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VOLUME 23 NUMBER 51

MARCH 17, 2018

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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

Photo by Travis Hudgons Arabia Mountain

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Photo by Glenn L. Morgan Stone Mountain Photo by Lester Wright

DeKalb schools join nationwide Walkout Day

By Valerie J. Morgan and Travis Hudgons

who knew him as “troubled,” Cruz recently lost his mother and was expelled from school for disciplinary problems, according to news reports. eKalb County students DeKalb Schools Superintendent joined millions of students R. Stephen Green said district from around the country officials permitted the assemblies for National Walkout to give students the chance to Day on March 14. The walkout demonstrate their leadership and was staged exactly one month he was proud of DeKalb students’ after the six-minute shooting spree efforts. on Valentine’s Day at a Parkland, “As promised, DeKalb County Florida high school.

School District supported student Showing unprecedented unity, efforts to be heard during the students from thousands of U.S. cities participated in the coordinated, National School Walkout on March 17-minute walkout to remember the 14,” said Green. “The student-led initiatives at our elementary, middle 17 people who were killed in the and high schools on March 14 are Marjory Stoneman Douglas High proof that we not only grow leaders School massacre. in our district, but also allow them Fourteen students and three teachers lost their lives and 17 others to lead. We are proud that our students' eloquence and expertly were injured after Nikolas Cruz, a stated arguments are being amplified 19-year-old former student used a semi-automatic rifle to carry out the and celebrated on the national level.

The event showed that collaboration massacre. Cruz was arrested a short between our student leaders and distance from the South Florida our staff is something to carry on in school and is now going through perpetuity. DCSD has what it takes the Broward County court system to rise to any and all occasions.” to stand trial. Described by several

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Georgia’s Child Support Services improves mobile app Georgia’s Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) has improved its free mobile app to help reduce waiting in line and make services more accessible to parents, officials announced.

The new features allow customers to upload documents, securely change direct deposit information and request closure of their cases. The app also provides information on how to reinstate their driver’s licenses and outreach programs for parents who are struggling to pay their court-ordered amounts.

“These new features essentially put an agent at our customers’ fingertips, empowering them to manage their cases anytime, anywhere and not have to wait in line,” said Georgia Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden.

Since its launch in 2016, the mobile application has allowed customers to make payments, review payment history, view scheduled appointments, and receive notifications and alerts on important information about their cases, officials said.

The GA DCSS Mobile App is available on Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded via the App Store or the Google Play Store.

In addition to managing cases on the mobile application, customers can visit childsupport.georgia.gov to manage their cases online or call 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347) to speak to an agent.

DeKalb County students walked out of their classrooms at 10 a.m., as did many schools on the East Coast to show how gun violence has impacted their generation.

Standing outside in the cold, students at Arabia Mountain High School held signs as they sang “I Believe I Can Fly” during a peaceful, well-organized assembly.

In addition to Arabia, students at Cedar Grove, Chamblee, Columbia, Cross Keys, DeKalb Early College Academy, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, Lakeside, McNair, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Stone Mountain and Tucker high schools all participated in the walkout in various ways.

Approximately 1,000 students at Cedar Grove High School, led by classmates Madison High, Caleb Morris, Chloe Ranger and Makayla White, walked out of class with a message: end gun violence.

“Gun violence is in our community, students might be blind to it because a school shooting hasn’t happened here, doesn’t

meant it’s not possible,” said SGA Secretary and Ms. Cedar Grove Chloe Ranger.

The students gathered on the track and held a moment of silence for the shooting victims. After hearing remarks from organizers they marched around the track holding signs denouncing gun violence.

“It’s a public safety issue— regardless of color. It could happen to anyone,” said Madison High, SGA 11 grade senator.

The peaceful and well-organized protest had the support of school officials.

“Today our students showed the power of self-advocacy. As future voters they can make a difference right now and advocate for themselves,” Cedar Grove Principal Pamela Benford Columbia students assembled along Columbia Drive chanting “Books up, guns down!”

At DeKalb Early College

SEE WALK OUT page 4

Investigators suspect arson at Stonecrest Ross Dress for Less blaze

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eKalb County fire investigators are seeking a person of interest following a fire they said was intentionally set at the Ross Dress for Less, located in a plaza at the Mall at Stonecrest. The fire occurred on March 15 while shoppers were inside the store.

No one was hurt. The 15 to 20 people were able to evacuate safely and orderly, said Captain Eric L. Jackson.

