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VOLUME 18 NUMBER 5
Vernon Jones bows out of House District 94 race Vernon Jones has bowed out of the race for House District 94, leaving four challengers vying for the seat. The new district covers parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. Jones issued a statement to Georgia Secretary of State Brian Vernon Jones Kemp on May 29 that reads: “Since qualifying for state office, it was brought to my attention by a client that I represent, there may be a potential conflict of interest for me to hold state office. This is due to my client having business interest with the state of Georgia.” Jones said although he meets the qualifications to hold the office, he is suspending his campaign to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
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JUNE 1, 2012
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It’s Election Season A s a crowd of supporters chanted “Four more years! Four more years!” DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis became DeKalb’s first local candidate to qualify at the Democratic headquarters, which was set up at the Doubletree Hotel in Atlanta May 23-25. The hotel was a hub of activity on the first day of qualifying as several other candidates arrived that morning with their own supporters chanting slogans and snapping pictures. Ellis’ wife, Philippa, joined him for the big day, cheering with the crowd. Ellis is seeking a second term in office and is campaigning on a platformthat includes creating thousands of jobs for residents through One DeKalb Works, a job stimulus program. For more on the elections, see Page 5.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Pine Lake re-opens lake to let the good times begin
By Joshua Smith
PINE LAKE—The aroma of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers filled the air as DeKalb County’s smallest city officially opened its lake for the summer season. The lake’s grand opening on Memorial Day weekend was long anticipated after being closed since April 2011 for dredging. Residents happily flocked to the picturesque site to swim, canoe, enjoy the smoke-free beach and picnic. “The opening of the lake is a long-standing tradition in our city. It’s always a lot of fun to get to know your neighbors better and to just fellowship under the sun,” said Mayor Kathie deNobriga. With the dredging project completed, the city is working on restocking the lake with 1,000 baby brim and catfish in order to bring back fishing next year. For Pine Lake, which has a population of about 800, the 10-acre lake is the lifeblood of the city. Residents enjoy the lake and its amenities for free, while non-residents pay $50 for an annual park card. Several events are held at the lake every year, including an arts festival and tour of homes. Roughly one out of 10 residents who live in the
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Swimmers, canoers and beach lovers alike are ready to take in the summer at Pine Lake. The lake officially opened for summer fun on May 26.
small city, which is located off of Rockbridge Road between the city of Stone Mountain and Atlanta, are artists, musicians or writers. The eclectic community is comprised of craftsman bungalows, log cabins, lakeside cottages and custom chalets. “The people of Pine Lake have such a strong sense of community. This is a beautiful place that welcomes everyone with open arms,” said Sen. Steve Henson, District 41, who stopped by the lake’s grand opening, munching on hotdogs with ketchup. Pine Lake, incorporated in 1938, is planning to
mark its 75th birthday with a yearlong celebration that will include recording stories of its residents, making a coffee book of the city’s history, creating a detailed history timeline for Pine Lake’s website and a Facebook page dedicated to the anniversary. deNobriga says the city is looking for input from former and long-time residents for its archiving process. To provide input or for more information about the lake, call 404-292-4250 or visit www.pinelakega. com.
Rockdale stabilizes foreclosures with affordable homes program
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By Joshua Smith
ife couldn’t be sweeter for Wayne Lowe, Sr., and his wife, Monette. Last month, the couple moved into their 3-bedroom, two-bath home, located in the Sugar Hill at Callaway Crossing subdivision in Rockdale County. The Lowes—Monette, a school nurse, and Wayne, a disabled former correctional officer—are part of
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the change that is taking place to wipe out blight in Rockdale one foreclosed home at a time. The couple purchased their 2,194-square-foot home through the county’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program for $79,500. The home, the Lowes said, had been sitting vacant for at least a year. “For us, getting in this home was like winning the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. You see it on T.V. You know it has to be real, but when you actually win and they’re knocking at your door, the feeling is amazing,” said Monette Lowe. Rockdale’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) marked its one-year anniversary in May. Since its beginning, the program has received more than $4.5 million in federal funding to purchase and repair foreclosed homes in Rockdale and create affordable home ownership opportunities for those who qualify. So far, 27 homes have been rehabilitated and sold. Three are under contract. Currently, two homes are
See Rockdale, page 4
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
The Lowe family (L-R) : Monette, Xena, Noel, Wayne, Sr. and Wayne Esquire I, are excited about the new start in their new home in Conyers.