Ocg 9 30 17 by On Common Ground News

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 27

FREE

ocgnews.com

Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

facebook.com/ocgnews

DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey Mann faces removal from office

he Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) has unanimously voted to revoke the certification of DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann. The council’s vote could lead to his removal from office. Mann has 30 days to appeal the decision. Mann was arrested on May 6 for public indecency after allegedly exposing himself in Piedmont Park in Atlanta and then running from a police officer during the incident. Mann made a plea deal in July and was banned from Atlanta parks for six months and was fined $2,000. Mann now will have 30 days to appeal the decision. Efforts to reach Mann were unsuccessful. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, however, issued the following statement: “Sheriff Mann was not informed that this matter would be considered by POST at today’s council meeting, and, as of this statement, Sheriff Mann has not been advised of this decision. Until official notification from Georgia POST is received, he will not have a response.” Former DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown, who worked with Brown for years, told CBS 46 that he was surprised by the council’s action.

DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann

“I’m surprised that this non-diverse panel has taken the action they have taken and have not left it in the hands of the people of DeKalb County,” said Brown. “There will be numerous officers patrolling the streets of the state of Georgia today who have been convicted of state crimes, who have done things far more egregious,” Gov. Nathan Deal suspended Mann for 40 days in June after Mann voluntarily suspended himself for one week for violating the code of conduct for the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office. Mann served as chief deputy under former Sheriff Brown and took over as sheriff earlier in 2014 when Brown resigned to run for Congress. Mann won a special election in 2014 and then was re-elected in 2016 for a four-year term.

DeKalb approves Emory annexation agreement with City of Atlanta DeKalb County and the city of Atlanta have worked through arbitration and the city is now moving forward to expand its borders. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement on Sept. 26 that allows the City of Atlanta to annex 744 acres including Emory University, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia Power Co., Villa International, Synod of South Atlantic & Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Centers for Disease Control. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond said the agreement addresses several concerns including traffic, development, infrastructure and outlines the responsibilities of both, the city and the county. The issues, county officials said, were worked out through arbitration with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. If adopted by the City of Atlanta, the agreement will become the recommendation of the arbitration panel. “We have a historic agreement that protects the interest of all residents in DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta,” Thurmond said. “This lays a foundation for the enhancement of transportation options for both

Rockdale County Schools Superintendent Richard Autry. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

jurisdictions. I believe that Atlanta and DeKalb leaders have developed a model for future regional cooperation.” The entities petitioned to become part of the city of Atlanta in June. However, earlier this month, DeKalb commissioners approved a resolution to invoke delay until several concerns were addressed through arbitration. Kathie Gannon, presiding officer of the DeKalb Board of Commissioners, said she was satisfied with the agreement the board approved. “We have engaged in robust, fair and transparent negotiations that will ultimately protect and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Atlanta and DeKalb,” said Gannon. “This is an important step in the development of a comprehensive regional transportation system for metro Atlanta.” According to the agreement: • The city will adopt the county’s zoning classifications and requirements for the annexed area and receive written approval from the county for any changes. Four members of the county commission, including one of the two commissioners representing the anSEE ANNEXATION, page 6

Rockdale schools superintendent to depart after DUI arrest

ockdale County Schools Superintendent Richard Autry has announced his retirement three days after he was arrested for driving drunk. Autry, 53, was arrested on Sept. 24 in McDonough and charged with DUI and following too closely. McDonough Police said Autry had a blood alcohol level of .195. That level is nearly three times the legal limit. Police found Autry after responding to an accident in the area of Georgia Highway 155 South and Henry Parkway, according to media reports. At the scene, Autry told police he wasn’t injured but police noticed he was impaired and leaning on a gas pump at the Sunoco gas station where his vehicle had come to rest. Police said Autry’s speech was slurred and after conducting a sobriety test and breathalyzer test, both of which Autry failed, they arrested him. Autry told police that he had been drinking beer at a Buffalo Wild Wings in McDonough while watching the Atlanta Falcons game. After a special called executive session concerning personnel matters on Sept. 27, Autry said he would retire effective Oct. 30. He issued the following statement: “Although this was not an easy decision, I must put my family and personal circumstances first at this time. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve this community as a teacher, coach, principal, chief academic officer and for the past six years, your superintendent. I have full confidence that Rockdale County Public Schools will continue to strive for world-class and provide all students with a quality public education.” Board of Education Chairman Jim McBrayer said in a statement: “We wish Mr. Autry the best with his retirement. We appreciate