When DeKalb County Fire Rescue arrived, there was heavy smoke coming from the inner-most part of the store, Jackson said. Firefighters were able to extinguish the merchandise that was on fire in under 20 minutes, he said. However, there was substantial smoke damage to the merchandise, as well as significant water damage.

Fire investigators said the fire was intentionally set. Authorities have obtained an image of a person of interest as well as some video surveillance that appears to show someone setting a fire to some merchandise.

At press time officials did not know when Person of interest the store would reopen.

Anyone with information about the individual is urged to call DCFR Fire Investigators at 678-406-7775.

PAGE 2 • MARCH 17, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

PROPOSED REFERENDUM:

Rockdale sets community meetings, tours for judicial/ governmental complex

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce invites travelers to experience Thailand

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is accepting reservations from the public for its Thailand Odyssey set for late this summer. The trip, open to anyone who wants to go, will transport visitors to some of Thailand’s most popular places offering a glimpse into the culture, history and lives of its people.

The nine-day adventure, Sept. 11-19, will provide an abundance of sightseeing, shopping and sampling of authentic Thai cuisine. Highlights of the trip include exploration of the country’s capital, Bangkok, and a visit to the nearby province, Kanchanaburi, known for its role during World War II. The group will visit the Allied War Cemetery and take a historic ride on Death Railway Train, passing over an original wooden viaduct constructed by Allied Prisoners of War. After departing Kanchanaburi, the group will travel to the ruins of Ayutthaya, once known as the ancient capital Siam. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about 50 miles north of Bangkok, was formerly a prosperous international trading port.

Tourists will also get a glimpse of The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most highly revered Buddha image carved

from a single block of jade.

The Chamber is excited to offer the trip at the attractive rate of $2,449 per person for double occupancy. Solo travers pay an additional $475.

The package includes round-trip airfare from Atlanta, hotel accommodations, daily buffet breakfasts, four lunches and one dinner, ground transportation and transfers, tours with Englishspeaking guides, attraction entrance fees, and the Grand Pearl Cruise from Ayuthaya to Bangkok.

The Chamber is also offering a three-day extension to Phuket for an additional $390 per person for doubles (the cost is an additional $600 for single occupants). Enjoy an optional tour of the city and/or a speedboat tour of Coral Island with lunch for an additional fee.

A pre-tour briefing for the Thailand Odyssey tour will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 5 to 6 p.m., at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber, 936 Green Street S.W., Conyers.

To see the full itinerary and brochure, visit www.conyers-rockdale.com. To attend the briefing or book now, contact Stephanie Layson at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber at 770-483-4837049 or e-mail Stephanie@conyers-rockdale.com.

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Rockdale County officials have scheduled three informational sessions and three guided tours for the public to learn more about the proposed courthouse referendum.

The first informational session will be held March 20, 6 to 7 p.m., at Hightower Trail Elementary, 2510 GA-138, Conyers, just before the 7 p.m. Board of Commissioners meeting.

The sessions will give members of the public the chance to view visual displays about the proposed referendum, ask questions and share concerns.

The informational sessions are as follows: • Tuesday, March 20, 6 to 7 p.m. – Hightower Trail Elementary, 2510 GA-138, Conyers • Tuesday, April 17, 6 to 7 p.m. – Shoal Creek Elementary, 1300 McWilliams Rd SW, Conyers • Tuesday, May 15, 6 to 7 p.m. – Honey Creek Elementary, 700 Honey Creek Rd SE, Conyers Guided tours of the Rockdale County Courthouse will be held at 922 Court St., Conyers.

The dates and times for the tours are as follows: • Friday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

• Friday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

• Wednesday, May 9, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Those planning to attend the tours are encouraged to RSVP at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/courthouse-tourstickets-44143221564. These meetings and tours are open to the public, and the public is invited and encouraged to attend.

For more information about the meetings and guided tours, contact Jorge Diez at 770-278-7056 or jorge.diez@rockdalecountyga.gov.

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MARCH 17, 2018 • PAGE 3

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary is featured guest on CNBC’s “Closing Bell” PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

mackenzie@ocgnews.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@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 www.ocgnews.com

Mark Your Calendar March 19 Stonecrest City Council meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd.

DeKalb Board of Education, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Executive Session, Work Session and Committee of the Whole, Robert R. Freeman Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain.

DeKalb Board of Education’s Community Input Meeting, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., Robert R. Freeman Administrative and Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain.

DeKalb Board of Education’s Business Meeting, 7 to 9 p.m., Robert R. Freeman Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain.

March 20 DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold final public meeting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Rainbow Drive Park improvements. The meeting will be held at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

Rockdale Board of Commissioners’ Evening Work Session, 7 p.m., Hightower Trail Elementary School, 2510 Georgia Highway 138, Conyers.

March 22 DeKalb District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson will host “The ABCs of Doing Business in DeKalb County” 6 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia.

The city of Stonecrest is getting national attention again.

Mayor Jason Lary made his debut appearance March 13 on CNBC’s “Closing Bell,” where he was one of three featured guests who was asked to rate city prospects that are seeking Amazon’s H2Q headquarters.

The cities are being scored based on tax incentives they’re offering, city fundamentals and wow factors.

Lary said he has been invited to do a six-week stint on “Closing Bell” for a segment called “Dash for Amazon.”

In addition to the March 13 appearance, where he rated pitches by Chicago and Miami, Lary was scheduled to be on the show on March 15 to rate

Atlanta’s bid for H2Q. The segment did not air, however, because of breaking news concerning the fatal pedestrian bridge that collapsed in Miami.

Last October, Larry made national news when he pitched the city of Stonecrest as an ideal location for Amazon’s H2Q headquarters during an interview with Erica Hill of Headline News “On the Story.”

News outlets from around the country contacted Lary after he announced the city would be willing to de-annex 345 acres of industrial park land for the purpose of creating Amazon, Georgia as a way to lure the tech giant’s H2Q headquarters to Stonecrest.

State Rep. Karen Bennett honors DeKalb “Servant Leader” Joyce Reid For years, Joyce Reid has worked tirelessly in the DeKalb County community, whether helping with projects at St. Paul A.M.E Church in Stone Mountain, where she’s been a member for eight years, or volunteering with the Democratic Party to get out the vote, or the NAACP with its education initiatives.

Concerned about DeKalb County’s public schools, Reid recently completed training to volunteer to help children in low-performing schools to succeed.

“I’m just what you call a helper. I don’t have a fancy title or anything like that. I just help out wherever I can,” said Reid, who says her volunteer work has included answering phones, helping in the library, “really, whatever they ask me to do.”

Reid’s humble spirit and willing to work is what caught the attention of State Rep. Karen Bennett, who

L-R: Wearing smiles, pearls and yellow corsages in honor of the Servant Leader Award are State Rep. Sherri Gilligan, co-chair of the Georgia Legislative Women’s Caucus, former Rep. Nikki T. Randall, Joyce Reid and State Rep. Karen Bennett.

represents House District 94, where Reid lives. This year, Bennett nominated Reid for the Georgia Legislative Women’s Caucus’ Yellow Rose Servant Leader Award, which is celebrated in March during Women’s History Month. Reid was one of several women who were honored by their state legislators at the Georgia Capitol on March 5.

DeKalb Sheriff’s Office arrests suspect in child custody shooting The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested 39-year-old Charvez Ryals of Lithonia, charging him in the shooting death of Daniel Wise, 31.

On March 10, Ryals shot Wise during a child custody exchange involving Ryals’ girlfriend that turned violent. Wise, who police reports identify as her children’s father, was shot in front of two of his three children, who were not hurt during the melee, according to warrants. Another Charvez Ryals person at the scene sustained injuries during the incident, authorities said.

Ryals surrendered to the Sheriff’s Office without incident and was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on one count of felony murder and three counts of aggravated assault.

Teachers invited to DeKalb School District’s 2018 Teachers’ Job Fair The community is invited to the annual DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Teachers’ Job Fair on Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain.

The event is scheduled to take place at The Robert R. Freeman Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. DCSD is seeking elementary, middle and high school teachers and candidates.

A certified teacher’s starting salary in DCSD begins at $46,571 annually. Participants are encouraged to bring resumes, certificates, GACE scores or similar assessment scores to the event.

To register for the 2018 DCSD Teachers’ Job Fair, visit the recruitment web site: https://pats.dekalb.k12.ga.us/pats/recruitm. nsf/Splash For more information, call Sonnae Watts at 678-676-0719 or email recruitment@dekalbschoolsga.org.

“Every year, I try to select a woman from the district that I represent who embodies the characteristics of Nikki T. Randall for whom the award is named,” said Bennett. “Joyce works hard. She deserves to be celebrated.”

Nikki T. Randall made history in 1999 by becoming the first African-American female to be elected to the

Georgia General Assembly from Middle Georgia.

Reid said she was excited to be honored with an award established to recognize Randall’s historic contributions.

“I was really surprised. It was a wonderful experience,” said Reid, who thanked Bennett not only for recognizing her, but for her participation with St. Paul A.M.E. Church’s Parade of Hats Fashion Show and Luncheon, which is in its sixth year.

Reid birthed the fashion show and luncheon to help raise scholarships for high school students. She and a group of volunteers have worked hard to make sure this year’s program is a success.

“It has grown bigger and bigger every year,” said Reid, who will host the event on March 17. “We’re hoping to raise scholarships for eight high school seniors this year.”

DeKalb recreation centers set Spring Break camps DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a Spring Break Mini Camp April 2-6, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The cost of camp is $10 for a day of activities for children ages 5-15. Participants must provide their own breakfasts, lunches and snacks. To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button on the department’s homepage, or register in person at any of the locations listed below: • Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 • Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 • Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 • Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079 • Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia, GA 30058 • Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA 30033 • Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, GA 30032 • N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur, GA 30032 • Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale, GA 30079 For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

PAGE 4 • MARCH 17, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

PET OF THE Week

LifeLine Animal project presents its DeKalb County Animal Services Pet of the Week, Major.

This esteemed gentleman is very handsome, loyal and intelligent.

Major is looking for a home where he can perfect his wonderful tail wagging technique and give love to every family member. This 4-yearold guy has a subtle wire-haired coat and gets along with other dogs.

Come meet this friendly and polite boy today at LifeLine’s DeKalb County Animal Services shelter by dropping by 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, emailing adoptions@dekalbanimalservices.com or calling 404-294-2165.

Summer food program seeks distribution sites DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is seeking sites to participate in the Summer Food Service Program from June 4 to July 27.

The Summer Food Service Program is a U.S. Department of Agriculture funded program that partners with agencies to ensure that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

To qualify as a site, 50 percent of children served must meet the income guidelines for free- and reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are members of households that receive food stamp benefits or Aid for Dependent Children assistance automatically qualify.

Applications and full program site participation requirements can be found at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks under Programs/Events or picked up Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA. Completed applications are due Friday, May 11.

For more information, contact Rose Myrick, Parks summer food service program manager, at 770-414-2109 or rbmyrick@dekalbcountyga.gov.

DeKalb hiring summer lifeguards DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is hiring lifeguards for the 2018 swimming season. Applications are open through July.

Pool lifeguard applicants must be 16 or older, have American Red Cross certification or certification from a nationally-recognized aquatics training program and successfully pass a criminal background check. To view available positions or complete an application, visit DeKalb County’s job search portal by visiting www.dekalbcountyga.gov, clicking on “How Do I?” and selecting “Apply for Jobs.”

For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643.

Diabetes Alert Day to feature free screenings, cooking demos, docudrama

As a part of American Diabetes Alert Day, the DeKalb Board of Health will host a Diabetes Alert Day event on Tuesday, March 27, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way in Decatur.

The free event, which is open to the public, will feature diabetes education and screenings, a panel discussion with experts in the field, healthy cooking demonstrations and a showing of the docudrama, The Debilitator. The 30-minute film explores the impact and complications of diabetes through a variety of personalities and lifestyle choices. The film is designed to help the public understand the importance of being tested, especially when symptoms are not present.

“Everyone should be aware of their risk factors for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes,” said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D. “Diabetes Alert Day is a wake-up call about the importance of talking to a health care provider and understanding diabetes risk factors.

Early diagnosis plays a vital role in receiving prompt treatment to better manage the disease.”

It is estimated that 1.1 million people, or 14% of adults, in Georgia have diabetes. In DeKalb County alone, there were 7,734 hospitalizations and 655 deaths due to diabetes from 2012 through 2016.

For more information about Diabetes Alert Day call 404-508-7847 or email dekalb.ocdp@dph.ga.gov.

WALK OUT continued from page 1

Students at Arabia Mountain High School holding signs during the walk out. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan

Academy, students marched to Mountain Industrial Boulevard.

Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, who runs the Be Someone mentoring program located down the street from Stephenson High in Stone Mountain, said he was impressed with Stephenson’s participation in the walkout event.

