FREE
VOLUME 24 NUMBER 1
MARCH 31, 2018
News 24/7
Stay connected
Published Since April 1995
ocgnews.com
Cyber attack cripples city of Atlanta services Rockdale County government survived attack last year By Valerie J. Morgan
A
week after a cyber attack shut down several of the city of Atlanta’s services, city officials announced that the ATL311 website has resumed accepting online service requests. City officials said the web site was disabled out of an abundance of caution on March 22 while the City worked to restore the systems shut down by hackers. The ransomware attack paralyzed Municipal Courts, preventing them from processing ticket payments, and forced officials to reschedule court appearances, halt new water service requests and suspend applications for employment with the city until further notice. As of On Common Ground News deadline on March 29, city officials still had not decided whether to pay the $51,000 ransom sought by hackers to unlock the city’s systems. City officials found out the systems had been hacked on March 22 when employees could not access their computer systems. The city has hired SecureWorks, an Atlanta-based information security firm, to restore its computers and update security software against future attacks. The city of Atlanta is not the only local government that has faced a cyber attack on its systems. Rockdale County government’s systems were hacked last May, shutting down several services including some services at the County Jail. Rockdale’s Chief of Staff Corey Hambrick said it took about two weeks to completely restore services in Rockdale. “Fortunately, we didn’t have to pay a ransom,” said
SEE ATTACK page 5
facebook.com/ocgnews
Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
Beacon Hill NAACP leaders Jana Johnson-Davis and her husband, Attorney Mawuli Davis, organized the candlelight vigil.
Tragedy brings Decatur community together
S
By Travis Hudgons
everal hundred people gathered March 27 at the Beacon Municipal Courtyard in downtown Decatur for a candlelight vigil honoring 14-year-old Shykia Ward-Reese. According to reports, Shykia was stabbed to death along with her mother’s boyfriend, 35-year-old Manuel De Jesus Franco, by her uncle 36-year-old Royce Alex Stewart on March 25 at the Trinity Walk Apartments in downtown Decatur. The vigil, organized by the Beacon Hill NAACP, was an opportunity for the community to come together to grieve and show its support to Shykia’s family. “She had a smile that could light up a room,” said Jana Johnson-Davis. Johnson-Davis, who helped organize the vigil, knew Shykia through her involvement with the Young Ladies of Excellence Club at Renfroe Middle School in Decatur. She told the somber crowd the vigil was held to show Shykia’s family how much the city of Decatur loves them. “I hope that we as a community have grown closer through this tragic event,” said Johnson-Davis. Friends, family members, teachers, classmates and others were invited to share stories and memories of the Renfroe Middle 8th grader. Some told stories that caused laughter, while others fought back tears, but the driving sentiment held by all was Shykia’s infectious smile and zeal for life. “Shykia could walk in and light up third period with a smile and turn a walk to the pencil sharpener into a dance party,” said Renfroe teacher Corrie Bounds, “She had a heart of gold.” As the sun fell and tears flowed,
Hundreds of people laid hands on one another and prayed during the candlelight vigil at the Beacon Municipal Courtyard in downtown Decatur. Photos by Travis Hudgons/OCG News
the mournful crowd laid hands on one another and prayed as they lit candles and released balloons honoring the life of the young victim. Police arrested Stewart on March 27. He was charged with two counts of murder and one count of theft by taking of a 2014 Ford Mustang convertible. No motive was given for the attacks. The funeral will be Saturday, March
31, at 11 a.m. at Hands of The Lord International, 1399 Austin Drive, Decatur. There will be a repass after the funeral at Renfroe Middle School, 220 West College Ave., Decatur at 3 p.m. A GoFundMe page (https://www. gofundme.com/help-for-shykia-ward) has been established for Shykia, who is survived by her mother and 7-year-old sister.
