FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 41
DECEMBER 8, 2018 Stay connected
News 24/7
ocgnews.com
Holiday Lights
Published Since April 1995
DeKalb projects $103 million rainy day fund, CEO Thurmond continues push for fiscal improvements
R
ockdale County is offering holiday lights in a rustic setting for the first time at Costley Mill Park. The county kicked off the inaugural event on Dec. 6. Visitors can enjoy caroling by local choirs, crafts at Santa’s workshop, a petting zoo and photos with Santa on Fridays and Saturdays. The Lights @Costley Mill, located at 2599 Salem Church Road N.E., Conyers, will be held ThursdaySunday, Dec. 6-Jan. 6, 6 to 9 p.m. General admission is $5; seniors 62 and older, $3 and children 2 and under are free. In Decatur, visitors can visit the home of Mary Graves. Described by neighbors as the Christmas house, 2464 Fontaine Circle, Decatur, is decorated with thousands of colorful lights and various inflatable characters.
SEE LIGHTS page 7
Costley Mill Park
The Graves homes in Decatur
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Photo by Travis Hudgons
16 Atlanta postal workers sentenced for delivering cocaine through the mail
T
he last defendant of a group of 16 U.S. Postal Service letter carriers and clerks from the Atlanta area has been sentenced to federal prison for accepting bribes to deliver packages of cocaine–two kilograms or more at a time–in a undercover operation. The defendants received sentences of between three and nine years in prison for taking bribes as low as $250 to make deliveries. The oldest defendant sentenced was 64. According to U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak, in 2015, federal agents learned that drug traffickers had been bribing postal workers to intercept and specially deliver packages of drugs while they were on their regular routes, including through residential neighborhoods. The drug traffickers believed the postal workers were less likely to be caught by law enforcement because of their official jobs, and found that the corrupt postal workers were willing to hand deliver the drugs in exchange for bribes. “Drug trafficking, in itself, is an inherently dangerous crime,” said Sherry Boston, DeKalb County District Attorney. “When perpetrated by those in positions of public trust, citizen safety is severely compromised. The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners
facebook.com/ocgnews
Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
DeKalb County’s fiscal health continues to improve, officials said. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond recently announced that the county’s projected FY2018 fund balance has CEO Michael Thurmond reached $103 million. The increase is nearly two months of reserves to finance county operations. “DeKalb has a growing economy that requires a financially stable government that people can trust,” said Thurmond. “The fund balance is insurance against economic downturns and allows us to plan effectively for future needs.” In FY2017, the county eliminated a structural deficit of $24.7 million, balanced the budget and continued to build the rainy day fund. FY 2018 began with an $81 million fund
SEE DEKALB page 2
Be Someone Founder Orrin Hudson receives award at President George H.W. Bush’s farewell ceremony By Valerie J. Morgan
A to ferret out cases of public corruption and ensure that those who abuse their authority and violate the public’s trust, are held accountable for their actions.” The defendants convicted as a result of this operation include: Cydra Rochelle Alexander, 33, of Riverdale, a letter carrier assigned to the Ralph McGill Carrier Annex and Central City Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to five years, 10 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $4,500 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on Feb. 22, 2018. Alexander pleaded guilty to these charges on Nov. 27, 2017.
Aurthamis O. Burch, a/k/a Tank, 47, of Snellville, a letter carrier assigned to the Doraville Post Office was sentenced to three years, 10 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $1,500 by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones on April 10, 2018. Burch pleaded guilty to these charges on Dec. 11, 2017. Kawana Rashun Champion, 36, of Jonesboro, a clerk assigned to the North Springs Branch of the Sandy Springs Post Office and Central City Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to nine years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered
SEE COCAINE page 6
tlanta’s Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, founder of the Be Someone mentoring program for youths, was one of the “Points of Light” honorees selected to attend the Dec. 5 farewell Orrin “Checkmate” ceremony for the Hudson award’s founder, President George H.W. Bush. Hudson said the organization designated Dec. 5 as his “Point of Light” Day. He became the 6,408 Point of Life honoree with the recognition and was pinned during a ceremony. The DeKalb County resident said he also will receive a certificate that was signed by President George H.W. Bush. President Bush died Nov. 30 in Houston at age 94. His wife of 73 years, Barbara, passed away in April. The funeral for the nation’s 41st president took place at the Washington National Cathedral. The farewell ceremony was held at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., where Hudson and other Points of Life honorees paid their respects.