“The kids and teachers were fired up. They were peaceful and very positive in taking a stand. They were upbeat in saying ‘How do we turn a bad situation into something positive?’” said Hudson, who witnessed the event. “I think the students are stepping up because we have a generation of politicians who are not being leaders. The children are saying to adults: ‘Enough is a enough.’ Progress is impossible, unless you do something disruptive.”

Even DeKalb’s youngest students also expressed their support for the families impacted by the massacre. Henderson Mill Elementary linked arms in a “school hug” to celebrate peace and love on national Walkout Day. Fifth grade students at Fernbank Elementary held a silent protest outside of school. Earlier in the week, Austin, Kingsley, Druid Hills and Dunwoody elementary schools united to send colorful, handmade pinwheels to the Parkland, Florida school.

Chamblee Middle School students held an assembly in the school’s gym as part of the National School Walkout. At Sequoyah Middle School, students gathered in the cafeteria and gym to read speeches. They lit tea-light candles

L-R: Cedar Grove students Madison High and Chloe Ranger address the students at Cedar Grove High School. Photo by Travis Hudgons

as part of their demonstration.

Although the initiatives were to show support for students and their families in another state, DeKalb parents and students say Parkland’s gun violence underscores the need for more safety on local school campuses. In January, parents called for metal detectors following a “level 3” lockdown at Martin Luther King Jr. High School after someone brought a gun and drugs into the school. Terrified students contacted their parents on cell phones as they hid during the lockdown, authorities said. Police ended up arresting six people involved in two separate incidents that happened on the same day.

Since that time, the DeKalb School District

Austin Elementary students show off pinwheels they made. Photo provided

has increased security on school campuses. MLK parents suggested that metal detectors be installed in schools and the district now plans to test them in a pilot program this spring. Green said school police also are closely monitoring social media for potential school threats and school police are using police dogs for random searches on school campuses, as well as conducting active shooter drills.

“Since the Parkland situation, that has certainly dialed up the attention, the alert and I think like other districts, caused us to reflect and review our processes, our procedures, our surveillance, our focus,” Green told WSB-TV. The national walkout event has given rise to another event—the March for Our Lives—which will take place on March 24 with hundreds of thousands expected to converge on Washington, DC. That event will commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Columbine shooting in Colorado. Twelve students and one teacher were killed in a school shooting. Eric Harris and Dyland Clebold, two 12th-grade students responsible for the attack, committed suicide during after exchanging gunfire with the police.

Support for the march is pouring in from celebrities. Oprah Winfrey and George and Amal Clooney have each donated $500,000. Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade has pledged $200,000 to help needy youths from Chicago, his hometown, attend the march. John Legend and Chris Tiegen have donated $25,000.

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MARCH 17, 2018 • PAGE 5

Chi Tau Omega AKAs take African American Read-in on the road Members of the Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., which serves Rockdale and Newton counties, recently donated books to four local schools as part of the 2018 National African American Read-In. The sorority gave books to the media centers at CJ Hicks and Shoal Creek elementary schools in Rockdale County and Porterdale and Fairview Elementary Schools in Newton County on March 8.

Volunteers also presented certificates to the teachers and students who participated in the Read-In event, which was conducted on Feb. 5 during Black History Month. The book donations and certificates officially closed out the Read-In. This year marks the 28th annual celebration of the national event, which promotes diversity in children’s literature, shines a spotlight on African American authors, and encourages young people to read.

– Submitted by June Hawkins Jones, CTO Reading Committee Chairperson

Community invited to DeKalb County School District's 2018 State of the District Address All parents, students, teachers, staff and community stakeholders are invited to receive an update on the progress of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) from Superintendent/CEO R. Stephen Green at the annual State of the Schools Address on Tuesday, March 27, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and followed by the address and Q&A. The meeting will be held at the Robert R. Freeman Administration & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain.

The event, hosted by Parent Councils United, gives community members a chance to receive a mid-year update on DeKalb County schools and provides an opportunity to network with district officials. Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts For parents, students, staff and community stakeholders, school safety has been top of mind. Dr. Green and a panel of district administrators will share important information about the steps DCSD has taken to create a safe learning environment in its schools.

DeKalb launches STEM internship program DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has launched an internship program at DeKalb Academy of Technology and Environment (DATE) Middle and Charter Schools Inc. The pilot program was created to educate students about the importance of science, engineering and math in local watershed management.

DWM’s engineering staff designed the 10-week STEM curriculum.

Lessons, experiments and on-site demonstrations will focus on daily watershed operations in the following areas: Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Elimination Program; Water treatment processes; Wastewater treatment processes; Hydraulics; Closed circuit TV using robotic equipment; Water sampling and testing; Water tower inspection using drones.

DeKalb Academy of Technology & Environment, also known as DATE, is a leading Charter school in DeKalb County and one of the few honing STEM certification credentials. For additional information about the internship program, contact Dominique Carreker, DWM certification instructor, at 770-724-1438 or djosborne@dekalbcountyga.gov.

PAGE 6 • MARCH 17, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rockdale Planning and Development prepares for final public meeting Transforming Faith Church to drop 10,000 Easter eggs from helicopter Transforming Faith Church and Pastor Lee May will host an Easter Egg Helicopter Drop on Saturday March 31, 1 to 3 p.m., on the football field at Southwest DeKalb High School, 2863 Kelley Chapel Road, Decatur.

“We are excited about hosting another big community event in DeKalb County” said Pastor Lee. “The day will be filled with games, food, music and lots of fun. All the activities are free for the day and the ministry will also provide free food while supplies last.

First Lady Robin May said, “This is another opportunity to bring something fun and exciting to our community during this Easter season”.

To participate in the Easter Egg Helicopter Drop, visit the church’s website: www.TransformingFaithChurch.com and click the flyer on the homepage.

Transforming Faith Church was founded by former DeKalb County Commissioner and Interim CEO Lee May and Robin May. Weekly worship services are held every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Southwest DeKalb High School’s auditorium, 2863 Kelley Chapel, Rd., Decatur.

Rockdale County Planning and Development Department announces the final upcoming public meeting for the Comprehensive Plan 2040. The meeting will be held March 22, 2018 at the Parker Road Government Annex, located at 1400 Parker Road.

This drop-in event will include a brief presentation that will be given starting at 5:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. The presentations will be followed by input activities for citizens, which will help the planning department establish the needs and opportunities for land use and potential development in Rockdale County.

The previous Comprehensive Plan is set to expire at the end of 2018. The draft will be available for public review, and a public comment period will allow citizens to express any remarks on the plan. The community is strongly encouraged to participate.

For more information, contact Kellie Littlefield in Planning and Development at 770-278-7100.

Community Achievement Center to host egg hunt The Community Achievement Center will host an Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 31, noon to 2 p.m., at Flat Shoals Park, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The hunt will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m.

An adult should accompany children for the activities. In the event o rain, the Easter Egg Hunt will take place inside the Community Achievement Center.

The event is free and open to the public.

Rockdale to host underwater egg hunt Rockdale Parks and Recreation is hosting an Underwater Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31, 2 to 6 p.m., at Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers.

The hunt is open to children 2 to 10 years old who are accompanied by an adult.

The children will be divided by age groups: ages 6 and under will swim and hunt at 2:30 p.m. and ages 7 to 10 years old will hunt at 3:30 p.m. f Join Johnson Park staff for a fun-filled egg hunt in the water, do a craft and receive a goodie bag. All pool rules apply The cost is $3 per child.

CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MARCH 20TH, 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL 3120 STONECREST BLVD. STONECREST, GEORGIA 30038 The following Variance Application is located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

VARIANCE PETITION: V-18-001 PETITIONER: Courtesy Properties LLC LOCATION: 8455 Mall Parkway CURRENT ZONING: C-2 (General Commercial) Conditional VARIANCE REQUEST(S): Variance to allow multiple signs on a single tenant monument; allow multiple signs on single tenant storefront and signage to exceed the maximum sign square feet.

CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, APRIL 3RD 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, APRIL 16TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following Land Use Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

SLUP 17-0002 Alfie Igbadume 3185 Evans Mill Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Request Special Land Use Permit to operate child care institution.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

SLUP 18-001 Nicole Harris 5951 Fairington Farms Lane MR-1 (Medium Density Residential) District MR-1 (Medium Density Residential) District Request Special Land Use Permit to operate child care institution.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

RZ-18-001 Bernard Knight TRACT “A” 1882 Coffee Road M (Light Industrial) District M-2 (Heavy Industrial) District Conditional Request to rezoning property to M-2 Conditional

TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

TMOD 18-0002 City Council Amendment to (Industrial) “Parking Regulations” Chapter 27 Article VI Sec. 6.1.3

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MARCH 17, 2018 • PAGE 7

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