all that he has done for the children and families of Rockdale County over the years, but especially during his tenure as superintendent. His leadership brought many innovative programs and offerings to our students and families such as the school specialty and choice programs and advanced technology tools, including individual devices for students. In addition, his unwavering commitment to student success allowed RCPS to continue to see improvements in student achievement. We will certainly miss him, but as a retired person myself, I can also share his excitement to begin a new chapter in his life.” Autry became superintendent on July 1, 2012, succeeding Samuel King, who left Rockdale to become superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools in Norfolk, Virginia. He had spent 30 years in education, 18 of them with Rockdale County Public Schools. Autry has made an immeasurable difference in Rockdale schools. He led the district to become one of the highest rated AdvancEd internationally accredited systems in the state. The district’s most recent accreditation earned an overall score of 324 on the Index of Educational Quality (average score at the time was 282). AdvancEd’s Lead Evaluator, Dr. Mike Lodico, remarked: “You’re going to be seen as one of the very highest rated districts because these are extremely high scores and ones that really are a tribute to the tremendous work that’s being done in Rockdale County Schools.” Under Autry’s leadership, student achievement has increased even as the number of economically disadvantaged students has risen. For example, in 2011-12, SEE DUI, page 6

PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Caregiver pleads guilty to stealing thousands from Alzheimer’s patient Diandra Abernathy, 41, was sentenced to 20 years to serve three with the balance on probation after pleading guilty to stealing more than $50,000 from an elderly Stone Mountain woman who was in her care. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said Abernathy was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $55, 407.619, and as part of the terms of her sentence, Abernathy is prohibited from working with the elderly. In 2014, the family of Sue Walker,

who is now 90 years, hired Abernathy to assist her with medication, transportation, finances, and light housekeeping in the Stone Mountain home she shared with her daughter. Shortly after Abernathy’s resignation in 2016, the victim’s daughter discovered that Abernathy had forged checks to herself with the victim’s stamped signature and used the victim’s credit cards to make unauthorized purchases. Abernathy also opened two store credit cards using the victim’s

DWM FOG workshop: Hold the grease, please! The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) will host a Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Permitting Program Workshop on Friday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Department of Watershed Management, 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur. DWM developed the FOG Permitting Program Workshop to educate the public about the harmful effects of grease on the county’s sewer system. The workshop will provide an overview of the FOG program and give facilities an opportunity to ask questions. The FOG workshop is limited to 60 participants. To attend, RSVP by emailing FOG@dekalbcountyga.gov. For more information, contact the FOG program at 404-687-7150.

VOF Toastmaster’s Club to host open house Interested in improving your leadership and public speaking skills? Join Toastmasters. Voices of Faith Ministries Toastmaster’s Club is hosting an open house on Oct. 2, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., at its Stone Mountain campus, 2500 Rockbridge Road. At the open house, you will meet the officers of the club and experience the way a club meeting is held.

personal information. Authorities were contacted following the discovery of the fraudulent activity. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gail Flake sentenced Abernathy. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Canavan, assigned to the Elder Exploitation Unit, with assistance from DA Investigator Michelle Flinn. Detective J.W. Kim of the DeKalb Police Department led the initial investigation.

Diandra Abernathy

Public invited to Costley Mill Park’s open house

Rockdale County residents are invited to an open house at Costley Mill to see the county’s newest park. The official grand opening is spring 2018, but citizens can tour the grounds, learn about planned improvements, speak one-on-one with the Board of Commissioners, and meet the Parks and Recreation staff at the open house on Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rockdale County purchased the 77-acre park in June and is working on improvements to the park. In the event of rain, the open house will be held Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry to the park on the day of the event will be off of Salem Church Road. The address to use for GPS is 2599 Salem Church Road NE, Conyers. Signs will be posted.

Rockdale BOC announces Student Shadow Day

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners announces the County’s Student Talent Development Program: Shadow Day. The primary focus of the program is to provide an opportunity for high school and college students to explore different careers in county government. Shadow Day will take place Thursday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch, snacks and the official Rockdale County 2017 Shadow Day T-shirt will be included. For more information and to register, contact Teesha Carter at teesha.carter@ rockdalecountyga.gov.

Stress or Physical Pain?