SEE HUDSON page 2
PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 8, 2018
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Former department administrator pleads guilty to defrauding MARTA of more than $520,000 Jhonnita L. Williams, a former department administrator at MARTA, pleaded guilty to participating in a false-invoice scheme that resulted in MARTA paying more than $520,000 for maintenance projects where no worked was actually performed. “MARTA trusted Williams to use and protect taxpayer dollars effectively and responsibly,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Her participation in a half of million dollar theft of MARTA funds demonstrates that she sold the public’s trust for self-enrichment.” “Williams circumvented proper government procedures and dipped into taxpayers’ money to subsidize her own personal greed,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Public corruption is one of the FBI’s top priorities, and we are committed to holding accountable those who choose to abuse their positions of trust.”
“MARTA has zerotolerance for any employee who betrays the trust placed in us by our customers,” said MARTA Police Jhonnita L. Williams Chief Wanda Y. Dunham. “The guilty plea by Ms. Williams concludes a coordinated investigation with our federal law enforcement partners, and we are satisfied with the results. We hope this guilty verdict serves as a deterrent for others who would attempt to defraud the taxpayers.” According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Williams worked for MARTA from 1999 to 2017. From 2010 to 2017, Williams worked as an assistant and department
DEKALB continued from page 1
balance, which is projected to increase by 27 percent. Thurmond’s proposed FY2019 budget will be presented to the Board of Commissioners by Dec. 15. The Board will vote on the final budget by Feb. 28, 2019. Thurmond pointed to key milestones that demonstrate the county’s commitment to financial stability: • During the next six years, DeKalb County homeowners will receive an estimated $660 million in property tax relief. The tax cut is the result of the passage of two measures in November 2017—the Equalized
administrator for Joseph J. Erves. During most of the conspiracy, Erves served as MARTA’s senior director of operations and oversaw the maintenance of all of its buses and rail cars. From approximately June 2010 to December 2016, Williams and Erves had more than 40 fake invoices prepared on behalf of three vendors for MARTA maintenance projects for which no work was performed. Williams and Erves used the false invoices as bases to authorize payments to the three vendors – including fake invoices submitted by a business owned by Ferrell Williams (who was romantically involved with Jhonnita Williams). After being paid, the three vendors funneled most of the money received from MARTA back to Erves and Williams. In total, MARTA paid the three vendors more than $520,000 for maintenance projects where no worked was
Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) and the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). • DeKalb County's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was delivered on time and without material weaknesses for the first time in six years. The county also eliminated five areas of deficiency from findings documented in the fiscal year 2016 audit. • Two major rating agencies recently rated DeKalb’s financial outlook as positive and reflects the financial future will continue to improve.
actually performed. Williams used the money to pay for various personal expenses, including the purchase a 3,000-square-foot single-family home. On July 24, 2018, a grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against Williams, 47. Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiratorial federal program theft. On Sept. 20, 2017, Joseph J. Erves, 54, of Lithonia, pleaded guilty to federal program theft. On Jan. 16, 2018, Erves was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, and was ordered to pay $522,825.45 in restitution. On March 29, 2018, Ferrell Williams, 63, of Cincinnati, Ohio, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit federal program theft. On Aug. 1, 2018, Williams was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, and was ordered to pay $41,539.1 in restitution.
