VOLUME 21 NUMBER 52
FREE
APRIL2, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Suspicious envelope sent to Congressman Johnson’s DeKalb office under investigation By Valerie J. Morgan
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suspicious envelope that was mailed to the DeKalb County office of Congressman Hank Johnson is believed to be a hoax, but the matter is still under investigation by the FBI, a spokesman for Johnson said. “Clearance was given and everyone went back to work. At this point, it looks like a prank. All indications are that it’s not anthrax, but the FBI still plans to test it to determine what it is,” said spokesman Andy Phelan. Johnson’s office, located A team of authorities were on the scene to evacuate Congressman Hank Johnson’s office after in the 5700 block of Hillandale a worker opened a suspicious package. Yellow tape was placed around the active scene on Drive in Lithonia, was evacu- March 31. Security, DeKalb County Police and ing the Black Congressional Caucus ated on March 31 after a susFBI were alerted. Everyone in John- in Seattle, said he was glad to learn picious white envelope containing son’s office, except the person who that his staff was safe. a red powder substance was discovopened the package, was evacuated “I want to thank Homeland Seered, Phelan said. The package was along with other tenants in the same curity, the FBI, DeKalb Police, Fire discovered about 11:30 a.m. plaza. Rescue and their Hazmat team for A DeKalb hazardous materials Johnson, who was away attendtheir rapid response and professionunit, the Department of Homeland
DeKalb to change sanitation procedures April 18
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ffective April 18, only county-provided sanitation and recycling bins will be collected during residential pickups in DeKalb County. The use of customer-provided garbage or recycling containers will result in a delay in sanitation collection service, and customers will be issued a notice advising of the use of unapproved garbage or recycling containers, sanitation officials said. The county-provided containers include the green garbage roll carts, blue 65-gallon recycling roll carts, blue 18-gallon recycling bins and blue 40-gallon recycling bags. Secure, durable plastic bags are approved for use for excess garbage disposal and can be placed next to customers’ garbage roll carts on their scheduled collection day. Customer-provided yard trimmings containers with a 20- to 40-gal-
lon capacity are currently approved for use for yard trimmings collection service and will remain in effect after April 18. These requirements and procedures are a critical component of the “Rolling Forward to One” sanitation service change program, which was approved by the DeKalb County Governing Authority. The use of county-provided containers is an integral part of the county’s mission to minimize injuries to field collection service employees and the potential for damage to customer-provided containers. For more information on the new requirements or how to obtain a county-provided garbage roll cart or recycling container, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov, www.dekalbsanitation.com www.rollingforwardtoone. com or www.keepdekalbbeautiful.org
alism in handling this situation and keeping my staff safe,” Johnson said. “Fortunately, staff has been trained on how to handle suspicious packages and mail and proper protocols were followed in this case. While the substance in question has been contained, I look forward to the results of the pending investigation.” Elexis Cummings, an intern for Johnson, was wearing a mask and gloves when she opened the envelope under a security hood in the mailroom. The envelope did not have a return address. Cummings followed training protocols to process the piece of mail, Phelan said Phelan said the staff had recently received training on how to handle suspicious packages from the U.S. Post Office, Homeland Security and DeKalb Fire and Rescue. Hazmat teams entered the building and examined the powder and Cummings, who opened the package, had to stay inside so she also could be screened. The envelope and contents were sent to a state lab for testing.
City of Atlanta Municipal Court announces warrant amnesty program
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he City of Atlanta Municipal Court is launching a warrant amnesty program. This program offers amnesty to individuals facing arrest and other penalties due to delinquent traffic tickets, city ordinance or misdemeanor violations, and waives contempt fees for failure-to-appear. The program begins on April 1 and ends on May 13. “Our goal is to ensure that we have licensed and lawful drivers on city streets. We want to work with the public to reach these goals in innovative and amenable ways,” said Ryan Shepard, Municipal Court Administrator. “This program creates an opportunity for people to voluntarily resolve outstanding cases in a fair and efficient manner.” The program is available to individuals with citations issued
before Jan.1. Court sessions will be held weekdays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Court will offer signups for these sessions starting at 7 a.m. each day for same day service. The court will also hold three special sessions during non-traditional hours: •Wednesday evenings, April 6 and 20, 6 p.m. •Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. Sign-up for a special session on Saturday, April 16, begins at 8 a.m. Individuals who wish to clear penalties and warrants under this program are encouraged to arrive early. When the amnesty period ends, remaining outstanding warrants will be rigorously enforced. For information on warrants issued by the Municipal Court of Atlanta, visit http://court.atlantaga.gov or call 404-954-7914.