At Full Body Rejuvenation Center our staff offers the most effective quality health care to satisfy every individual's personal needs. Our combination of chiropractic therapy and physiotherapy allow us to focus on the physiological, as well as the biomechanical aspects of the body. Dr. Smith encourages you to come in and begin your healthy approach to pain management, weight loss or stress relief!

Chiropractic Treatment Physiotherapy Your path to Natural Health Bring in this ad and receive a

complementary chiropractic consultation

FULL BODY REJUVENATION CENTER 3636 Panola Rd, Ste B

MOST MAJOR INSURANCES AND OBAMA CARE ACCEPTED!

Lithonia, GA 30038

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com

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

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 • PAGE 3

Rockdale, DeKalb groups mobilize for National Voter Registration Day

lpha Kappa Alpha’s Chi Tau Omega Chapter, in partnership with NewRock Legal Society and other organizations, held a voter registration drive in Rockdale and Newton counties on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 26. This year marked the fourth or fifth year the Rockdale and Newton volunteers have mobilized for the national event, said Debbie Hillman, who helped coordinate the effort. Although the groups held a daylong drive at the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office South Precinct, volunteers also visited schools and inmates, Hillman said. “We registered 26 high school students and 58 inmates,” said Hillman. Sundiata Washington, a Rockdale Magnet School senior who is the son of Rockdale Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart Washington and David Washington, a staffer for Congressman John Lewis, was one of the students who took advantage of the opportunity to register to vote. “We had discussed that he would register when he turned 17 ½ in June. This was the perfect opportunity,” said Tisa Washington, jokingly adding “Now, he can vote for his mom when election time comes around.” Hillman said just as important

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

SEE VOTERS, page 6

DeKalb’s elections director, Maxine Daniels, honored as she retires H. Maxine Daniels is retiring from her position as DeKalb County’s Director of Voter Registrations and Elections. Daniels, who served 16 years, was honored for her work at the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners’ meeting on Sept. 26. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and the board proclaimed Sept. 29—Daniels’ last day of work—as “H. Maxine Daniels Day in DeKalb County.” Staff members, family and friends held a going away celebration for Daniels the week before the CEO and board honored her. She received gifts and tributes during a program held at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. Staffers and others told her how much she would be missed. “I just want to thank everyone for the support they have shown me,” said Daniels. “I’m planning to relax, do some traveling and just enjoy life.” Daniels said she is looking forward to a new chapter in her life, having served the public for so many years. Daniels, who rose from being a temporary elections worker, directed 48 elections including two presidential and two gubernatorial elections during her tenure. She supervised the incorporation referendums for four potential municipalities and under her leadership, advance voting availability increased by 300 percent through the addition of election sites and check-in equipment. Daniels was the first elections director in the country to implement advance voting sites provisioned specifically for senior and disabled voters. “I worked with senior centers and other organizations to coordinate days that seniors and the disabled could come in to vote early. I am most proud of that accomplishment because I feel it made a difference,” said Daniels, who

Maxine Daniels was honored by staff members, family, friends and Pastor Kerwin B. Lee of Berean Christian Church at a farewell celebration, which was held on Sept. 22 at the Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. Staffers and others showered Daniels with gifts and told her how much she would be missed. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

added that another highlight of her career was overseeing the 2008 elections in DeKalb. Barack Obama, the country’s first African American President, was elected that year. “It was a very exciting time. The voter turnout was 88 percent. We were overwhelmed, but in a good way,” said Daniels. Daniels said she is leaving confidant that her understudy is ready to take over the helm. Erica Hamilton, the interim director, has been working

closely with Daniels for the last year. However, she’s no neophyte. Hamilton formerly worked in the Elections Division at the Secretary of State’s Office. “She (Hamilton) has a lot of experience. I believe she will do a good job,” Daniels said. Hamilton will be put to the test this month Daniels said, as advance voting gets underway Oct. 16-Nov. 3 for the Nov. 7 municipal elections and the SPLOST and EHOST referendums.

PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

“Paper” ballot voting machines unveiled in Rockdale, Georgia’s first pilot

ockdale Elections Director Cynthia Welch recently held a demonstration showing off the new “paper” ballot voting machines that will be used in the Nov. 7 Conyers municipal elections. Rockdale is the first county in Georgia to pilot the new machines, which will provide voters with a paper ballot they can examine before casting their ballot in a tabulator machine that counts the votes. “If they’re not satisfied with their vote, they can take it to a poll worker and request a new ballot and start all over. Once they are satisfied with their selections, they can cast the ballot in the tabulator,” Welch said. Welch allowed people attending the

Rockdale Democratic Party’s meeting on Sept. 23 to try out the machines. The Rockdale Board of Elections approved the pilot at its Aug. 10 meeting and the city gave the nod on Aug. 16 to move forward with the project. Welch said voters have been asking for a print ballot for years. Voters wanted a way to verify what they had actually touched on the screen before casting the ballot, she said. Welch said the ExpressVote system made by ES&S is a solution she hopes state legislators will look at using and funding statewide. “With the current system, you view two races at a time on the touch screen. With the new system, you’re viewing only one race at a time.