HUDSON continued from page 1
Hudson said attending the ceremony was a pivotal moment he will always remember. “I am so humbled to be chosen for this award. It was an honor for me to say farewell to President George H.W. Bush and participate in such an historic event,” said Hudson, 55. “I am very proud of this award. I feel like we are kindred souls in that I’m also committed to serving people just as President George H.W. Bush.” Hudson has used the game of chess to mentor and empower more than 55,000 children in 30 states nationwide and internationally, including trips to the Philippines, India and Canada. The Points of Life organization is recognized worldwide for its dedication to extraordinary volunteer service.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
DECEMBER 8, 2018 • PAGE 3
Atlanta Gas Light unveils new Regional Business Center PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@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 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
Board
Penn
Atlanta Gas Light officials and DeKalb County leaders held a ribboncutting ceremony on Nov. 29 for the company’s new Atlanta Region Business Center. The 51,000-square-foot facility, located at 2105 Brannen Road in Atlanta, sits on 8.23 acres and consists of office and warehouse space, a fleet operation facility and a compressed natural gas station for Atlanta Gas Light service vehicles. Approximately 150 Atlanta Gas Light employees will relocate to the facility, which offers the company a centralized location to better meet customer needs in the metro Atlanta area and provides an opportunity for its workforce to leverage integrated technology to help increase efficiency when responding to service calls. “Through this facility we hope to make a significant investment that will serve as a catalyst for growth in the surrounding DeKalb County community,” said Bryan Batson, president of Atlanta Gas Light. “We’re also able to deepen our commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas for metro Atlanta homes and businesses.” In addition, the state-of-the-art
L-R (front row): Janene Crawford, Bryan Batson, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, Wendell Dallas, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols and Megan Barnidge (second row) Hank Linginfelter, Luz Borrero, Tiffany Callaway-Ferrell and James Bray participate in the Atlanta Gas Light Nov. 29, 2018, ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Atlanta Region Business Center. Photo provided
building has incorporated natural gas equipment including seven natural gas heat pumps and two natural gas backup generators. The facility also features green energy-efficient and cost-saving technologies including LED lighting, wall paint with lowemitting volatile organic compounds to
help sustain indoor air quality, as well as perforated metal sunscreens on the building façade to reduce sunlight and cooling costs – and eliminate the need for interior shades. Construction for the Atlanta Region Business Center began in August 2017.
Stonecrest to host film industry panel discussion Stonecrest’s Office of Economic Development is hosting a film industry panel discussion on Monday, Dec. 10, 4 to 5:30 p.m., at Stonecrest City Hall. Panelists will discuss film industry topics including: • Getting into the filming industry • Listing your property as a movie set location • Movies impact on local economy
Hatcher
Anderson
Williams
Rockdale Democratic Party elects new officers The Rockdale Democratic Party has elected a new slate of officers who will take office on Jan. 1. The Party held the elections on Dec. 1. Cheryl Miles Board, who had been serving as interim chair, was elected chair; John Penn was elected as 1st vice chair; Phyllis Hatcher was elected as 2nd vice chair; Lynn Anderson was elected treasurer and Stan Williams was elected secretary. The positions are two-year terms.
Rockdale creates Economic Development Taskforce Rockdale County has created an Economic Development Taskforce committee to serve as a consistent line of communication between Rockdale County Government, the Rockdale County Development Authority and the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREDC). Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr, who appointed the eight-member task force, said the group will work cohesively to attract businesses to Rockdale. “We believe this serves as an additional tool for what Rockdale County Government needs to do in our community to keep businesses coming,” said Nesbitt. Mike Sullivan, Chairman of the Rockdale County Development Authority, commended the formation of the new task force committee. “This opens a face-to-face dialogue, leads open communication and keeps key players on the same page,” Sullivan said. The group is comprised of members of each entity acting as liaisons in
their specific areas of knowledge. The members appointed are: • Mike Sullivan, chairman of the Rockdale County Development Authority • Will Barkley, Chief Tax Assessor and Taskforce Chair • KC Krzic, Director of Planning and Development • Terrell Gibbs, Director of Rockdale Water Resources • Jorge Diez, Director of Public Relations • Roselyn Miller, Director of Finance • Corey Hambrick, Chief of Staff, who will serve as the primary liaison for the Chairman’s Office • Marty Jones, CREDC “It helps serve as a tool to help us get things done quicker, cut to the chase to usher in new business quicker,” said Jones. The new Economic Development Taskforce will meet quarterly and is scheduled to hold its first meeting in March of 2019.
• Past and current Stonecrest film projects Seats are limited for the event. To get your free ticket, visit: https://bit.ly/2PjnQEN Immediately following the panel discussion, there will be a “Mix & Mingle” with representatives from the film industry at the Pizza Bar located at 7301 Stonecrest Concourse, Stonecrest.
PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 8, 2018
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
DeKalb NAACP sets Jubilee Day celebration
MARTA’s Holiday Program to feature Sinfo-Nia Orchestra MARTA passengers will be treated to some holiday performances by local groups. The Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra will be featured in MARTA's Holiday Program Series on Friday, Dec. 14, 5 to7 p.m. at the Five Points Station.
Clanton to host Stonecrest District 1 community forum Stonecrest City Councilman Jimmy Clanton, District 1, will host a community forum on Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. until noon, at the Jimmy Clanton, Jr Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. Clanton is cancelling his regular scheduled meeting on Dec. 8 in order to hold the Dec. 15 meeting. There will be a panel discussion from subject matter experts who will provide insight on strategies being undertaken to make for a prosperous city. Citizens will hear from: • Stonecrest Mayor • Stonecrest City Staff (Economic Development, Community Development) • Stonecrest Development Authority
• Stonecrest CID Steering Committee • Industrial Park Overlay Steering Committee • Arabia Mountain Overlay Steering Committee • Stonecrest Business Alliance • Stonecrest Chamber • District HOAs, POAs and Civic Associations We will discuss: • Stonecrest’s Vision and Mission Statement • Stonecrest Comprehensive Plan • Stonecrest Economic Development Strategic Plan • Budget and Financial Planning for Growth • Land & Building Acquisition • Local vs State Governance • Public Safety Outlook • Planning for Parks & Recs Service
The DeKalb NAACP will celebrate its annual observance of Jubilee Day on Jan. 1, 2019 at 10 a.m., at Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2491 Columbia Drive, Decatur. Jubilee Day commemorates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863 and is considered African Americans’ Independence Day. The event is celebrated every year by NAACP branches throughout the country. The DeKalb branch of the NAACP’s 2019 program has an international theme: “Searching for Justice Worldwide!” “Prior to being emancipated from human bondage, many brave black men and women escaped to or immigrated to other countries looking for justice, tolerance, fairness and racial freedom,” said DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy. “Whatever happened to these brave souls and what are their legacies?” To help answer these questions, representatives from Canada, Liberia, Mexico and Sierra Leone have been invited to participate in the discussion and celebration. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Sidney W. Morris, a native Liberian and Director of International Outreach at the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church. The celebration will include music by the Rainbow Park Baptist Choir. The Rev. Steven Dial is senior pastor of the church. Jubilee Day is considered African Americans’ Independence Day. However, everyone is invited to the Jubilee Day celebration. Parents are urged to bring their children to experience this enriching and uplifting educational program.
Rockdale County to host Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Rockdale County government officials invite the public to the inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Event on Monday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Rockdale Career Academy Auditorium, 1064 Culpepper Drive SW, Conyers. Talented dancers from Jenae’s Dance Experience and Showtime Pros, as well as local talent from Rockdale County Public Schools will perform in a celebration that will highlight Dr. King’s legacy and his impact on civil rights, past and present, under the theme, “This is America”. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
Lucious Sanders Rec Center extends coat drive deadline DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs is accepting new or gently-used coats for its first coat drive until Friday, Dec. 21. As the temperature starts to drop, the Department of Recreation Parks & Cultural Affairs is working to provide some comfort to those in need. Citizens are encouraged to drop off coat donations at one of county recreational facilities during normal operating hours: • Fire Rescue Headquarters,1950 W. Exchange Place, 3rd floor, Tucker, GA 30084 • Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 • Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 • Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 • Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079 • Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia, GA 30058 • Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA 30033 • Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, GA 30032 • N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur, GA 30032 • Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, 30034 • Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, GA 30079
DeKalb officials to unveil new amenities at Zonolite Park DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the county’s newest park amenities on Monday, Dec. 10, at noon. The ceremony will be held at Zonolite Park, 1147 Zonolite Place, Atlanta. A total of $32,000 was contributed to enhance the park play areas including a new picnic shelter, garden beds and walkways. The public is invited to join county officials, parks staff and Park Pride representatives at the ceremony.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for DeKalb’s new pier DeKalb County parks officials will hold an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the county’s newest pier on Friday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be held at Chapel Hill Park, 4002 Lehigh Blvd, Decatur. A total of $158,000 was contributed to construct a fishing pier with a pavilion and a trail to improve connectivity. The public is invited to join county officials, parks staff and Park Pride representatives at the ceremony.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
DECEMBER 8, 2018 • PAGE 5
Rep. Kendrick urges black caucus to focus on equal access to tech careers The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is getting behind State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, D-Lithonia, to push for funding a public awareness campaign for computer science education and efforts to encourage more diversity and inclusiveness among tech companies. State Rep. The caucus passed two Dar’shun Kendrick resolutions at the 42nd Annual National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) conference on Nov. 29 that were modeled after House resolutions Kendrick proposed during the 2018 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly. “Encouraging equal access to opportunities in technology is crucial to keeping up with the demand of a growing tech economy across our state and
nation,” said Kendrick. “I am honored to bring successful state legislation to the NBSCL conference and look forward to seeing the awareness these resolutions bring to the rest of the country.” Kendrick’s efforts were praised by Rodney Sampson, chairman and CEO of The Opportunity Hub, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C., and co-chair of the Georgia Blacks in Tech Policy Conference. “I applaud and congratulate State Rep. Kendrick and her willingness to listen, ideate and create state and national diversity, inclusion and racial equitybased technology awareness, education, skills development, new venture creation, ecosystem building and capital formation policy,” said Sampson. “It is work like this that will help prepare people of color in America for the future of work in the 4th industrial revolution. I’m honored to be a partner in this effort to ensure that increasing innovation doesn’t
isolate our nation’s majority populous. We have great work to do.” Kendrick said the resolutions passed at the NBCSL conference reflected Georgia House Resolutions 1036 and 942 with minor changes. HR 1036, which unanimously passed in the Georgia House of Representatives, encourages the State of Georgia to fund a public awareness campaign for computer science education. HR 942 encourages private corporations to provide diverse and inclusive environments for future technology entrepreneurs. The new resolutions will become a part of the national NBCSL agenda starting in January. Kendrick represents District 93, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Judiciary Non-Civil, Juvenile Justice, and Small Business Development committees.
Decatur selects Andrea Arnold to move up from assistant to City Manager The Decatur City Commission announced it has selected long-time Assistant City Manager Andrea Arnold to become Decatur’s next City Manager. City officials say they anticipate that an agreement with Arnold will be ratified at the City Commission Andrea Arnold meeting on Dec. 17 and that she will begin her new role on Jan. 1, 2019. She will succeed Peggy Merriss, who is retiring. Arnold, who has served as Assistant City Manager since 2004, came to work for the city in 1997 from the Atlanta Regional Commission. Mayor Patti Garrett said the City Commission was very impressed with Arnold. The City Commission received more than 100 applications for the City Manager position and interviewed candidates in November. “We believe Andrea has the leadership skills,
wealth of experience and professional demeanor we are seeking to lead our municipal organization into the future and to work effectively with our elected body. Andrea has a deep knowledge of Decatur and can hit the ground running as we move forward with our 2020 Strategic Planning process, economic development projects and goals and as we work with our key local partners and County and State representatives. We were impressed with her strong desire to really listen to our residents and work with us as we chart our future,” said Mayor Patti Garrett. Arnold’s responsibilities have included leading the City’s internal operations, including the budget process and oversight of the Municipal Court and the Fire Department. City Manager Merriss praised Arnold, saying she is a good fit to lead the city. “I am very proud and excited that Andrea will have the opportunity to be the next City Manager. She has strong organizational and community ties as well as connections on a statewide and national level,” said Merriss. “She is the type of leader
whose integrity and ethics are unquestionable and she has both the ability to pay attention to details while seeing the big picture.” Said Arnold: “I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue to serve our community and I am humbled by the City Commission’s trust in my ability to lead our organization. I am also looking forward to strengthening existing community relationships and building new ones in my role as City Manager. Most importantly, Peggy Merriss leaves behind a legacy rooted in democracy, integrity and ethics that I intend to build upon.” Arnold has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science/Urban Studies from Furman University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia. She is a Credentialed Manager with the International City and County Management Association and is active in numerous professional associations. She also served on the Decatur Education Foundation Board, is a graduate of Leadership DeKalb and a 2018 graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute.
PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 8, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Alternatives to guardianship and conservatorship
By Rockdale Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr.
G
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
COCAINE continued from page 1
to pay forfeiture in the amount of $10,500 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on May 11, 2018. Champion pleaded guilty to these charges on Feb. 20, 2018. Eleanor Lolita Golden, a/k/a Eleanor Johnson, 55, of East Point, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to six years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,500 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on May 17, 2018. Golden pleaded guilty to these charges on Dec. 20, 2017. Tonie Harris, 55, of Decatur, a letter carrier assigned to the Sandy Springs Post Office was sentenced to three years, one month in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,450 by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones on Aug. 14, 2018. Harris pleaded guilty to these charges on March 20, 2018. Leea Janel Holt, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Old National Branch of the Riverdale Post Office was sentenced to 6 years, 6 months in prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,500 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on Nov. 27, 2018. Holt pleaded guilty to these charges on June 6 and Aug. 28, 2018. Clifton Curtis Lee, a/k/a Cliff, 43, of Lithonia, a letter carrier assigned to the Sandy Springs Post Office was sentenced to three years, 10 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,800 by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones on June 18, 2018. Lee pleaded guilty to these charges on Feb. 28, 2018. Shakeed Anilah Magee, 41, of College Park, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release,
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
and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on February 13, 2018. Magee pleaded guilty to these charges on November 14, 2017. Horace Manson, 41, of Roswell, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to three years, 10 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on April 17, 2018. Manson pleaded guilty to these charges on January 29, 2018. Olivia Marita Moore, 26, of Atlanta, a letter carrier assigned to the Old National Branch of the Riverdale Post Office was sentenced to five years, 10 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,500 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on July 16, 2018. Moore pleaded guilty to these charges on Jan. 5, 2018. Eddie Nash, 64, of Decatur, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on July 17, 2018. Nash pleaded guilty to these charges on Dec. 14, 2017. Jeffrey A. Pearson, 61, of Austell, a letter carrier assigned to the Decatur Post Office was sentenced to four years, nine months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,000 by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross on May 22, 2018. Pearson pleaded guilty to these charges on Feb. 1, 2018. Rodney Antwain Salter, 34, of Jonesboro, a letter carrier assigned to the Martech Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000 by U.S.
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.
