what New Birth
Birth is back on fire!’
needed to beginning rebuilding. Dortch and other church leaders say the death of Bishop Eddie Long, the longtime pastor of New Birth, and the transition following his death took a toll on the congregation with many leaving. Long died of cancer in January 2017. “Dr. Bryant did a phenomenal job. His message resonated with every genre—young people, middleaged people, seniors, those who left and those who have returned to New Birth,” Dortch said. “New Birth is ready to regain its place in the community again, to take ministry to the people, and Dr. Bryant is the person to carry out that vision.” Dortch said Bryant, 47, was selected after an extensive search that included a pool of 138 applicants.
“We felt he was the one who not only had the ability to minister but the vision to lead and grow the church,” Dortch said. “A church has to be one that ministers and addresses the issues, if New Birth is going to grow.” Dortch said that Bryant has a plan to address the church’s debt— about $31 million—and social issues. Bryant has set both, short and long-term goals, and he plans to use his national and international network, along with local resources to help meet those goals. Bryant founded the Empowerment Temple Church in Baltimore in 2000 with 43 people and grew the congregation to 12,000 members, making it the fastestgrowing church in the history of the AME church.
Dortch said Bryant plans to meet with leaders and constituents in the community to learn how the church can work collaboratively. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, Bryant’s mother, the Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant, and his sister, Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, a professor at Pepperdine University, and members of Kappa Alpha Psi were among the guests who attended Bryant’s initial sermon as pastor of New Birth. Members of the DeKalb NAACP attended New Birth’s worship service on Sunday, Dec. 16, the organization’s President Teresa Hardy said in a news release. View more photos online: ocgnews.com/dr-jamal-bryant-newbirth-back-fire/
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:
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: PETITIONER: LOCATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0008 Community Development Department City Wide Review of the proposed Arabian Mountain Overlay district and map.
PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 22, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Alternatives to guardianship and conservatorship
By Rockdale Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr.
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uardianships can take away a person’s rights to decide to marry, make contracts, consent to medical treatment, and establish a residence. Conservatorships allow the appointee to manage the ward’s finances and assets, buy and sell property, and enter into business and commercial transactions. Both the guardianship and conservatorship can also take away a person’s right to bring and defend actions in court. There are several other, less intrusive ways to act on behalf of someone with diminished mental or physical capacity. One or more of the
following alternatives may serve the needs of an incapacitated adult without unnecessarily limiting his or her rights and freedoms. A petition for a temporary medical consent guardian is one option to a traditional guardianship. If, based upon the facts presented in the petition, the court determines that there is probable cause to believe that the proposed medical consent ward is in need of a temporary medical consent guardian immediately, and after all of the preliminary steps have been completed including holding a hearing, the court may appoint a temporary medical consent guardian. The temporary medical consent guardianship shall terminate on the earliest of the court's removal of the temporary medical consent guardian, the effective date of the appointment of a permanent guardian, the duration of the current hospitalization of the medical consent ward or a substantially continuous stay in another health care facility, or sixty (60) days from the date of appointment of the temporary medical consent guardian. A Durable Power of Attorney (“DPA”) is another option that allows a competent individual to grant someone else the authority
to make decisions regarding their finances and/or other issues pertaining to their personal affairs. It not only contains certain instructions, but also names an agent to make health care decisions in accordance with the instructions, and to enforce the person's stated intentions. A DPA is broader in scope than a living will and applies any time a person becomes incapable of making or communicating health care decisions. Georgia Advance Directives for Health Care combine a living will and Health Care Power of Attorney into one document. This document includes treatment preferences of the person signing the Directive and provides a clear understanding of how medical decisions should be made by the person to be appointed as guardian. This directive is executed in advance of incapacitation to be used when a person can no longer communicate their own wishes. Georgia law regarding persons authorized to consent to surgical or medical procedures allow physicians to treat individuals who do not have the ability to consent. Inability of any adult to consent means a determination in the medical record by a licensed
physician, after the physician has personally examined the adult, that the adult lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make significant responsible decisions regarding his or her medical treatment, or the ability to communicate their decisions by any other means. After an individual’s inability to consent has been determined, the law allows for the next of kin to make important medical decisions without a guardianship. A special needs trust is a particular kind of trust that can be established for the benefit of a person with a disability. The assets in this kind of trust can only be used in restricted ways, but they allow a person with a disability to have access to funds that might otherwise disqualify them from a variety of benefits programs. Because it allows for significantly more flexibility than a conservatorship, this option should be considered as well. The information included herein is only intended to address some of the alternatives to guardianship and conservatorship and provide a basic understanding of the same. This information is not all inclusive, and should not be used as or considered to be legal advice.
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DECEMBER 22, 2018 • PAGE 7
Race Against Violence 5K raises $15,000 for Project ReNeWal Project Renewal, a shelter that assists victims of family violence, got an early holiday present. Rockdale County State Court Judge Nancy Bills presented a $15,000 check to Vickie Stevenson, the shelter’s executive director. Bills, who serves as chair of the Rockdale County Task Force Against Family Violence, said the donation is the result of the 9th Annual Race Against Violence (RAV) fundraiser, held in October. Nearly 300 runners, along with 64 sponsors, supported the event. Stevenson thanked Judge Bills for the donation, saying the annual race helps Project Renewal with expenses that are not normally covered by grants. This year’s event brings the total raised from Judge Nancy Bills (left) presenting a check from nine races to approximately $125,000 with more the proceeds of the RAV 5K to Vickie Stevenson, Executive Director of Project ReNeWal. Photo provided than $85,000 being donated to the shelter. Judge Bills also thanked supporters. She said the event epitomizes the community’s efforts in giving back. The RAV continues to the premier road race in the area due to the organization and the fast, flat course being a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Plans for next year’s race are already in motion since it will be the 10th Anniversary for the RAV. For more information about the RAV, visit rockdaleaware.com or contact Derek Marchman at 678-938-5799.
Rockdale, DeKalb litigants to pay lower e-filing fees starting Jan. 1 Effective Jan. 1, attorneys will be required to electronically file civil documents into all State and Superior Courts in Georgia. Although the new law, Senate Bill 407, allows much higher e-filing fees, the Rockdale County Clerk of Superior and State Courts has announced the fee in Rockdale will be $19 per case, per party, and no additional e-Filing fees after 10 documents. Normal statutory fees and credit card convenience fees apply. Under the new law, litigants can avoid the e-filing fee by filing remotely at https://georgia.tylerhost.net/ofsweb or by using a kiosk located within the courthouse. There are four kiosk computers available in the Civil Division of the Clerk of Superior and State Courts office, which is in Room 204 of the Rockdale County Courthouse, 922 Court Street, Conyers. The Clerk’s Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays. For more information about civil e-filing, Rockdale County Clerk of Superior and State Courts Civil office at 770-278-7926.
2019 meetings set for Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Association The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is holding the first meeting of 2019 for the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Association on Thursday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m., J.P. Carr Community Room, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. County officials plan to present representatives from several departments in a setting to discuss updates, new initiatives and information with leaders of local homeowner associations, civic groups and interested citizens. The coalition meets quarterly. Each meeting will be held at the J.P. Carr Community Room at 6 p.m. Dates for the 2019 meetings follow: • Jan. 17 • April 18 • July 18 • Oct. 17 For more information or to RSVP for the January meeting, please contact Jeannettia Owens at 770-278-7058 or jeannettia.owens@ rockdalecountyga.gov
Officer Edgar Isidro Flores Dec.17, 1993 - Dec. 13, 2018
Officer Edgar Isidro Flores, age 24 of Decatur, answered his final call as a Police Officer with the DeKalb County Police Department on Thursday, December 13, 2018. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 11:00am at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30038 and on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 11:00am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 6439 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. Interment will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 in Yonah Memorial Gardens following the funeral service. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 16, 2018 from 6:00pm-8:00pm and on Monday, December 17, 2018 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Officer Flores was born December 17, 1993 in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. He was a member of St. Marks Catholic Church in Clarkesville, GA. Officer Flores is survived by his fiancé, Lizandra Mora; mother, Laura Saucedo Flores of Cornelia; father, Isidro Flores of Baldwin; brother, Alexis Flores of Baldwin. Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia. 706-778-1700
BLIGHT continued from page 1 Additional improvements include:
Stronger Judicial Partnership The DeKalb Magistrate Court and the Solicitor-General’s office created blight programs. Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl Anderson formed a three-judge Magistrate Court Ordinance Division to review cases involving properties that have failed to improve despite repeated citations. Judge Anderson also implemented a monthly schedule to target dilapidated properties that receive numerous code citations, granting the county court order to take action on properties not returned to code. Solicitor-General Donna ColemanStribling formed the Quality of Life Unit, which is responsible for the prosecution of all cases involving code violations, blight, nuisance and other issues plaguing communities. New Beautification Division Leadership Timothy Hardy was appointed as the deputy director of beautification over code compliance in August 2018. Increased Code Enforcement Staffing The county hired 11 new officers to enforce codes and ordinances related to property maintenance, zoning, planning, special land use, signs and permits in August 2018. Operation Clean Sweep started in March 2017 Operation Clean Sweep has removed 5,647 bags of loose litter, 4,366 tons of debris and serviced 205 illegal dump sites. Demolition and Abatement Task Force The task force was created in January 2017 to share information, coordinate enforcement efforts and collaborate on initiatives to reduce blighted properties. Representatives of law, planning and sustainability, community development, Keep DeKalb Beautiful, code enforcement, sanitation and the GIS department meet regularly.
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