After you are satisfied with your vote, you print it, review it and put it in a tabulating machine,” Welch said. Candace Broce, press secretary for Secretary of State Brian Kemp, said the pilot would only be conducted in Rockdale for the municipal elections. There is no additional costs to taxpayers, she said, to use the machines. “The state worked out an arrangement with the vendor, Electronic Systems and Software (ES&S), to provide the machines at no cost for the pilot,” Broce said. ES&S is the world’s largest elections-only company. It has provided election dequipment, software and services to municipalities and counties for more than 30 years.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF STONECREST TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF STONECREST

The City of Stonecrest will hold its Municipal General Election on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 to elect three (3) members of City Council. One for Districts 1,3 and 5. The terms of office for all three of these elected positions shall be four-year terms, which shall begin on January 1, 2018. Voter registration for this election will end on October 10, 2017. Only those persons who are residents and registered voters of the City of Stonecrest are eligible to vote in this election. Absentee voting begins October 16, 2017 and ends on November 3, 2017. On Election Day, please vote at your respective polling locations.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 • PAGE 5

Summit to shine “Fresh on DeK” ends season with community fall festival DeKalb County’s Third Annual Fall Harvest Festival promises a whimsical twist this year. This spotlight on year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at UGA Extension DeKalb County, 4380 Drive in Decatur. human trafficking Memorial Sponsored by the “Fresh on DeK” DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market, the free festival will feature fruit

he DeKalb County Board of Health, in partnership with Agnes Scott College, will host a community conversation, “Human Trafficking: What Everyone Needs to Know” on Oct. 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the college’s Campbell Hall Frances Graves Auditorium. The summit is being held to increase awareness of metro Atlanta’s prominence in human trafficking. The industry is big business in Georgia, generating nearly $300 million a year. On average, approximately 100 adolescent females are sexually exploited each night in Georgia, officials say. Speakers for the community conversation event include representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, DeKalb County’s Office of the District Attorney, and survivors of human trafficking. “Human Trafficking is yet another critical public health issue that demands our attention and action,” said S. Elizabeth Ford DeKalb County District Health Director. “The summit’s goal is to increase awareness regarding the issue, to share resources for those who have been trafficked, and to provide opportunities for those who want to be involved in decreasing the incidences of trafficking in our communities.”

smoothie demonstrations, health education and medical screenings and lots of fresh produce for sale. “It’s going to be a very festive event, so that everyone can get something from it,” said Lynwood Blackmon, DeKalb Extension director and Mobile Farmers Market manager. “The education is the most important aspect, but we want the community to look at food differently. We have to change how we view food and what we put in our bodies.” The festival is the culminating event for the 2017 Mobile Farmers Market season, which included four months of week-day stops at various locations in south DeKalb County where limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables exists. The market offers shoppers fresh produce at affordable rates, as well as information about healthy eating. The Mobile Farmers Market, which kicked off in May, has attracted nearly 7,000 shoppers this season, Blackmon said. The market accepts cash, credit, check and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/ EBT benefits and operates in partnership with the DeKalb County Board of Health and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, with funding from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant.

Taste of Chamblee returns Oct. 7

Have you ever thought about eating your way through Chamblee in one afternoon? Impossible? Not at all with the 10th Annual Taste of Chamblee, which returns to downtown Chamblee on Oct. 7, 4 to 8 p.m. This year’s cuisines will range from Italian to Middle Eastern to Mexican and deep-fried Southern and also will celebrate the diverse restaurant community in Chamblee. In addition to the amazing food, a familyfriendly kid zone will entertain tykes of all ages. This year’s Taste of Chamblee is hosted by the City of Chamblee. “This is a significant event in the City of Chamblee. It showcases our diversity and brings our cultures together,” said City Manager Jon Walker. Admission to the event is free, and tickets for tastings will be sold for $1. Tickets may be redeemed at participating restaurant booths for a wide selection of tastings that will range from $1 - $5 per sample. New this year are two Beer Gardens, sponsored by Vintage Pizza and Hopstix, which will feature giant LED TVs with the afternoon’s hottest football games. Patrons are encouraged to take MARTA. The Gold Line runs to the Chamblee Station. Head north on Peachtree Road to enter the festival. Shuttles also will run from the station. If driving, patrons also may park at MARTA’s Chamblee lot or at Chamblee Plaza, where shuttles also will run.