District Judge Leigh Martin May on May 17, 2018. Salter pleaded guilty to these charges on Dec. 20, 2017. Frank Webb, 41, of Lithonia, a letter carrier assigned to the Central City Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to three years, four months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $3,000 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on May 16, 2018. Webb pleaded guilty to these charges on Jan. 30, 2018. Katrina Nicole Wilson, a/k/a Trina, 39, of Fairburn, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office was sentenced to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,500 by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May on Aug. 27, 2018. Wilson pleaded guilty to these charges on April 12, 2018. Harvel Donta Young, a/k/a Dante, 41, of Atlanta, a letter carrier assigned to the Westside Annex Branch of the Marietta Post Office was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,800 by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones on August 14, 2018. Young pleaded guilty to these charges on May 1, 2018. Additionally, Dexter Bernard Frazier, a/k/a Dec, 57, of Fairburn, who was not a postal employee but participated in some of the package deliveries by connecting the confidential source with postal workers, was sentenced to nine years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,700 by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones on June 13, 2018. Frazier pleaded guilty to these charges on March 6, 2018. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
DECEMBER 8, 2018 • PAGE 7
LIGHTS continued from page 1
Costley Mill Park
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
The Graves homes in Decatur
Photos by Travis Hudgons
DeKalb School District leads in top- DeKalb History Center launches “Hops performing Title I schools at the History Center” literary series
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) has claimed top honors in the number of top-performing Title I schools. Six DCSD schools—tied for the most in metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia—made the list, including Arabia Mountain High School, DeKalb Early College Academy (DECA), Henderson Mill Elementary, Livsey Elementary, Robert Shaw Theme School, and Wynbrooke Elementary. The Georgia DOE released its annual list of Title I Distinguished Schools, or top-performing Title I schools on Dec. 4. Distinguished schools are among the top 5 percent of all Title I schools in the state, as determined by College & Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI) scores. “Once again, DeKalb County School District has proven it has what it takes to defy expectations and beat the odds when it comes to education,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. R. Stephen Green. “The students at these six schools are living proof that, no matter the circumstances, academic excellence and opportunities through education are possible. These schools, through tremendous leadership and a dedicated cadre of educators, are taking their schools to the next level. I congratulate them, and I urge all others to join them
in soaring to new heights.” As certified Distinguished Schools, each will be eligible to apply for the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program award. Two schools in Georgia—selected from this list— will be eligible for the award, which entails national recognition as well as additional Title I funds. State Superintendent Richard Woods said Title I Distinguished Schools should be counted among some of the best in the entire state, regardless of distinction. “These public schools are among the very best in the state and are doing extraordinary work on behalf of their students and communities. I extend my thanks and congratulations to every teacher, administrator, staff member, student, parent, and community partner who contributed to their success,” Woods said.
The DeKalb History Center has launched an authors’ program called Hops at the History Center, which debuts on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m. The nightly program will feature authors, lectures, and discussions over a wide range of topics. All programs will take place at the DeKalb History Center, and will be ticketed. The debut event will feature Author Andre Joseph Gallant, who will be speaking about his new book, A High Low Tide: The Revival of a Southern Oyster. Gallant, who lives in Athens, Georgia, is an independent journalist whose writing has appeared in Oxford American, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bitter Southerner, Modern Farmer, Civil Eats and more. He is founding editor of Crop Stories, a literary journal exploring farm culture in the American South. Upcoming Hops at the History Center Programs: Dec. 12 - Andre Joseph Gallant, A High Low Tide: The Revival of the Southern Oyster Jan. 16 - Mayor Emerita Elizabeth Wilson and Author Claire Hertzler discuss growing up in Green County, Georgia, through Hertzler’s book The High Sheriff of Greene. Feb. 20 - Anthony Grooms, author of The Vain Conversations April 17 - Mary Boyle and Ron Smith, Atlanta Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Hub of the South The Historic DeKalb Courthouse is located at 101 E. Court Square, Decatur, Second Floor. Member tickets are $5 and non-member tickets are $10. Includes one drink ticket. Tickets are available for purchase via square https://squareup.com/store/ dekalb-history-center or by cash or check at the DeKalb History Center offices.
On Common Ground News Marketplace LAWN CARE
YOUR AD
PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 8, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
We cater to the entire family. Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available
900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006