BBB: Beware of new Medicare card scam The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning Medicare recipients to beware of con artists soliciting information by telephone. Medicare cards are undergoing a change to make them more secure, however, scammers are taking advantage of confusion during the launch. How the Scam Works: You receive a call from a person claiming to work with Medicare. They are allegedly calling about the new Medicare card that began being mailed this spring. The cards will be more secure because they use a “Medicare Beneficiary Identifier,”
instead of a Social Security number. The scammer claims that there's a problem with your card. The con artist may say your new card was lost or someone tried to use your ID number. To resolve the situation, the scammer just needs your Social Security number. In another version, the scammer claims you must pay money to receive your new Medicare card. They may ask you for payment information, so they can “complete the process” for you. They may even ask you to mail them your old card. How to Avoid Medicare Scams:
• Know how the Medicare card switch works. Understand that Medicare isn't calling consumers about the card switch. Also, the new Medicare cards are being provided free of charge. • Never provide personal information to a stranger. Don't share personal details with anyone who calls you unsolicited. Do not confirm or give out your full name, address, Social Security number or any other personal information. For More Information: Read more about the new cards and their security benefits on Medicare.gov.
PAGE 2 • MARCH 31, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s family to lay a wreath at his crypt on April 4 In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination 50 years ago, bells will toll 39 times around the world on April 4. The toll will occur at 7:01 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and 6:01 Central Time in Tennessee, where King was killed. The surviving children of Dr. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King will be joined by members of the King family to toll a bell and lay a wreath on the crypts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King on the campus of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. The Center will host a variety of events April 4-9. For more information, visit www.mlk50forward.org or www.thekingcenter.org.
Groundbreaking at the future site of John R. Lewis Elementary School. Photo via City of Brookhaven Twitter @BrookhavenGaGov
DCSD celebrates John R. Lewis Elementary groundbreaking ceremony
Syndicated crime show spotlights DeKalb County cold cases Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen, a nationally-syndicated crime show, recently profiled three DeKalb County cold cases: one involving a missing Lithonia woman and two separate murders in Stone Mountain. The first case profiled the disappearance of 35-year-old Shawndell McLeod, who went missing in 2011 as she left for work. DeKalb detectives suspect foul play and have a person of interest, but need strong evidence to make an arrest. Tameika Taylor, 27, and Jennifer Clemmings, 32, were both victims of very violent assaults, weeks apart from each other in December of 2002 and January of 2003. No arrests have been made in either case. The program took an in-depth look into all three cases: Mcleod on March 26, and the Taylor and Clemmings cases on March 27 on Peachtree TV at 10 a.m. Crime Watch Daily is the first crime show to air in daytime syndication. From unsolved murders to must-see mysteries, undercover investigations and crimes caught on video, the series uncovers stories happening around America. Anyone with information on any of these cases is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 404-577-8477. Callers can remain anonymous. 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 DeKalb County School District celebrated the groundbreaking of another innovative, future-minded DeKalb elementary school on March 29. DCSD teachers, students, administrators and officials gathered at the site of the future John R. Lewis Elementary School named in honor of U.S. Congressman, who represents Georgia’s 5th District. The legendary Lewis, one of the original 13 Freedom Riders, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, from President Barack Obama. He was arrested over 40 times for his involvement in civil rights marches and protests The celebratory groundbreaking
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
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
for DeKalb’s new school was held at 2630 Skyland Drive NE in Brookhaven. The event featured student performances, remarks from DCSD Superintendent Stephen Green, DeKalb County Board of Education representatives, school officials and others. The future John R. Lewis Elementary will be one of DCSD’s premiere facilities, featuring a student courtyard, collaborative learning spaces, flexible fixtures, and improved security measures. The 900-seat school will mirror DCSD’s Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology and Rockbridge Elementary’s modern design.
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
MARCH 31, 2018 • PAGE 3
DeKalb Cultural Exchange Breakfast set April 7 Mary-Pat Hector to moderate candidates’ forum
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
FOR YOUR FRIDGE April 2-6
Spring Break (All Schools Closed)
April 2
The National Council of Negro Women-DeKalb Section will host “Meet the Candidates,” 6 to 7:30 p.m., Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. All DeKalb and state candidates have been invited. The public may arrive between 5 and 6 for a one-onone with the candidates. Light refreshments will be provided.
April 4
Stonecrest City Council’s Work Session, 10 a.m., City Hall, 3121 Stonecrest Blvd.
April 10
National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, DeKalb Chapter 380, 1 p.m., Piccadilly Restaurant, Galleria at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. All active and retired federal employees, their spouses, and surviving spouses are invited to learn more about the benefits of NARFE. For more information: www.ganarfe.org, or contact Chapter President Calvin Stevens: 404-288-3604.
April 14
DeKalb NAACP Annual Unity Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Greenforest Baptist Church Early Learning Center (Genesis), 3250 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will be the keynote speaker. Tickets: $30 per person. www.dekalbganaacp.org.
April 25
Stonecrest Overlay Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m., Stonecrest City Hall. Open to the public.
Stonecrest City Councilmember Rob Turner and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vickie B. Turner, will host a candidates’ political forum at their upcoming DeKalb Cultural Exchange (DCE) community breakfast. The forum will be held on April 7, 8:30 a.m., at Greater Traveler’s Rest House of Hope Church, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The monthly meeting, usually held on the second Saturday, was moved up one week to allow community support of the DeKalb
College student who became one of the youngest candidates in Georgia to run for office in 2017, will moderate the forum. Hector was only 19 when she ran for the Stonecrest City Council. Although Hector did not win the District 4 race, she won the right to have her name on the ballot Mary-Pat Hector Rob Turner Vickie B. Turner after DeKalb County elections board officials decided there was NAACP’s Unity Breakfast, which no minimum-age restriction. Hector will be held on April 14, 8:30 a.m., has worked in national politics as at Greenforest Baptist Church Early youth director for the National Action Learning Center, 3250 Rainbow Drive, Network and Hillary for America’s Decatur. Millennial Victory Council. Mary-Pat Hector, a Spelman
City of Conyers, Rockdale voters face bond referendums for new government buildings
O
fficials in the city of Conyers and Rockdale County have scheduled a series of meetings to try and convince voters to pass separate bond referendums to fund new government buildings and upgrades officials say are sorely needed. Voters who live in the City of Conyers will see two bond referendums on their ballot when they go to the polls on May 22: • City residents will be asked to fund $13 million in projects, which include the construction of a $9 million City Hall on O’Kelley Street; $1 million parking facility at City Hall; and a $3 million Police Department Retrofit and Municipal Courtroom. Conyers residents also will be asked to invest an additional $139.5 million in Rockdale County for a new county courthouse, a renovated administration center and a parking garage. An amphitheater that was proposed has been scrapped and replaced with greenspace county officials say could be used for events and community activities. The approval of Conyers $13 million bond would result in an increase of approximately $71 (a total of about $695 annually) on a $100,000 property bill. Using the same example of a $100,000 home, approval of the county’s $139.5 million bond would result in an increase of about $150 (for a total of about $1,970 annually). Residents who live in unincorporated Rockdale—outside of the city of Conyers—would only see the $139.5 million bond referendum on the ballot. Officials in both Conyers and Rockdale acknowledge they have their work cut out for them in educating the public and convincing voters to approve the referendums. “We’ve got to make sure that voters understand what we’re trying to do for the city. We hope we can convince them that it will be money well spent,” said Mayor Vince Evans. “The city needs the projects because we’ve just run out of space.” Evans said currently, the city holds Municipal Court in City Council chambers and officials are concerned about security. City Manager Tony Lucas has said security at the existing chambers where Municipal Court is held is not in compliance with federal security
A rendering of Conyers Police Department and new City Hall.
A rendering of Rockdale County Courthouse.
guidelines. “It’s a disaster waiting to happen,” Evans said. “We’ve done the best we could for as long as we could.” The planned new City Hall, which would centralize and consolidate all services and departments, would replace the current City Hall, which was established in 1965 and served citizens for 23 years before expansion was required in 1988. In the 30 years since the last expansion, the city’s population has doubled, as has the number of employees, causing departments to become overcrowded with no room for growth and limited storage, officials said. “When voters go to the polls on May 22, casting a “yes” vote for this referendum is a “yes” vote for investing in the future of Conyers,” said Evans. “This will allow for the expansion of public safety while meeting federal mandates for enhanced security services pertaining to a dedicated courtroom. Research shows that by relocating a city hall closer to its downtown area, the economic impact on the city and property values is tremendous. Plus, with all of the services centrally located, citizens can more effectively handle their business at city hall and easily access Olde Town.” A series of meetings will be held at Conyers City Council Chambers, 1194 Scott Street (second floor of the Conyers Police Department), to allow the public to view the renderings for the proposed City Hall and ask questions about the plans. Public meetings are scheduled on April 10, April 26, and May 10, 5 to 7 p.m. The meetings will be an open house format with renderings on display. Officials and staff will be in attendance to answer questions. Tours of the existing facilities also will be offered. In addition to the meetings, renderings also will be on the city’ website and on display at
Conyers City Hall, 1184 Scott Street, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., for those unable to attend a public meeting. “The city has an excellent track record of being practical in its planning, fiscally responsible, and conservative. In fact, the city has not had the need to ask for a bond in more than 20 years,” said Evans. “When you do the math, an investment of less than $6 a month to better serve our community for the next 30 years—it’s worth it.” Citizens can learn more about the county’s proposed bond referendum at upcoming forums. Rockdale County government, which held bond referendum forums on March 20 and March 29, will host two more public forums: April 17, 6–7 p.m., Shoal Creek Elementary, 1300 McWilliams Road S.W., Conyers May 15, 6–7 p.m., Honey Creek Elementary, 700 Honey Creek Road S.E., Conyers Post 1 County Commissioner Sherri Washington is urging residents to take a guided tour of the Rockdale Courthouse to get a feel for why a new county courthouse is needed. She said the county has outgrown the cramped quarters. Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt is also pitching the county’s projects in a video. County officials have scheduled guided tours of the Rockdale County Courthouse, which is located at 922 Court St., Conyers: April 20, 9 to 10 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m. May 9, 6 to 7 p.m. For more information about Rockdale County’s bond forums and guided tours, contact Jorge Diez at 770-278-7056 or jorge.diez@ rockdalecountyga.gov. For more information about the City of Conyers bond forums, contact the city manager’s office at 770-9294226 or Conyers City Hall at 770483-4411.
PAGE 4 • MARCH 31, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
DeKalb dedicates funds to restore oldest homestead Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance will coordinate restoration of historic Lyon Farm structures
Members from the Alliance of National Heritage Areas tour the historic Lyon Farm in early January 2017. Photos provided
D
eKalb County officials have approved funding to restore The Lyon Farm, part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The project, budgeted at $225,000, will restore the structural integrity of the farmhouse and smokehouse, repair the roof, and provide much needed weather proofing. The historic farm, located in the city of Stonecrest, is believed to be the oldest homestead in DeKalb. Joseph Emmanuel Lyon, a former British soldier who was awarded 100 acres for taking the
Oath of Allegiance after being captured and serving with the patriots during the American Revolution, built a log cabin on the property in the 1820s. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously authorized DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond to execute an agreement to stabilize the historic farm on March 13. The Lyon Farm, which encompasses over 100 acres, was purchased by the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) in 2006 as
part of the Pole Bridge Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sprayfields. In 2016, the historic structures were placed on the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Places in Peril” list due to excessive damage to the roof and other structural elements. The Lyon Farm has been identified as a future site for tourism and youth education. It will eventually tie directly into Atlanta’s Beltline through the Arabia Mountain PATH, a multi-use trail more than 33 miles long. The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance will coordinate the restoration of the farm’s structures and look for opportunities to add “sweat equity” to bring them to a reusable level. The public-private partnership will help control project costs and ensure that the restoration meets the requirements for historic preservation, officials said. “The Arabia Alliance looks forward to actively working
with DeKalb County to stabilize the historic house and find an adaptive reuse that will engage the community with its vibrant past,” said Executive Director Mera Cardenas. The dedication of financial resources to preserve and stabilize the Lyon House by DeKalb’s CEO and the Board of Commissioners will create a legacy protecting this cultural treasure and preserving it for future generations, officials said. About the Lyon Farmhouse: One of the oldest houses in DeKalb County, the Lyon Farmhouse was built by Joseph Emmanuel Lyon, a former British soldier who was awarded 100 acres for taking the Oath of Allegiance after being captured and serving with the patriots during the American Revolution. Lyon originally built a log cabin on the property in the 1820s. It was expanded in 1853 and again in 1893, creating the structure that stands today. Built in a vernacular architecture style, the house and various outbuildings reflect a selfsustaining farm where cultivating cotton, apples, muscadines, pears, lemons, sorghum, and bees were a part of life. The homestead is the last remaining intact farm of what once made up the agricultural area called Flat Rock.
Photos by Travis Hudgons/OCG News
DeKalb’s Diabetes Alert Day offers free information
The DeKalb Board of Health hosted its Diabetes Alert Day event on March 27 at the Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way, in Decatur. The free event, part of American Diabetes Alert Day, featured diabetes education, blood glucose screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations and other information concerning the importance of early diagnosis, especially when symptoms are not present. 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.
PET OF THE Week
LifeLine Animal Project presents its DeKalb County Animal Services Pet of the Week, Jumanji. If you are looking for a calm, polite and super friendly girl, then look no further! This 3-year-old girl is short, adorable and extremely smart. In fact, she has already learned how to sit, shake, lay down, roll over and more. Jumanji is a staff and volunteer favorite, and she gets along well with other dogs, too. Come meet her today, and find out why everyone loves Jumanji. Simply drop by LifeLine’s DeKalb County Animal Services shelter at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, e-mail adoptions@ dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 2942165, and get ready to fall in love!
RCPS sets Transition Fair for Students with disabilities Rockdale County Public Schools will host a Transition Fair, aimed at students with disabilities who will be graduating high school. The fair will be held on Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. – noon, at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers. To register for the free event, go to www. surveymonkey.com/r/TFSWD41418 Transitioning from high school to adulthood is challenging at best, but for students with a disability, it can be even more uncertain. Parents and students with disabilities are encouraged to attend the RCPS Transition Fair to learn about resources available to help navigate life after high school. On-site vendors include employers, day programs, agencies and more. Breakout session topics include Guardianship, Estate Planning, SSI/SSDI Overview. For more information, contact Sirena Graves, RCPS Learning Support Parent Mentor, at sgraves1@rockdale.k12.ga.us or 770-918-6187.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
MARCH 31, 2018 • PAGE 5
DEKALB COUNTY TRACK AND FIELD
DeKalb County Track and Field Champs – Girls – Miller Grove Lady Wolverines. Photo by Mark Brock
DeKalb County Track and Field Champs – Boys – Southwest DeKalb Panthers. Photo by Mark Brock
Miller Grove, SW DeKalb capture 2018 county track championships
SWD Panthers win historic 15th DCSD Track and Field Championships Title
T
By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics
he Miller Grove Lady Wolverines led after the first day of competition and never looked back on the way to a backto-back title victory in the girls’ 2018 DCSD County Track and Field Championships on March 27 at Godfrey Stadium. Miller Grove came in as the defending champs and scored 50 points in the field events and 1600-meter run behind the win from junior De’Asia Keller in the triple jump (33-09.00), junior Marguerite McGill in the shot put (34-00.00) and junior Emoni Coleman’s repeat win in the 1600 (5:17.35). After a second place finish in the 4x100 meter relay, Miller Grove senior Zariah Kitchens grabbed gold in the 400 meter dash (57.26) to push Miller Grove out to a 70-36 advantage in the team standings. Junior Tacaria Demery picked up silver medal finishes in the 100 meter (12:08) and 200 meter dashes (24.86) and Coleman won her second gold of the meet with a win in the 800 meter run (2:15.00). The medal run for the Lady Wolverines positioned Miller Grove in position for their second consecutive title leading 105-62 over Stephenson with just three events remaining. Angelica Frederick, Kitchens,
Coleman and Chance Barnes closed out the meet with an almost three second win in the 4x400 relay with a time of 3:49.91. The 123-85 win over Martin Luther King Jr. gave Miller Grove its third county title in the past seasons including the programs first county title in 2014. Second place Martin Luther King Jr. had a strong finish to the meet as senior Ayonna Dennis (45.13) and junior Jaili Green (46.46) finished first and second, respectively, in the 300 meter hurdles. Junior Kayla Hunt played a big role for the Lady Lions sweeping the 100 meter (11.95) and the 200 meter (24.61) sprints as well as teaming up with Dennis, Green and Lauren Euler to win the 4x100 meter relay (47.08). Other gold medal winners in the track finals were Lakeside junior Emma Hanson (11:30.72) out-dueling Dunwoody’s Samantha Cameron (11:30.78) at the finish in the 3200 meter run and Stephenson senior Simone Harper with a smooth time of 14.93 in the 100 meter hurdles. Harper’s finish aided Stephenson’s third place finish (73) while Arabia Mountain came in fourth (68) behind Attallah Smith’s win in the long jump (18-03.00) and Patra Williams in the high jump (5-02.00). Cedar Grove’s Antania Swain was the gold medal winner in the discus (110-00.00).
ATTACK continued from page 1
Hambrick. “We reported it to the FBI, Homeland Security and we began working on bringing in people to unlock the systems immediately after contacting those agencies.” Hambrick said none of the agencies had contacted Rockdale regarding Atlanta’s investigation. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service and independent forensic experts are investigating the attack on the city of Atlanta’s system. Meanwhile, the City of Atlanta has launched an online Information-Hub on its website to share the latest updates surrounding operations and the ransomware cyberattack. “The City is committed to keeping the public informed throughout our response to the ransomware attack. The launch of the Information-Hub is a key component of how we keep that promise,” said Richard Cox, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta. Residents may use ATL311website to submit requests for the following services: Trash pick-up • Recycling • Yard Trimmings • Emergency traffic signals/signs • Potholes • Graffiti • Code enforcement • Other Department of Public Works services • Requests for Watershed Management emergency water and sewer infrastructure concerns will continue to be phoned into the department’s dispatch. ATL311 is still not able to process requests for Department of Watershed Management billing inquiries, new water service requests, and water service disconnections. Residents can use the service online at ATL311.com, by calling 311 from their home phone, or 404-546-0311 if dialing from outside of the City. The customer service center operating hours are Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. All emergencies should be reported by calling 911.
S
By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics
outhwest DeKalb regained the points lead on the next to the last event on March 27 on the way to the Panthers’ 15th DCSD County Track and Field Championships title 90-69 over Stephenson. Senior Marcellus Boykin picked up his second individual gold medal of the meet with a win in the 200 meter dash (21.54) to pull the Panthers within 69-68 of Stephenson. Boykin had won the 100 meter dash (10.73) earlier in the day. Stephenson had no entry in the 300 meter hurdles and the Panthers took advantage as senior Barry Williams (41.37) and junior Jabez Long (41.79) finished third and fourth, respectively, in the even to garner 11 points for the team for a 79-69 heading into the final event (4x400 relay) of the day. Southwest had the title sewn up with two teams running in the final event and Stephenson having to withdraw due to an injury. The Panthers took second (3:21.71) and sixth (3:28.97) in the event for 11 more points to finish off the victory. The Panthers had led after the 4x100 relay win (41.79) by the team of Boykin, Trentavious Wiley, Justin Thomlin and Devin Brewington to go with victories by Nicholas Edwards in both the shot put (51-01.50) and discus
(155-03.00) on the first day of competition. Stephenson’s second-place finish was paced by senior gold medal winners Jordan Sessom (49.35) in the 400 meter dash and Justin Birdsong (14.78) in the 110 meter hurdles. Arabia Mountain’s Jordan Barrow finished second in the 100 meter dash (10.79) and third in the 200 (21.76) as the Rams, last year’s runner-up, finished fourth. Miller Grove finished the meet strong in fifth place by taking gold in the final two events including sophomore Walik Robinson’s win in the 300 meter hurdles (40.47) and the team of Maurice McMillian, Jalan Williams, Jahdiel Oldfield and Chuck Shawn-Collins capped the day with a win in the 4x400 meter relay (3:20.51). Dunwoody sophomore Max Mowrer proved tough in the distance events with a sweep of the 1600 (4:33.56) and the 3200 meter (9:55.74) runs. Tucker sophomore Mohammed Koko took the 800 meter run in 1:58.94 as one of six participants that were not seniors to win gold medals. Individual winners from the field events included McNair sophomore Demarshae Travis in the long jump (21-06.50), Cedar Grove senior Keshun Byrd in the triple jump (45-07.00), M.L. King junior Coleman White in the high jump (6-02.00) and Lakeside junior Evangelos Katsoudas in the pole vault (11-00.00).
DeKalb School District seeks parent input on updated Code of Student Conduct The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) invites all parents to provide input on student discipline as part of the 2018-2019 Code of Student Conduct - Student Rights and Responsibilities and Character Development Handbook. The Department of Student Relations will take suggestions until Friday, April 27. Parents and community stakeholders are invited to browse the current Code of Student Conduct—located online at www.dekalbschoolga. org/student-relations—and provide comments, suggestions and recommendations to DCSD’s Department of Student Relations. The Department of Student Relations will take suggestions until Friday, April 27, 2018. The Code of Student Conduct outlines policies, rules and regulations that govern student discipline in DCSD. This includes dress code, behavior, bus information, electronic devices, violence, threats, school personnel and more. The Code of Student Conduct is intended to inform students at all schools of the types of behaviors deemed unacceptable. Students are taught and tested on the contents of the handbook each year. Comments and recommendations may be sent to DCSD Student Relations Director Dr. Kishia Towns at kishia_k_towns@dekalbschoolsga. org. Suggestions can also be mailed in writing to the Department of Student Relations, 5823 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA, 30083.
PAGE 6 • MARCH 31, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Gun ownership: Who can legally own, carry a firearm?
By Sheriff Eric J. Levett
U
nder Georgia gun law, a permit is not required to purchase, registration of firearms, or the licensing of owners. A weapons carry permit only applies to firearms that can be legally categorized as handguns. Under Georgia gun law, it is deemed as unlawful for a person of under the age of 18 to possess a handgun. Consequently, it is illegal for any person to give, sell, or
transfer a handgun to anyone under the age of 18. However, there are exceptions in which a minor may possess a handgun. A minor may be in possession of a handgun with the permission of a parent, legal guardian, or under the supervision of a qualified or certified instructor, or professional. With the parents’ permission, a minor may possess a handgun if he/she is attending a firearm education or safety course. This also includes activities such as hunting, lawful sporting events, shooting competitions, or fishing. While traveling to and from such events, locations, or activities, a minor may possess a handgun in a private vehicle as long as the weapon is not loaded. In situations such as hunting, trapping, or fishing, the handgun must be in plain sight and fully exposed, if it is loaded.
Minors who have been convicted of violence-related crimes are entirely barred from being able to bear a handgun or other firearms. Georgia gun law states that any individual having been convicted of a felony crime is prohibited to possess or transport any shotgun, rifle, or handgun. In order to carry a handgun or another type of concealable firearm, Georgia gun law requires an individual to obtain a license or permit to carry. To obtain a weapons carry license, Rockdale citizens can go to the Probate Court at 922 Court Street, Room 107, Conyers. The Weapons Carry Permit allows a person to carry a handgun openly, either in a holster or similar device, which can then be concealed by clothing, a purse, suitcase, or other type of container. This also includes concealment in a motor vehicle.
Those wishing to obtain a license to carry a handgun must be over the age of 21, and meet the following criteria: • Not convicted of a felony that has not been officially pardoned by the necessary agencies or officials. • Not convicted of a misdemeanor crime of a violent nature in the prior five years. • Not convicted of unlawful weapons carrying charge in the past three years. • Not convicted of charges relating to drug or substance abuse. • Never been institutionalized in a facility for mental instability or drug and/or alcohol abuse. Once the application is submitted, a federal and state criminal background check will be completed. If there are no negative statements or history on an applicant’s record, a judge
will issue the weapons carry license. The license remains valid for a period of five years, and is taken under oath to a judge. It is not necessary to obtain the carry license if the possession of a firearm is within the limits of a person’s home or place of business. This also extends to the transportation of a firearm, as long it is in plain view or stored in a glove compartment. 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. 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
Rockdale ambassadors set “Trash Bash”
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black reads “Who Grew My Soup” to second graders at Shoal Creek Elementary STEAM Academy for Agriculture Literacy Day on March 22, 2018. Pictured, left to right: Veronica Ebanks, Colin Bailey, Commissioner Gary Black and students in Wendy Morrison’s class. Photo provided
SCE STEAM Academy celebrates Agriculture Literacy Day with State Commissioner Students at Rockdale County’s Shoal Creek Elementary’s (SCE) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Academy received a special visit from Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black on March 22 in celebration of Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week and Agriculture Literacy Day. The goal of Agriculture Literacy Day is to better communicate to students how food and fiber products are produced and the role agriculture plays in our daily lives. Black read “Who Grew My Soup” to SCE second graders - the story of a child who goes on a magical journey to learn where and how the ingredients of his soup were grown. Students presented the commissioner with hand-drawn thank you cards and ended the event with a cheer “Thank you, Georgia farmers!” “It's important to be thankful for what Georgia farmers do,” said Black. “Agriculture is important for our security, our health - to have a safe, reliable food supply. Food doesn't just magically appear. Every time you sit down to a plate of food, there's a family involved in producing it.” SCE Principal Patrice Graham said, “This week was a great opportunity to tie together lessons in STEAM, such as agriculture-focused art, lessons in plant and animal science, and more. Our students were engaged and fascinated to learn where their food comes from.” RCPS School Nutrition Executive Director Peggy Lawrence agreed, adding, “This event helps our students connect food to its source. When students make this connection, they are more likely to make better food choices.” In Georgia, 1 in 7 people work in agriculture, forestry, or related fields, and agriculture is the state's largest industry, contributing $74.9 billion annually to the economy, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Rockdale Community Ambassadors, a volunteer board created by Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr., is hosting an initiative entitled “The Trash Bash.” The Trash Bash will include four community clean-up events in different parts of the county throughout 2018. The dates and locations for each event are as follows: April 7 - Zone 1 -Irwin Bridge Area June 9 - Zone 2 - Windridge and Queenie Woods Neighborhoods Aug. 11 - Zone 3 - Johnson Park Area Oct. 6 - Zone 4 - Ogelsby Bridge Area Three ambassadors will serve as the lead contact for their zones: Daniel Whidby – Zone 1 and Zone 3 - daniel.whidby@rockdalecountyga.gov Jerry Sheppard – Zone 2 - jerry.sheppard@rockdalecountyga.gov Jessica Ivey – Zone 4 - jessica.ivey@rockdalecountyga.gov The ambassadors will act as liaisons for their zones and will be a point of contact for the residents in those areas after the clean-ups are done. They will notify code enforcement about any complaints or concerns they hear. Each clean-up event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and food will be provided by Papa John’s pizza. The first cleanup will take place in Zone 1, in the Irwin Bridge Area on Saturday, April 7, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will meet at the Board of Commissioner’s Office, 962 Milstead Ave., Conyers. Interested volunteers can register for the event on Eventbrite.com, by searching for “Trash Bash Zone 1 Clean Up”. Registration is free. For more information, contact Sitarah Coote at sitarah.coote@ rockdalecountyga.gov or 770-278-7057.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
MARCH 31, 2018 • PAGE 7
On Common Ground News Marketplace LAWN CARE
HEALTH SERVICES
CHURCH
HAIR SALON
HEALTH SERVICES
We cater to the entire family. Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available
900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006
PAGE 8 • MARCH 31, 2018
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM