VOLUME 23 NUMBER 4
FREE
APRIL 21, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Chick-fil-A outside Stonecrest mall celebrates renovations
DeKalb CEO Thurmond hires Rhinehart, Keyes Fleming to oversee county’s infrastructure
Ted Rhinehart
Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced two key hires to focus on enhancing and improving the county’s infrastructure. Ted Rhinehart has been hired as deputy chief operating officer for infrastructure. Rhinehart will serve in this top supervisory L-R: Diane Adoma, Jazzmin Cobble, Jimmy Clanton, newly-elected to the Stonecrest City Council, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, Chick-fil-A owner/operator Sam West and his wife, Diann West, shared the role for Watershed Management, Sanitation, Roads and Drainage, spotlight at the restaurant’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG News. Transportation, Public Libraries, Fleet Management and Recreation he Chick-fil-A outside the Mall at Stonecrest held a ribbon cutting ceremony on April and Cultural Affairs, Cooperative Extension and the Beautification 20 to showcase renovations the restaurant has made to enhance overall customer Unit. service. Rhinehart formerly worked for DeKalb in 2002 as Public Newly-elected officials of the city of Stonecrest and other community stakeholders Works Director and then in 2009, as deputy COO of Infrastructure. helped perform the ribbon cutting ceremony. Miller Grove High School’s band performed He has more than 27 years of experience in municipal government during the morning celebration, which included free samples of food for customers and the management and most recently served as the deputy city adminisChick-fil-A cow greeting those in attendance. trator for Augusta, Georgia. Rhinehart also worked for the cities of “We are fulfilling a commitment to re-investment in the community,” said Sam West, who became owner and operator of the store on Oct. 1, 2016. “We stripped everything down Bloomington, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Indiana. He has speto the walls and expanded the back of the store. We enhanced our technology so that we can cialized in the areas of water and wastewater utilities, public works, better serve customers whether they are ordering inside the store or outside in our drivethrough,” said West, adding the renovations took about five weeks to complete. See DeKalb hires, page 6 West said the celebration was especially significant because the Chick-fil-A location is the 1,000th store in the chain’s history.
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Run-off elections complete Stonecrest’s Centennial Olympic Park to restrict first government access during renovation
Rob Turner
George Turner
Diane Daniels Adoma
Voters in the newly-formed city of Stonecrest have decided who will lead their first government. They elected Rob Turner, District 2; George Turner, Jr., District 4, and Diane Daniels Adoma, District 5 in the April 18 special election runoffs, wrapping up elections in the city. The two Turners elected to the five-member Stonecrest City Council are not related. In one of the most hotly-contested and nationally publicized races in the special election, Mary-Pat Hector, a 19-year-old Spelman College sophomore, narrowly lost her challenge to George Turner, a retired MARTA executive. Hector received 845 votes. Turner received 867. In February, Turner had challenged Hector’s eligibility to run, saying she was not 21. The DeKalb Board of Registrations and Elections, however, ruled to allow her name to be placed on the ballot after Hector and several supporters spoke during the board’s packed hearing. In addition to supporters who spoke at the hearing, Hector, who is the Youth Director for the National Action Network, drew support from the Rev. Al Sharpton, who heads the network. Hector placed second in a five-way race on March 21, which resulted in a run-off when none of the candidates received more than 50 percent of the vote. The date has not yet been set for the swearing-in ceremony for the three run-off winSee Run-off, page 6
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority is embarking on a $17 million makeover of Centennial Olympic Park following the conclusion of the park’s 20th anniversary capital campaign. Although the park will remain open to the public while the work is in progress, public access will be restricted at times. The Fountain of Rings, playgrounds, and some monuments will be impacted as areas in the park become active work sites. Prior to visiting the park, visitors should get updates on public access restrictions by visiting gwcca.org/park or calling 404-222-PARK (7275). As outlined in the Authority’s 2020 Vision strategic plan, the renovations include creating a pedestrian plaza on Andrew Young International Boulevard, establishing new gateways into the park to the north, strengthening the park’s Olympic heritage with new features, and revamping the Southern Company Amphitheater. Renovations are scheduled to be completed by January 2019. Spring and summer events at the park – including the Sweetwater 420 Festival (April 21-23), Shaky Beats (May 5-7), Shaky Knees (May 12-14) music festivals, and the annual Wednesday WindDown and Music at Noon concert series (throughout the month of June – will take place concurrently with construction, but there will be no further public programming in 2017 beyond the annual 4th of July Celebration. Also, the park is not accepting new bookings See Renovations, page 6
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Rent-to-Own Heating & Air Program expands as summer months approaches
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he National Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG) has expanded its Rent-To-Own, Heating and Air Conditioning Program for homeowners in Rockdale, Clayton and DeKalb counties. This past week, we installed over 500 new energy efficient HVAC units. The program has 5,000 slots available. Over 440 homeowners have been assisted in DeKalb County alone. We have recruited additional NATE/EPA certified heating and air contractors to keep pace with the call volume, said Percy Brooks, CEO of the NSEG. It’s truly amazing for $89.95 a month, a homeowner will not have to suffer the hot and humid high 80’s and 90-degree temperatures this summer, said Brooks. Qualification for approval: Homeowner property taxes must be current. Monthly payments range from $89.95 to $109.95, depending on the size of the heating and air-conditioning unit and upgrades. All Goodman heating and air units come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Approval and installation can be completed within 5 business days. We are extremely honored to be able to assist so many homeowners that had given up on securing consumer financing to purchase a heating and air conditioning unit. We view this alternative option as one of the finest in the country, said Brooks. I’m sure that we will exceed our goal of assisting 5,000 homeowners across the Metro Atlanta area.
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We are expecting to see a record high of 50+ days of temperatures in the high 80’s and 90’s this summer season. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for homeowners. Our customer testimonials have been heartfelt, said Brooks. The program meets the EPA requirements for the new R-410A refrigerant upgrades. It also improves the quality of life and increases property value for homeowners. Our major objective is to share our program among the faith-based community and Homeowners Associations (HOA’s), said Brooks. We needed an alternative option for homeowners with less than perfect credit, who paid their property taxes on time, but couldn’t obtain traditional consumer financing for heating & air service. We all hit speed bumps in life. Our client has lived in their home for an average of 12+ years said Brooks. Energy home improvements are among the most expensive home improvement projects for homeowners said Brooks. There are over 120,000 homeowners without heating & air service and over 700,000 units working at less than 40% capacity or less. We see this as an excellent opportunity for homeowners to rent and relax. For more information, call 404-220-8719; email percybrooks. meb@live.com or visit www.hvachomesystem.com Paid Advertisement
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
APRIL21,2017 • PAGE 3
DeKalb BOC awards legal defense fees to former CEO Burrell Ellis
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@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 News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com
Burrell Ellis
The DeKalb County
Board of Commissioners during a special executive session on April 18 voted 5-2 to pay the legal defense costs of former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. The reimbursement is permitted under state law when a government official is found not guilty or charges are overturned. The board approved $755,942.95 to cover El-
lis’ legal fees through two separate trials and his appeal before the Georgia Supreme Court. The high court overturned Ellis’ convictions in November 2016, saying he didn’t get a fair trial. District Attorney Sherry Boston, who was sworn into office in January 2017, dismissed charges of attempted extortion and perjury, saying
Ellis had served his time. Ellis spent eight months in prison after a jury found him guilty in July 2015 of pressuring county contractors to give to his election campaign. Ellis must repay a portion of the money the BOC awarded—$137,231.50—to others who helped him with his defense.
DeKalb Fire Rescue recruitment’s deadline is April 30
The DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of fire recruit and firefighter. Applications are currently being accepted through April 30 and interested candidates must complete and submit the online application by visiting dekalbfirerescue.org. Minimum requirements include a
high school diploma or GED, supplemented by one year of work experience in any field that shows an ability to maintain steady employment preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job. The starting salary for fire recruits is $36,555 and for firefighters
is $38,151. Benefits include flexible schedules, medical and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, pension, deferred compensation plan, paid vacation and sick days, and opportunities for career advancement. For more information, visit dekalbfirerescue.org, email dcfrrecruiting@ dekalbcountyga.gov or call 678-4067778.
DeKalb teens arrested following Conyers vehicle burglary spree
Two teens are in custody after they were located trespassing at Towers High School in DeKalb County on April 11. They were occupying a vehicle stolen out of Conyers. The 16-year-old and a 17-year-old also possessed items stolen from more than a dozen vehicles in the Calloway Crossing and Travers Creek neighborhoods in Conyers earlier that morning. Jontavious Clark, 17, of Decatur was driving a vehicle stolen off of Calloway Loop when he was stopped in Towers High School’s parking lot by DeKalb County School Police. Three other juveniles, who are not Towers students, were also in the vehicle at the time. Clark and a DeKalb juvenile have been charged with Theft by Taking – Motor Vehicle and Burglary 2nd Degree for their participation in the multiple thefts in the Conyers neighborhoods that morning. They are currently in DeKalb custody due to the charges obtained while trespassing on school property and causing a disturbance.
Fighting prostitution: 9 arrested in Conyers sting operation
Conyers Police arrested nine men as a result of a pandering sting operation Wednesday night, April 19. This is the fourteenth such operation Conyers Police have conducted since 2013. In early summer of 2013, two violent incidents occurred which brought to light prostitution occurring at local motels. One panderer, or “john,” was robbed by two men after setting up a meeting with a prostitute using Craigslist. One month later, four men were arrested after kidnap-
ping, raping, and robbing two women who had posted an ad for prostitution on Backpage. These men were responsible for other similar incidents in the region. At the direction of Chief of Police Gene Wilson, the Criminal Investigations Division formulated a plan to combat prostitution taking place at the local motels. These operations have since been conducted jointly at times with Covington Police and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. “When we look at the number
of johns coming through Conyers on a Wednesday night, it is telling just how much of this is happening throughout the metro area,” Chief Wilson said. “This kind of enforcement is something we feel we must do and will continue to do so when staffing allows. So many people have fallen victim to human trafficking and there is no doubt the Atlanta area plays a part in that.” The nine arrested are: • Tommy Tucker, 49, Conyers • Deon Kelley, 47, Lithonia
• Simeon Bynom, 24, Covington • Chris Reed, 28, Conyers • Geoffrey Johnson, 39, Covington • Quintarious Manning, 24, Covington • Kumar Paka, 21, Decatur • Calvin Webb, 32, Covington • David Martinez Cruz, 19, Lithonia All were charged under City of Conyers Ordinance Disorderly Conduct – Pandering and booked into the Rockdale County Jail.
Police seek public’s help in Kay Jewelry, BP gas robberies
Conyers Police investigators are seeking the public’s helping in finding two suspects who robbed Kay Jewelers, 1620 Dogwood Drive and the BP gas station, 607 Sigman Road, within one day of each other. The jewelry holdup took place on Tuesday, April 18, at approximately 10:20 a.m. A black male and a black fe-
male suspect entered Kay Jewelers. The male, who
was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun, jumped the counter after a short conversation with an employee. An undisclosed amount of jewelry was taken from the glass display case. The male suspect is described as 5’10 and 150 pounds, wearing glasses and a fedora style hat. The female suspect is described as 5’2 and 130 pounds,
wearing a black wig and sunglasses. The BP gas station was robbed on Monday, April 17, at approximately 9:30 p.m. A black male suspect entered the location armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. The clerk hid in the office while the robber took an undisclosed amount of cash from the register. The BP suspect is
described as a black male wearing all black clothing, black tennis shoes, black Oklahoma City ball cap, neoprene half mask and black gloves. Anyone with information in either robbery is asked to contact Crime Stoppers 404 577-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppersatlanta.org
Read On Common Ground News Online: www.ocgnews.com
PAGE 4 •APRIL 21, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
GWINNETT
Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
Gwinnett community yard sale set Make spring cleaning a breeze and turn unwanted items into cash at the Lawrenceville spring cleaning community yard sale on Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Admission is free and indoor and outdoor space are available for $26 indoors with 8” table and 2 chairs provided; $21/outdoor space, if vendor provides his or her own table. Gwinnett County reserves the right to disallow any items inappropriate and/or oversized. The event will be held rain or shine. No refunds. For more information or to register as a vendor, call 678-277-0890.
Multicultural Festival to showcase exhibits, performances, food vendors
oin the historic Inman Park community for the 46th Inman Park Spring Festival and Tour Of Homes on April 29-30, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Inman Park Spring Festival features a tour of homes Friday to Sunday, street parade (2 p.m. Saturday), artists’ market, live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities in Inman Park. Guests are encouraged to walk, bike or catch public transportation to the event. For more information, visit www.inmanparkfestival.org.
Gwinnett County staff from multiple departments and friends from across the globe will gather at the fourth annual Gwinnett Multicultural Festival on Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Gwinnett Place Mall parking lot, 2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. Families can see exhibits and demonstrations, and meet county officials and police officers. They also can enjoy cultural performances, food vendors, and kids’ activities such as inflatables and a dunking booth. For more information, call 770-513-5119.
ATLANTA
ROCKDALE
Author to discuss Modern Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta
Courtesy Ford hosts fundraiser to benefit local animal shelters
Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes set
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The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System welcomes “Historian in Heels,” Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado, for a discussion of her latest publication, Atlanta and the Civil Rights Movement: 1944-1968 on Thursday, April 27, 12-1 p.m., on the first floor of the Central Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. The book presents a well-researched pictorial history and a stunning visual record of the Modern Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, and the courageous men and women who made it possible. A book signing will follow the program. Copies will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by Preserve Black Atlanta and Arcadia Publishing & The History Press. For more information, email john.wright@ fultoncountyga.gov or call 404-730-1896. .
DEKALB
Free intro to sewing workshop set Learn how to use a sewing machine. A free, two-part workshop will be held on Saturday, April 22, and April 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library, 1282 McConnell Drive, Decatur. Jessica Harris will teach the workshops. Participants will learn about the different types of fabrics, learn how stitch by hand, practice using a sewing machine and begin working on a patchwork pillow. Teen participants are welcome. All materials will be provided. The class is open to first 10 participants. To register, call 404-679-4404 or visit the branch.
Learn about the benefits and uses of crystals and gemstones Enjoy a casual conversation about the history and uses of gemstones and crystals on Saturday, April 29, 10:30 – 12 p.m., at the Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library, 952 Leon Street, Stone Mountain. Yvette Mashburn will present “Crystal Connection and You” and will enlighten attendees about the types, uses and benefits of gemstones and crystals. Class is limited to 10 people. To register, call 770-413-2020.
Free debt clinic offers legal consultations Attend a free debt clinic on Tuesday, April 25, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. If you have been sued for a debt and you have questions, then get answers from the DeKalb Volunteers Lawyers Foundation. Local attorneys will discuss information regarding debt cases in DeKalb County and facilitate free, one-on-one consultations. Participants should bring documentation related to their cases. For more information or to register, call 404-370-3070.
Courtesy Ford is hosting a fundraiser to benefit local animal shelters on April 27, 5-7 p.m. at the Courtesy Ford dealership,1636 Dogwood Drive SE, Conyers, Georgia. Guests will enjoy food, networking, a canine fashion show and door prizes. Photo contest winners will be announced and there will also be a special appearance made by Ursula Modean, a plus-sized dog with her own fashion line and store Ursula’s Boutique featuring fashions specifically designed for plus-sized canines. Attendees will also get a chance to vote for their favorite shelter pup and can even test-drive a Ford. All proceeds will support the local Rockdale and Newton animal shelters. No pets allowed. For more information about Courtesy Ford, visit their website at www.courtesyatlanta.com.
Rockdale to host 5K Dash for Dogs fundraiser for Animal Shelter Rockdale County Animal Control and the county’s Parks and Recreation Department will team up on April 29 to host Rockdale’s first Dash for Dogs 5K fundraiser at the Rockdale Government Annex building, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. Top male and female finishers in each overall age group will receive medals. Participants can pre-register for the event at Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. Registration also is available on the day of the race or online at the county’s website (in the special events section) on the Recreation and Maintenance page. The fee is $20 for pre-registered Phantom Racer (includes a T shirt); $25 for pre-registration (includes a T-shirt); $30 on the day of the (T-shirts available while supplies lasts). Animal Care and Control will also have dogs on site for adoption. For more information, call 770-278-7529.
Volunteers needed for Great American Cleanup Join your friends and neighbors to volunteer at Keep Conyers Rockdale Beautiful Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Pine Log Park Pavilion, 1500 Highway 138, Conyers. For more information, call 770278-7052 or visit www.rockdalecountyga.gov.
Please check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers.
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APRIL 21, 2017 • PAGE 5
MARTA now offering bike racks, repair stations
he Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is helping to make commuting easier for bike enthusiasts with the installation of new bike racks and repair stands at 37 train stations. Additionally, MARTA is partnering with the City of Atlanta’s Relay bike share program to place 500 bikes at 65 locations around the city. The program began with 100 bikes at 22 sites. “We are proud to partner with Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta in the expansion of their bike share programs that allows riders to reserve, ride and return a bike to the same location or another Relay hub,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith Parker. “We know that this program will continue to offer our customers with an added benefit that promotes health and exercise while getting them to their destinations.” The new cyclist-focused improvements provide an additional way for commuters to travel the city in the wake of the I-85 collapse, while making MARTA an even more bike-friendly transit system. “Some individuals took buses and trains while others found alter-
native routes to their destinations,” said Parker. “However, we also see a number of people choosing two wheels instead of four to commute on a daily basis. Our new bike kiosks will serve as another resource for those integrating MARTA into their daily transportation plans.” The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition assisted MARTA with implementing the initial phase of the bike kiosks. “The I-85 collapse underscores
Rockdale daycare centers to celebrate Literacy Week On April 24-28, childcare centers all over the Conyers/Rockdale area will celebrate Hands on Literacy Week to encourage reading. Teaching programs this week will be geared toward encouraging young children to read through activities such as crafts, storytelling, and projects. A cross-section of the community including parents, grandparents and community leaders will come in to read to the children during this week’s celebration. The celebration will end with the Hands On Literacy Parade in Olde Town Conyers on Friday at approximately 10 a.m. Children dressed as their favorite book characters will walk down Main Street to Center Street with the Rockdale County High School drum line leading the parade of children as on-lookers cheer from the sidelines. Brenda Smith, Rockdale Head Start family advocate, says the celebration highlights the efforts Head Start carries out year-round to help families understand the importance of literacy at an early age. The event coincides with National Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Introduction to finding grants program set Learn what it takes to secure a grant for your nonprofit by attending an introductory grant-finding workshop on Wednesday, April 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. Discover what funders are looking for in nonprofits seeking grants and how to find potential funders. This workshop is presented by Asia Hadley of the Foundation Center-Atlanta. Register at the Decatur Library’s reference desk or by calling the library at 404-370-3070 or contact the Foundation Center at 404-880-0094. For more information, visit grantspace.org/training/ calendar/Atlanta.
Non-commercial vehicle washing prohibited The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management is reminding businesses and residents that the county is still under a Level 2 drought status. One of the state-mandated water restrictions prohibits the outdoor washing of vehicles, including charity car washes. Commercial car washes that are either connected to the sanitary sewer or that recycle used wash water are permitted. The drought status is still severe in the metro Atlanta area since Lake Lanier, DeKalb’s water source, has not recovered. Water customers are urged to continue complying with the state-mandated restrictions.
the importance of prioritizing transportation options that improve access for people who bike, walk and use transit,” said Bennett Foster, with The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. “The more options we have, the less vulnerable we are to sudden shocks to our transportation network.” Parker said the new bike racks are located with the fare gates, protected from the elements and under security surveillance. The biking
kiosks are located at all of MARTA’s rail stations except the airport. Currently, all MARTA buses are outfitted with bike racks to accommodate cyclists in areas outside of rail access areas. Each biking kiosk is equipped with newly installed bike racks, fix-it stands and tire pumps equipped to inflate flat tires, tighten handlebars and perform general bike maintenance and repair. “The repair kiosks create a way for people who bike to complete the first and last mile of their trips to MARTA. It’s especially important for areas that may not have local bike shops,” said Foster. “The primary goal is to remove as many barriers to biking as possible.” Arts Center, Civic Center, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, King Memorial, Peachtree Center, West End, and North Avenue MARTA stations are identified as Relay bike share hubs that are currently in the development phase. Each station will have a bike share hub that accommodates ten bikes. For more information on the Relay bike share program, visit relaybikeshare.com.
Volunteers needed to help children in foster care The Judicial Citizen Panel Review Program is seeking volunteers to help improve the lives of children in foster care. Interested volunteers may live or work in DeKalb. As sworn officers of the Court, the panel members are responsible for determining what progress has been made in working toward a permanency placement plan for children in foster care. Olivia Rudder-Wilson, who serves as administrator for the Judicial Citizen Panel Review Program, said the trained community volunteers submit their findings and recommendations to the judge regarding the court-ordered goals that must be accomplished before children return home. If reunification is not possible, other permanency options are explored. “Our Judicial Citizen Review Program has received awards for outstanding community service from United Way and the DeKalb County Community Relations Commission,” said Rudder-Wilson. “Participation in the panel program benefits not only children and families, but volunteers also gain useful experience and take pride in knowing that they have helped improve the life of a child.” There are approximately 869 children in DeKalb County in foster care and 135 panel volunteers. Each panel is made up of three to five volunteers, which meets monthly to review cases at the Juvenile Court building on Memorial Drive in Decatur for morning and afternoon sessions that may involve one to three cases. The next training class is May 25 and May 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. All new volunteers must be available to attend both days. Potential volunteers will be required to complete an application, background and reference check prior to attending the upcoming training. For more information on the program, contact Olivia Rudder-Wilson at 404-294-2738 or oawilson@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Operation Clean Sweep beautifies Columbia Drive Last week, DeKalb County’s Operation Clean Sweep removed more than 16 tons of debris and litter on Columbia Drive between Katie Kerr Road and Santa Monica Drive. To date, Operation Clean Sweep crews have removed more than 160 tons of debris from county roads. Operation Clean Sweep is targeting arterial roadways before turning a focus to collector, then residential, streets. Crews clear grass, trash and debris from roadway drains and curbs, mow rights-of-way and remove litter. On Saturday, April 22, crews will continue Operation Clean Sweep on Glenwood Road from Covington Highway to Interstate-20. Motorists are reminded to drive with caution around employees and equipment. Find updates on Operation Clean Sweep at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/cleansweep.
PAGE 6 •APRIL 21, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Renovations continued from page 1
for the next 18 months. However, the park will honor previous agreements made prior to finalizing the construction timeline, and will host the College Football Playoff Championship AT&T Playoff Playlist LIVE and the Sweetwater 420 Festival, which will both be held in 2018. Runoff continued from page 1
ners. They will join Jazzmin Cobble, District 3, Jimmy Clanton, Jr., District 1, and Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, who were all elected on March 21 and sworn into office in a private ceremony on March 27 by DeKalb County Judge Ronald Ramsey. Lary said a public swearing-in ceremony is being planned for those elected to the newly-formed city. DeKalb elections officials reported that 18.25 percent—3,768— of 20,643 registered voters in the new city of 50,000 residents cast ballots in the runoffs. Here is a breakdown of the preliminary run-off results, which must be certified by the DeKalb elections officials: District 2 Rob Turner, 437 votes (53.10%) Plez A. Joyner, 386 votes (46.90%) District 4 George Turner, Jr., 867 votes (50.64%) Mary-Pat Hector, 845 votes (49.36%) District 5 Diane D. Adoma, 662 votes (54.40%) Tammy L. Grimes, 555 votes (45.60%)
DeKalb hires continued from page 1
parks and transportation services, as well as capital project management, financing and environmental compliance. Former DeKalb County District Attorney Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming has been retained as a consultant to represent the CEO in all matters concerning DeKalb’s consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Keyes Fleming will provide non-legal support in creating strategy for compliance with the consent decree and in future negotiations with the EPA and EPD. She also will create and implement strategies for community engagement. From 2010 to 2013, Keyes Fleming served as the first African American and first female regional administrator for the EPA. In 2013, she became the EPA’s chief of staff, in which she served until 2015. Keyes Fleming was DeKalb’s district attorney from 2005-2010 and solicitor-general from 1999-2004. Keyes Fleming’s most recent position was principal legal advisor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
DeKalb to open playground at Bouldercrest Park DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Cedar Grove Community Association will hold an official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Bouldercrest Park’s new playground on Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m., 4184 Bouldercrest Way. The public is invited to join county officials at the dedication ceremony.
Rockdale Board of Commissioners to meet April 25 The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 10 a.m., in the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers. This is a voting session meeting. The public is invited to attend. The meeting agenda can be found at www.ocgnews.com
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Cosmetic & General Dentistry Recline in Comfort & Watch TV During Your Treatment !!
Mon- Thurs 8am-5pm Every other Friday 8am-5pm
New Patients Welcome! Power Bleaching- Zoom Invisible Braces (Invisalign) Dental Implants Tooth-Colored Fillings Crown & Bridges Porcelain Veneers Low- Radiation X-Rays Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS
www.beautifulsmiledds.com
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Se Habla Espanol!
8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155 Lithonia, GA 30038 • (770) 484-4051 Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)