Elections outreach focuses on Gwinnett County’s Hispanic voters The Gwinnett County Voter Registrations and Elections Division hosted a Community Meet and Greet in their office last week. The division’s staff invited key leaders in the Hispanic community to get their input on community outreach efforts. Attendees learned about the division’s current outreach efforts and met the division’s new Outreach Specialist, Silvia King, who has been tasked with helping to grow the division’s outreach program. In addition to informal discussions, information about the division’s Spanish language assistance program was provided and attendees were encouraged to share the information with others in the community. The division is also recruiting bilingual poll officials for the 2018 election year. Citizens who can read and write English and Spanish are encouraged to visit www. gwinnettjobs.com to complete an application.

OCTOBER 2-8 IT’S MORE THAN A FESTIVAL...IT’S AN EXPERIENCE!

Live Entertainment • History • Education Nature • Health • Culture Food and Merchandise Visit Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve Tour the Historical Flat Rock Archive Dinner and Line Dancing @Lou Walker Center This is It Restaurant Stonecrest Fest Kick Off Oct. 2, 4-7 p.m. Order some food and ask for the “Stonecrest Fest Special”

VENDORS NEEDED

WWW.STONECRESTFEST.COM

PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Stonecrest Burlington marks grand opening with H.O.M.E. Inc. donation The Stonecrest Burlington Coat Factory is now open for business. The new store celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 22 with city officials, community leaders and store representatives. Mayor Jason Lary, City Council members Diane Adoma and Jimmy Clanton and Eric Hubbard, who is the District Outreach Director for Congressman Hank Johnson joined Burlington Regional VP Terry Mosley and store manager Greg Sapp for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony was followed by a donation of three pallets of new store items to Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure, Inc. (HOME). The organization helps single, working or student mothers

survive the tough times and persevere toward success in life, according to Carolyn A. Watson, founder. “We provide immediate resources to rebuild, restore and furnish homes of moms emerging from divorce, violence or in desperate need of starting over,” Watson said. Mayor Lary expressed his appreciation to Burlington for the impact the store is making in the community. “You have started out doing great things in the community on your first official day in business. We support you and welcome you to Stonecrest,” Lary said. The 45,775-square-foot store

Decorating Den sisters celebrate 20 years in the community By Mackenzie N. Morgan Nearly 200 people joined sisters Barbara Elliott and Jennifer WardWoods of Decorating Den Interiors— “The Sisters and Company” for their 20-year anniversary celebration on Sept. 24 at their headquarters, 917 Main St., Stone Mountain. The pair said the red carpet affair was a way to say thank you to current and former clients for their support over the years, as well as an opportunity to show off their updated main studio area. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and were each sent home with a black swag bag. “It was so good to see so many of our friends and customers,” said Elliott, who co-owns the Stone Mountain franchise with her sister Jennifer Ward-Woods. Ward-Woods said she was excited to hear how appreciative customers were with the work that they had done. “It was truly a pleasure seeing people whose homes we decorated years ago, as well as customers we’ve worked with on multiple projects,” Ward-Woods. In 1997, Elliott launched the business with another partner who decided to go a different path. That’s when she sought the help of her sister who relocated from North Carolina so that they could grow the business together. Together, the sisters created an award-winning franchise in DeKalb County, winning numerous awards in design and business. The sisters were recently chosen as finalists for Black Enterprise magazine’s Franchisee of the Year Award and were named Decorators of the Year twice by parent company, Decorating Den Interiors, North America’s largest interior design and home furnishings franchise company. Decorating Den Interiors—“The Sisters and Company” offers a suite of products and services including custom window treatments, furniture,

is located in renovated space vacated by Best Buy, which left in late spring 2016 from Turner Hill MarketPlace at 2940 Turner Hill Road. Burlington joins anchors Toys “R” Us and Bed Bath & Beyond. In addition to the Stonecrest store, Burlington has two other

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

locations in DeKalb County: one at North DeKalb Mall and one on Buford Highway in Doraville. The national discount retailer, which features ladies’ apparel, menswear, children’s and babies’ clothing, family footwear, coats, furniture and home décor, has 596 stores across the U.S.

DUI, continued from page 1 RCPS was 63% economically disadvantaged with a graduation rate of 72%. Today, RCPS is 72% economically disadvantaged with a cohort graduation rate of 84%, compared to the state’s average of 80.6%. The RCPS district CCRPI score remains above the State for the third consecutive year. At press time on Sept. 28, no interim superintendent had been named.

Annexation, conditioned from page 1 nexed area, must agree with any changes in the zoning ordinance. The Druid Hills Historic District within the annexed area will continue as part of the city’s Druid Hills Historic District. The city agrees to adopt a written policy that requires a rational basis for any future annexations within 250 feet of the annexed area. • The county will provide water and sewer services and storm water services to the annexed areas as well as collect fees for such services.

Barbara Elliott and Jennifer Ward-Woods strike a pose on the red carpet at their celebration.

lighting, floor coverings and a treasure trove of accessories from around the world. Ward-Woods said that while the bulk of their customers are busy homeowners, others include dentists, attorneys, hotels and even churches. Elliott said they have managed to grow the business, despite the downturn of the economy several years ago by staying affordable and using social media to generate business. The sisters said they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. In addition to growing their business locally, they have had to evolve in many ways to accommodate their expanding empire. They recently became Decorating Den master licensees, which allow them to manage and sell franchises within a particular region. In addition to their Stone Mountain studio, they currently have two franchisees—one in Rockdale County and the other in Atlanta. “There’s only so much we can do as two people and we are excited about adding more decorators to our business and continued future growth,” said Elliott.

• The county will continue to provide fire services in exchange for an annual payment of $1 million for two to 10 years for a total payment of $10,250,000. The county may terminate the fire service agreement after two years. • The city will notify all proposed real estate developments that sewer capacity analysis by the county is required. • The city will take ownership of all roads, bridges and 10 traffic signals in the annexed area. • The county and city leadership will request MARTA to conduct a public meeting to discuss future transit plans for the annexed area.

Voter, continued from page 3 as reaching young voters such as Washington was reaching the inmate population. “Our goal was to educate inmates on re-entry, to let them know that they can have a voice in our democracy,” Hillman said. In DeKalb County, the NAACP mobilized volunteers for voter registration drives that it held in two locations: Columbia High School in Decatur and Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston. “We had almost 20 volunteers helping us to register,” said Teresa Hardy, DeKalb NAACP president. Hardy said the high school students were eager to register, although some of them were not of age and could not participate. “They were asking once they turned 17 ½ how long would it take to get their card and when would they be able to vote,” Hardy said. “They were looking forward to our visit because their counselors had talked about the registration day.” Hardy said the DeKalb NAACP is planning to hold another voter registration drive in February. Although local outreach efforts were focused on getting people to fill out registration paperwork, other states have enacted automatic voter registration. Oregon is among the states that use existing databases such as the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to register voters. Individuals can then opt out of voter registration if they choose. Oregon officials report that automatic registration significantly increased voter turnout last year.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 • PAGE 7

On Common Ground News Marketplace RESTAURANTS

HEALTH SERVICES

COVERAGE FOR ALL THE THINGS YOU CARE FOR HEALTH SERVICES

■ Automobile insurance ■ Home-owners insurance ■ Life insurance

INSURANCE

COVERAGE Darold "Mayor" Honore' FOR ALL THE THINGS COVERAGE COVERAGE FOR ALL THE YOU CARE FOR THINGS Your Local Agent 6886 MAIN ST LITHONIA, GA 30058 DHONORE@FARMERSAGENT.COM

FOR YOU ALL CARE THE THINGS FOR YOU CARE FOR ■ Automobile insurance ■ Home-owners insurance

AUTOMOBILE HOME OWNER INSURANCE ■ LifeINSURANCE insurance LIFE INSURANCE ■ Automobile insurance Call 678.749.7434 today! ■ Home-owners insurance Get smart about your coverage. Darold "Mayor" Honore' ■ Life insurance 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

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.

Darold "Mayor" Honore'

Your Local Agent 6886 MAIN ST GA 30058 Get smart aboutLITHONIA, your coverage. DHONORE@FARMERSAGENT.COM

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.

Call 678.749.7434 today! Get smart about your coverage.

BUSINESS

PAGE 8 • SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM