VOLUME 23 NUMBER 25
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2017
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Irma hits DeKalb County hard
ABOVE LEFT: Crews at the Stonecrest Command Center set up transformers and other equipment needed to restore power to homes and business in DeKalb County. ABOVE RIGHT: Former Lithonia Mayor Darold Honore’ said a tree missed his house but tumbled and hit a car parked in his yard. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCGNews
DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond has declared a local state of emergency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The tropical storm that followed Irma caused widespread damage throughout DeKalb as she left Florida and hit Georgia on Monday, Sept. 11. Thurmond said DeKalb had more power outages than any other county in the metro area as trees fell on power lines and areas were flooded by heavy rain. Thurmond’s declaration enabled DeKalb to be eligible for additional state and federal resources to aid in the response and recovery. “DeKalb County has taken the brunt of the hit of Irma in metro Atlanta,” Thurmond said. “Our ability to recover as soon as possible depends on the hard work of our dedicated employees and the resources
we receive.” At the peak of the storm, approximately 54 percent or 170,000 of the homes in DeKalb lost power. Hurricane Irma interrupted service to nearly 1 million Georgia Power customers across the state. Command stations throughout the metro area were set up to respond to the disaster. Many of these trees had live Georgia Power lines in them. Former Lithonia Darold Honore, who lives in Lithonia, said a tree fell on top of his car and knocked the power lines out on his house. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary said his power went out around noon when the storm hit. His power was out for three days. Lary said he and his wife, Debbie, spent a great deal of time reading by candlelight. He
also said they ate a lot of dry goods such as peanut butter and jelly and crackers. In addition to the power outage, the mayor’s cell phone carrier lost service as well. “It was horrible. I’ve never been without power for more than two hours, let alone three days,” said Larry. Laquetta Butler of South DeKalb said she lost power at her home off Boring Road in Decatur around 1 p.m. and stayed in a hotel for two days. Butler had to throw away all of the food she purchased for the storm. “There were people on one side of my street who had power while others on the opposite side had none. My house is surrounded by trees, but thank SEE IRMA, page 6
Atlanta launches first ever “smart” technology on North Avenue
The City of Atlanta has launched the city’s first ever “Smart” street. Officials rolled out the North Avenue Smart Corridor Project in a ceremony held on Sept. 14 at Ponce City Market. The North Avenue Smart Corridor, funded by the Renew Atlanta Infrastructure Bond, is now the most connected corridor in the state of Georgia. Officials say the new technology deploys adaptive traffic signals that change based on what is happening, eliminating stops and reducing wait times. They say the Surtrac adaptive signal system could reduce commute times by 25 percent along North Avenue, which carries more than 29,000 vehicles per day in some spots. Mayor Kasim Reed said the launch positions Atlanta as a national leader in the Smart Cities movement. “North Avenue connects some of our city’s most important institutions, companies and landmarks, including the Georgia Institute of Technology and our partners at GDOT. With the deployment of advanced technology at 18 intersections, we’ll promote a safer, more efficient flow of vehicle traffic, transit, bicyclists and pedestrians,” Reed said. “I am so pleased to reach this milestone, and congratulate everyone involved in this exciting, forward-looking effort.”
Nearly half of North Avenue is a state route (SR 8), making collaboration with the Georgia Department of Transportation essential. In coordination with GDOT, Renew Atlanta deployed technology and equipment at the signalized intersections along the corridor to support an adaptive traffic signal system, video surveillance and detection system, connected vehicle system and bluetooth travel time and origin destination system. Additionally, Renew Atlanta restriped the corridor to support improved safety and the demonstration of autonomous vehicles that rely on clear striping and signage to navigate the roadway. North Avenue was chosen for the Smart Corridor Demonstration Project because of its prominence as a major east-west artery in the City of Atlanta serving numerous destinations, institutions, and employment centers such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Department of Transportation and the MARTA North Avenue Station. The corridor is also served by numerous transit operators and routes, intersects with key bicycle routes, and includes 18 signalized intersections between Northside Drive and Freedom Parkway. The road’s unique features offer the City and Georgia Tech an opportunity to study how to improve safety over the current higher than average accident rates as well as better manage multimodal traffic flow during normal traffic conditions and during special events. Earlier this year, the City of Atlanta announced an expanded research partnership with Georgia Tech to capture data and turn this data into actionable information to improve operations along the corridor. “Georgia Tech has been working with the city of Atlanta since 2015 to design, implement and study Smart Cities initiatives. The North Avenue Smart Corridor represents a triumph of innovation and col-
laboration between the City of Atlanta, Georgia Tech and numerous businesses,” President G.P. “Bud” Peterson said. “By collecting and analyzing data and traffic patterns in the area immediately adjacent to our campus, our students, faculty and staff can partner with the City of Atlanta to create a safer and more efficient place to live, work and play.” In collaboration with the North Avenue Smart Corridor project, where advanced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-roadside (V2R) technologies have been deployed by the CoA in an active testbed, GA Tech will leverage those technologies to advance a “Green Corridor.” The Georgia Tech team will further support the ongoing efforts though a hybrid implementation of data collection, data integration, data analytics and advanced simulation modeling. This project lays the foundation for further advancements in real-time, dynamic, data-driven Smart City applications and support online dashboards for system monitoring and operations, closing the control loop with tailored messages direct to individual travelers to reduce emission and energy usage, support real-time optimization of signal control strategies balancing travel time, throughput, emissions, and energy usage, integrating predictive analytics for near-future optimization and expansion of the system beyond North Avenue. Multiple companies based in Atlanta and the metropolitan area will demonstrate their technology on the Corridor. Applied Information, based in metropolitan Atlanta, is providing all of the connected-vehicle infrastructure for the Smart Corridor as well as the “Atlanta Travel Safely” smart phone app. The event at Ponce City Market also featured a demonstration of a vehicle that operates on its own provided by Applied Information, Wheego and TransDev.
PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Golf tournament raises record amount for DeKalb Medical
The 23rd annual Charles B. Eberhart Memorial Golf Classic raised a record $210,000 in corporate sponsorships to support much-needed renovations to DeKalb Medical’s surgical suites. Nearly 170 golfers participated in the event, which was hosted by the DeKalb Medical Foundation Monday, Aug. 28, Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek. Organizers for the tournament were grateful for the generous support of the event sponsors, including Bendin, Sumrall & Ladner, and BakerHostetler, who served as the tournament’s Title Sponsors. American Medical Response (AMR) supported this event for the third consecutive year, serving as the tournament’s Titanium Sponsor; and EPIC Response and Medline Industries were the Golden Eagle Sponsors. The tournament was followed by an awards banquet sponsored by Aetna; Atlanta Consulting Group; RL Solutions; SJ Collins Enterprises; and UnitedHealthcare. Matt Nichols, Senior Sales Representative at Surgical Specialties of Georgia, which served as one of the Bronze Par Sponsors of the tournament, said that his company is proud to be a part of the future of DeKalb Medical. “As a local business, we know the importance of giving back to the community. DeKalb Medical has been a great part of our success as a company, so we want to be a part of the hospital’s success in return,” he said. “We are especially proud to be supporting such an important project that will enhance the patient experience at DeKalb.” Funds raised through the tournament DeKalb Medical’s surgical suite renovation project. Improvements to the operating rooms will include new equipment, such as tables, monitors and updated lighting. This new environment will streamline surgical procedures, reduce wait times and provide our patients with better care supported by the most advanced technology.
DeKalb firefighters to present 115th Annual Fire Safety Festival
The DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department will host its 15th Annual Fire Safety Festival on Oct. 7, noon to 4 p.m., at Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Road N.E. Atlanta. The festival will feature hands-on activities, a DJ, rides, a teen driving obstacle course, CPR training and touch a fire truck display. There will be face painting, caricature portraits and snacks provided.
DeKalb Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit arrest Covington man for murder of accomplice
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect in the Aug. 27 murder of a Decatur man. Arrest warrants were issued for Martin Clive Leahing, 23, of Covington. Police said Leahing and an accomplice were committing an armed robbery with a handgun on Snapfinger Woods Drive in Decatur, when the robbery victim shot and killed the accomplice in self-defense. Leahing is charged with murder for his participation in a crime that led ultimately to the death of his accomplice. Leahing was located and taken to the DeKalb County Jail without incident.
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 • PAGE 3
City of Stonecrest to hold SPLOST meetings
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and the City Council have announced several scheduled community meetings to discuss the one-cent, Special Local ADVERTISING Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referMANAGER endum slated to go before DeKalb Richard S. Hill County voters in November. The richardhill@ocgnews.com meetings will give residents and other On Common Ground News stakeholders the opportunity to voice is published weekly by On their support or opposition to the Common Ground, Inc. The SPLOST. At the meetings, attendees newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale also will be able to suggest capital improvements and projects for the city’s and Henry counties. portion of the SPLOST proceeds. The opinions expressed “It is really important that people by writers and contributors attend so that they can be educated are not necessarily those of the publisher or the about the SPLOST referendum before newspaper’s advertisers. they go to the polls,” said Lary. “The No portion of this meetings will provide the opportunity newspaper may be for them to ask questions and offer reproduced in any form input.” without the written Lary said John Funny, principal permission of the publisher. with Grice Consulting, will lead the We reserve the right SPLOST discussions. The series of foto reject material and rums are being held to meet a Sept. 22 advertisements we deem inappropriate. deadline in which cities must provide DeKalb County officials with their On Common Ground proposed project lists. Grice ConsultNews ing is the project management comP.O. Box 904 pany responsible for organizing and Lithonia, GA 30058 managing Stonecrest’s SPLOST. (678) 526-1910 The sales tax is a consumption tax charged on goods purchased in News 24/7 @ DeKalb County. The tax will not afwww.ocgnews.com fect food or pharmaceutical purchases. GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
SPLOST also will have no effect on property taxes. Proceeds from the tax must go toward capital projects. The state mandates Jason Lary
John Funny
that municipalities receive a share of the county’s SPLOST revenues. The revenue amounts are determined by the size of the city’s population. It is estimated that Stonecrest, which has a population of 50,000, will receive more than $47 million over the next six years. If the SPLOST vote passes, Stonecrest will start receiving funds during the first quarter of 2018. The mayor and city leaders recently met with county officials and discussed using the revenue for transportation, new road construction, widening of roads and making improvements to reduce traffic congestion. City leaders also marked funds for bike and pedestrian facilities, parks and recreation, and the development of the city’s police department. As part of the six-year agreement, city officials said the city would share a portion of Stonecrest’s revenue with the county to make fire department improvements.
Rep. Johnson sets roundtable for small businesses Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is hosting the “Small Business Think Tank – Connecting Small Businesses with Government Resources” on Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. The roundtable is the fourth in a series held this summer throughout the Fourth District and is free and open to all small business leaders. Johnson said the goal of the roundtable were connecting small businesses with federal, state and local resources with the goal of helping businesses grow and creating jobs in the Fourth District. Johnson is sponsoring the series along with the U.S. Small Business Administration; Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance; Start: ME; UGA SBDC; Department of Defense; Veterans Affairs; and General Services Administration. For more information or to register your small business, visit https:// hankjohnson.house.gov
The first meeting was held on Sept. 14 at Ousley United Methodist Church, 3261 Panola Road. Additional meetings are scheduled for the following times and locations: • Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road • Monday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m. Stonecrest Library • Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road • Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m., Stonecrest Library • Thursday, Sept 21, 10 a.m. Stonecrest Library • Thursday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. Big Miller Grove Baptist Church 3800 Big Miller Grove Way The City Council will vote on a resolution to approve or reject the SPLOST during a special call meeting on Sept. 21, 10 a.m., at the Stonecrest Library. The DeKalb County Commission is set to vote on the county-wide resolution on Sept. 26, 2017. NOTICE OF SPECIAL CALLED MEETINGS CITY OF STONECREST There will be a Special Called Work Session on Wednesday, September 20th at 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, GA. and a Special Called Council Meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 10:00am for a Public Hearing and vote on the SPLOST Resolution.
DeKalb Young Democrats to meet Sept. 20 in city of Stonecrest
Stonecrest City Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble is hosting the DeKalb Young Democrats monthly meeting on Sept. 20, 7 p.m. at This Is It Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. “I’m looking forward to the meeting in our new city,” said Cobble. “Typically, we hold the meetings in downtown Decatur. We decided to move the meetings to other areas of the county to engage more young Democrats.”
Rockdale Democratic Party to host Conyers mayoral forum
The Rockdale Democratic Party is inviting voters to meet the candidates running for mayor in the city of Conyers. The Party is hosting a forum on Sept. 23, 9 a.m., at the Party’s headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers. There are three candidates in the hotly-contested race for mayor who have been invited: Vince Evans, Ronnie Godwin and Olivia Ware. Each candidate will answer a series of questions after introducing himself or herself. The contestants are vying to succeed Mayor Randy Mills, who announced he would not run after serving in public office for 28 years. Municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
SBA hiring customer service representatives for disaster program In response to Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Small Business Administration has openings for immediate positions. Experienced customer service representatives needed to work with a variety of financial statements and tax returns, respond to customer inquiries and operate Microsoft office programs such as Word, Outlook and Internet Explorer for SBA’s Disaster Loan Program. • Bilingual skills are a plus. • Pay is $15 to $30 per hour. • Overtime is mandatory. • Credit and background check are required. • Must be a U.S. citizen. • Required extended periods of travel. All positions are temporary and may last 30 to 180 days. Credit and background check are required. Apply now by e-mailing your resume to: FOCEResumes@SBA.GOV.
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PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Carter to study distracted driving
Doreen Carter
Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) has appointed State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) to the House Study Committee on Distracted Driving. Carter will fill the position vacated by Rep. Keisha Waites, who submitted her resignation from the House of Representatives effective Sept. 18. The study committee, created by House Resolution 282, will examine whether further changes to state law should be implemented to restrict the uses of technologies such as cell phones while driving to reduce accidents. Statistics show that more than 220 million people in the United States subscribe to wireless services, and it is estimated that as many as 80 percent of those subscribers use their phones while driving. Highway deaths in Georgia are now at their highest level since 2007 and distracted driving may be the blame for the dramatic increase in accidents and fatality crashes, according to HR 282. “I am looking forward to serving. I think the study committee provides an opportunity to share information, engage the community and get input on what we need to do to change driving behaviors,” said Carter. “The bottom line is safety. What you have are people who are still using cell phones while they are driving, and in some cases, hiding their phones. We have to figure out how we’re going to change this.” The full text of HR 282 may be found at: http://www.legis. ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20172018/HR/282.
House District 92 Grandparents Day Celebration set State Rep. Doreen Carter, House District 92, will honor grandparents who have taken on the mission of raising their grandchildren. Additionally, the members who served on the Kinship Care Task Force from Rockdale County also will be recognized for their advocacy in the passing of the Kinship Care legislation in Georgia. Carter is hosting the House District 92 Grandparents Day Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 21, 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center, 1240 Dogwood Drive, Conyers. The nation observed Grandparents Day on Sept. 10, but many local activities and events were postponed due to Hurricane Irma. “We all know the significance of having grandparents active in our lives. However, when our grandparents must take on the role of raising our children, it is extra special. They deserve our support and our praise,”
Carter said. “In the years of sitting back and enjoying the fruit of their labor, many senior adults are having to raise children for a second time in their lives. These parents are to be commended. On Sept. 21, we will be taking the time to say “Thank you.” Charlene Ellis, who has worked to ensure that grandparents have access and the resources to raise their grandchildren, will receive the Outstanding Citizenship Award, said Carter. Approximately 2.9 million grandparents are raising their grandchildren, according to the news site Salon. com. If you are a grandparent raising your grandchildren, you may contact State Rep. Doreen Carter at 404-6560220 or email her at Doreen.Carter@house.ga.gov to receive special recognition at the Grandparents Day celebration. The event is free and open to the public. Light
Stonecrest prepares for inaugural cultural festival
Tours of the historic Flat Rock Archives are among several events planned for the upcoming Stonecrest Fest, which will showcase destinations in the new city.
The City of Stonecrest is inviting residents and neighbors for a weeklong festival Oct. 2-8. The seven-day experience will include an assortment of cultural events at various locations throughout the city including food, shopping, entertainment, art, nature, history and more. The Stonecrest Fest kicks off on Monday, Oct. 2, 4 to 7 p.m. at the This Is It! Restaurant, 2853 Panola Road. Patrons are encouraged to ask for the “Stonecrest Fest” special to get a discount on your meal and find out what is in store for the week at this exclusive kickoff event. To date, the event lineup includes a talent show planned for Wednesday, Oct. 4, and an open mic and speaker series featuring local poets, authors and musicians at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road at 6 p.m. All ages are invited out for an evening of line dancing on Friday, Oct. 6, at the Lou Walker Center, 2538 Panola Road from 6 – 9 p.m. Kids will get a chance to build their ancestral family tree during the “Know Your Roots” workshop on Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m., at the Salem-Panola Library, 5137
Salem Road. Participants must register in advance. Explore the walking trails or take a guided hike or bike tour at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve on Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Participants can also attend a free health fair including complimentary screenings, music, workshops, face painting and activities for the youngsters. Enjoy live entertainment, food and vendors at the Flat Rock stage at Flat Rock Archives, which is located at 3979 Crossvale Road, Stonecrest. Celebrate and learn about the accomplishments of the Flat Rock community built by enslaved Africans. Flat Rock Archives will start activities at 8 a.m. with a tour of the nineteenth century cottage where actor/comedian Chris Tucker’s maternal grandfather, the Rev. T.A. Bryan, was born. There also will be a Stonecrest Fest Flat Rock Stage with live entertainment featuring Claudette King (daughter of Blues Legend B.B. King) as well as food and merchandise. All talent is encouraged to sign up to participate including musicians, singers, choirs, dancers, poets and more. The evening will end at Flat Rock Archives with a live jazz concert from 7 to 9 p.m. The Stonecrest Fest will culminate with a special church service on Sunday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m., at the historic Flat Rock Community Church, 4542 Evans Mill Road, Stonecrest. Apostle Joyce Waites, who is a direct decedent of the Flat Rock lineage, will speak. All events are free and open to the public. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided from designated parking areas to Saturday activities. Event is scheduled, rain or shine. For more information, visit www.stonecrestfest.com
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 • PAGE 5
Center for the Visually Impaired sets “Dining in the Dark” fundraiser The Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI) will present its second annual “Dining in the Dark” fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m., at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, 800 Spring Street NW, Atlanta. Dining in the Dark is a unique event designed to raise awareness about vision loss, with all proceeds benefitting CVI. Tickets are available to the public. Guests will experience a sumptuous three-course meal served in complete darkness. Dinner will be preceded by a reception during which guests will gain insights on fully engaging all of their senses to talk, sit and eat in the dark. “Dining in the Dark will expand attendees’ understanding of the challenges that individuals who are blind or visually impaired encounter on a daily basis,” said CVI President Fontaine M. Huey. “It offers an inspiring sensory experience and an imaginative learning opportunity.” The featured menu has been designed by Executive Chef Damiano de Nicolo of the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. De Nicolo, formerly executive chef at the Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel Conference Center and Legacy Lodge & Conference Center Lake Lanier Islands Resort, will create a meal that is as delicious as it is educational, organizers say.
Wade Walker Park to get covered pavilion DeKalb County Commissioners have approved $35,000 for a covered pavilion at Wade Walker Park in Stone Mountain. Comissioner Steve Bradshaw, who requested the allocation, said the park, located at 5585 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, is “a beautiful jewel in the heart of District 4” that is long overdue improvements. “The Wade Walker Park Friends Group members are key stakeholders and have been instrumental in bringing forth recommended improvements for the park,” Bradshaw said. “I am grateful for their dedication, persistence and support. These are folks who are committed to the upkeep and enhancements at the park.” The park has 177 acres and features street hockey, baseball, softball, football, soccer, multiuse field, tennis courts, swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic areas, lake and trails.
Craft Expo set at Stonecrest Library The Friends of Stonecrest will host its first Craft Expo, “Christmas in September,” on Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road (in the upper parking lot). Vendors are invited to showcase their hand-made goods. For more information, call 770-4823828. Proceeds will support library programs.
Lead sponsors include Georgia Power, Northside Hospital and UPS. CVI is also partnering with members of the Atlanta Police Department SWAT Team, who will serve as wait staff for the evening, using night-vision equipment to navigate the dining space in the dark. “It’s been an honor and a pleasure for the Atlanta Police SWAT team to have such an interactive role in this wonderful event,” said Lt. Fred Watson, APD SWAT commander. “Our participation gives us a great opportunity to interact with the community we serve and has helped us learn about and have a greater appreciation for the visually impaired community. The real-world practice we get with our night-vision goggles is also valuable, especially when it’s done for a good cause.” CVI is the only nonprofit organization in Georgia that provides vision rehabilitation services and support to people of all ages. “We invite you to enjoy a unique fine dining event that will expand your appreciation of taste, smell, touch, hearing, and vision, said Huey. For tickets or additional information, visit www.cviga.org/events/ dining_in_the_dark/. For sponsorship information, contact Deborah Burcham at 404-602-4279 or dburcham@cviga.org.
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PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
IRMA, from page 1
Rockdale County unites, shows itself strong during Irma
Sheriff Eric Levett
Many Rockdale residents were impacted in one way or another by the recent tropical storm that hit Georgia as a result of Hurricane Irma. From power outages to school closings, Rockdale was impacted and our community showed its strength and cooperation during the crisis. I am extremely proud of Rockdale residents. We came together when needed and we pitched in to show we are united. Even before we felt the impact of Irma, first responders in Rockdale and the City of Conyers were working hard to prepare. Plans were put in place to handle emergencies, begin cleanup efforts and put the community back on track. The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency set up a Command Center in the Sheriff’s Office building and we worked together to respond to residents and their needs. Throughout the event, we kept residents informed of what was going on. Social media proved to be one of the best and most reliable resources to get information out to the public. We connected with the public through our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. I want to thank several people for making our efforts a success. First, I want to give a tremendous shoutout to Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt for being so supportive. Our staff worked
hand in hand with Director Lopez from Public Relations and Chief of Staff Corey Hambrick to deliver messages and assist the county. I also want to thank Rockdale Schools Superintendent Richard Autry and his team for their support in keeping us in the know as it related to the decisions concerning the school system. I appreciate our Rockdale County Public Works and Department of Transportation for providing assistance where needed. I thank the City of Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson, City Manager Tony Lucas and the entire City of Conyers for answering numerous calls and providing numbers to residents in need so they would know whom to contact. Thanks goes to our great Fire Chief and EMA Director Dan Morgan and Deputy Director Bill Cate for providing assistance and direction daily to not only residents but all of the agencies involved in responding during the storm. Their leadership was demonstrated resoundingly. Last but not least, I want to thank the deputies, firefighters, National EMS, our E-911 and staff of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. Words cannot express how proud I am to have you represent Rockdale County. If I missed anyone, please know that I greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts. We are over the hump but there is much work yet to be done. Together, we will get there. We are Rockdale Strong! Any Rockdale resident or business impacted by Irma should report the information to Rockdale County’s Emergency Management Agency at: ema@rockdalecountyga. gov. Throughout each month, the clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge—Rockdale’s elected constitutional officers—discuss topics relevant to their respective roles.
Georgia Power crews worked to restore power in the Columbia Drive area in Decatur.
God no trees fell,” said Butler. State Rep. Doreen Carter, who lives in Lithonia, said her power went out at 3:15 p.m. on Monday and was restored on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. “We had to throw away some stuff but the one silver lining is that I have a gas stove so we were able to salvage a lot of our frozen foods by preparing them in the oven,” Carter said. Carter said she and her three sons used candles and cell phone flashlights to maneuver through the darkness. They went to a relative’s house to charge their cell phones and iron clothes. Carter said that she and her boys decided to use the time they were out of school as vacation time and they went out to eat and had ice cream afterward. As of Wednesday, Sept. 13, Amber Offutt , who lives in DeKalb, was one of 600,000 Georgians who still was without power three days after the storm . Offutt said she and her two children spent Monday night in a hotel and returned home the following day to nearly $300 in spoiled groceries she had purchased in preparation for the storm. She said aside from eating fast food every day, she has had to rely on others to keep her children in order to return to work until DeKalb County schools reopen. As of 9 p.m. Sept. 14, Georgia Power had restored power to 920,000 customers impacted by Hurricane Irma. More than 8,000 personnel were working around the clock as part of Georgia Power’s statewide restoration effort to restore power for the approximately 75,000 customers who remained without power.
Worker takes a break at the Command Center. At the Panola Rd. Walmart in Lithonia bears empty shelves due to customers racking up on supplies.
Volunteers needed for Storm Drain Stenciling Day
Rockdale County Stormwater Utility is seeking volunteers to participate in the 2017 Storm Drain Stenciling Day on Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. to1 p.m., at Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. Registration for the event ends Sept. 22. The event will educate the public about the significance of stormwater and the serious impact it has on water quality and aquatic life. Community residents will spend the day attaching markers to storm drains with the slogan: “No Dumping. Drains to Stream.” as a reminder to think twice before throwing an object down a storm drain. The Stormwater Utility invites civic and neighborhood groups, businesses, Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches, youth groups, individuals and families to help keep garbage, trash and other debris from entering Rockdale storm drains. Registration forms to participate in the Stenciling Day are available from the County’s Administration and Services Building, 958 Milstead Ave., Conyers, or by emailing RCSWU@rockdalecountyga.gov. The forms may be returned to the County’s Administration and Services Building or by emailing gstroop17015@gmail.com . This is a “rain or shine” event. For more information, call 770-278-7155.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR THE SPLOST CITY OF STONECREST The Mayor and City Council for the City of Stonecrest will hold public hearings on the SPLOST : September 16th 10:00am to 12:00pm Stonecrest Library September 18th 6:00pm to 8:00pm Stonecrest library September 19th 7:00pm to 9:00pm Lou Walker Center September 20th 6:00pm to 8:00pm Stonecrest Library September 21st 10:00am to 12:00pm Stonecrest Library September 21st 6:00pm to 8:00pm Big Miller Grove Address: Stonecrest Library - 3120 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, GA. Lou Walker Center – 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest, GA. Big Miller Grove – 3800 Big Miller Grove Way, Stonecrest, GA.
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 • PAGE 7
On Common Ground News Marketplace RESTAURANTS
LEGAL NOTICE The Rockdale County Grand Jury will make a re-appointment of one Active Member, one Alternate Member and appoint three Alternate Members to the Board of Equalization during the October 2017 Term.
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OWNER INSURANCE LIFE INSURANCE ■ Automobile insurance Call 678.749.7434 today! ■ Home-owners insurance Get smart about your coverage. Darold "Mayor" Honore' ■ Life insurance
ROBERT’S
Your Local Agent 6886 MAIN ST LITHONIA, GA 30058 Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance DHONORE@FARMERSAGENT.COM
SOUL FOODDarold "Mayor" Honore' is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
WEEKLY LUNCH SPECIAL Your Local Agent 6886 MAIN STtoday! Call 678.749.7434 2810 Evans Mill Rd, GA 30058 Get smart aboutLITHONIA, your coverage. DHONORE@FARMERSAGENT.COM Lithonia, GA 30058
770-484-3355 Call 678.749.7434 today!
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
Get smart about your coverage.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
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PAGE 8 • SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM