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VOLUME 24 NUMBER 12
MAY 12, 2018
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Gov. Deal vetoes bill to create term limits for mayor of Stonecrest By Valerie J. Morgan Gov. Nathan Deal has vetoed HB 600, which proposed term limits for the office of mayor in the city of Arabia Mountain High School Stonecrest while permitting council members to serve for an unlimited number of terms. Additionally, the bill would have prevented the mayor from voting with the City Council, except to break a tie. The governor said he vetoed HB 600 because there was no consensus among the DeKalb County Delegation members who represent the city of Stonecrest. One of the delegation members, State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams, did not sign off on the bill. “These amendments to a city charter that has been in effect for less than two years have not, apparently, received the proper amount of discussion during the Four DeKalb County School District (DCSD) campuses have been legislative session as legislators ranked among the best high schools from the delegation could not reach a consensus. For this reason, I in America by U.S. News & World VETO HB 600,” Deal said in a news Report magazine. release. The DeKalb School of the Arts The mayor would have only earned a gold designation after being been able to serve two terms, but ranked No. 75 overall, and No. 2 in council members would have been Georgia - a jump from its No. 89 allowed to serve unlimited four-year overall ranking in 2017. Chamblee terms under HB 600. Both positions Charter High School also earned a will continue to be able to serve gold designation, ranking No. 457 unlimited four-year terms under the nationwide and No. 14 in Georgia. city’s existing charter. The Arabia Mountain High Adrion Bell, the city of School Academy of EngineeringStonecrest’s communications Medic performed well enough to director, praised the veto, which earn a silver designation, ranking came on May 8 as the city turned No. 58 in Georgia. one year old. He said the bill would DeKalb Early College Academy have unfairly punished the officer of earned a bronze designation, ranking the mayor. No. 68 in Georgia. “It would have caused an “Our district and students imbalance of power on the council. are again well represented on I don't know of any governor or this prestigious list. Our four mayor who has neither a vote nor a recognized campuses are a shining veto,” said Bell. light of sustained excellence for Mayor Jason Lary was delighted our community. We are proud and excited for these schools as we continue to rise and improve.” said Superintendent/CEO R. Stephen Green. More than 6,500 high schools were ranked by the magazine. Rankings are based the following: 1) how well students at a school Dr. Terry O. Oatts will be sworn performed compared to their state in on May 30 as Superintendent of peers in math and reading; 2) the Rockdale County Public Schools at reading and math proficiency of a called meeting. disadvantaged students compared The board appointed Oatts, to the state average; 3) if a school’s former Assistant Superintendent student graduation rate meets or for Student Achievement in Fayette exceeds a national standard; 4) a County Schools, as superintendent College Readiness Index that is on May 7. Oatts was selected after based on the school's Advanced he was selected in April as the sole Placement participation rate and how finalist in the board’s superintendent well the students did on those tests. search. Under the guidance A gold designation is given to schools ranked in the top 500 schools of the Georgia School Boards Association as search provider, for college readiness based on the magazine’s index. Silver-designated the Board completed a survey schools have lower college readiness of its expectations for the next superintendent, posted and reviewed than gold schools, and bronze the results of a survey of the schools perform well on state community and school district staff assessments.
Four DeKalb schools among nation’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary
with the veto. “I am pleased that the governor saw that this bill would have made governing ineffective for the office of the mayor. HB 600 would have taken us backward instead of forward. Thank you, Governor Deal,” Lary said. State Rep. Doreen Carter, District 92, introduced the bill in March 2017. The bill initially included revising the city’s voting districts, along with term limits for the mayor and modifying provisions related to a quorum on the City Council. Amendments were made as the bill moved from the House to the Senate last year and it gained bipartisan support this year with those amendments. Carter said despite the governor’s rejection of the bill, she believes it could have offered a resolve for some of the issues with the tie votes that have occurred recently with the City Council. “They have no way to break a tie the way it stands right now,” said Carter. “That’s why most voting organizations have odd numbers—
whether it’s a board or a city. That was the whole reason for proposing the bill in the first place.” Attorney Bernie Knight, who has worked closely with the formation of the new city, applauded the governor’s decision. “The veto of this ill-considered bill was vital to the future of Stonecrest. We offer heartfelt thanks to the Governor,” Knight said. Mayor Pro Tem George Turner agreed. “I think the bill was overly aggressive by the persons who authored it before we could even get the city going,” Turner said in a statement released by the city. “What hurt the bill was that they were so anxious to limit the term of the mayor that they went overboard and tried to limit the mayor’s power. I think the issues of this bill can be handled by the city council who is capable of making our own legislation. In essence, Governor Deal is letting Stonecrest take care of Stonecrest’s business and I am glad that he did.”
Dr. Terry Oatts to be sworn in as RCPS Superintendent on May 30
Dr. Terry Oatts
to seek input as to the characteristics desired in a new superintendent, adopted qualifications for the position, approved and disseminated a recruitment brochure, reviewed applications, and interviewed candidates that appeared to have closely met qualifications. In accordance with Georgia law,
documents for Oatts were made available for public inspection and copying. Oatts began his career in education more than two decades ago in school counseling and has served as assistant principal, elementary, middle, and high school principal, and most recently assistant superintendent. “We congratulate Dr. Oatts on becoming our next superintendent,” said Board Chairman Jim McBrayer. “We are confident that he will be a great leader to continue our tradition of excellence as we move forward with our strategic plan and continuous improvement.”
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Charges upgraded to murder for Meshon Williams, after 6-year-old victim dies The DeKalb County Police Department has upgraded charges to murder and is offering a $5,000 reward through Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest and indictment of Meshon Williams, 17. Williams is accused of shooting 6-year-old Z’Mari Mitchell on May 5. The child died on May 9 as a result of his injuries and the charges were upgraded from aggravated assault to murder. The shooting took place at a residence located at 3539 Sweetgum Lane in Decatur. Police said Williams was one of several people who got into an argument at the residence. The argument escalated Meshon Williams and Williams is accused of firing 31 shots toward the home. One of the rounds entered the home and struck the child, who was in the living room at the time. Williams and several other people fled the scene in an unknown vehicle. Investigators said they believe the altercation stemmed from a social media post. Police said Williams is 15’11” and weighs 150 pounds. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone with information about the case is asked to notify the DeKalb County Police Department at 770-724-7850 or Crime Stoppers at 404-5778477.
PET OF THE Week
LifeLine DeKalb County Animal Services Pet of the Week will do anything to win your heart! Meet Tyga Girl, a super-friendly sweetie who will be the perfect addition to any family. Tyga has adorable ears that often sport a windswept look and keep everyone smiling. She is also is extremely loving and will give you kisses if you like. In addition to adoring people, she is great with other dogs and has the BEST manners, including walking nicely on a leash. Need more reasons to fall in love with her? Come meet Tyga Girl today at DeKalb County Animal Services, and she’ll give you plenty. Simply drop by 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, email adoptions@dekalbanimalservices. com or call 404-294-2165.
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Rockdale Sheriff’s investigators snare two in drug bust Two people were arrested recently after the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and SWAT team seized drugs, guns and nearly $2,000 in counterfeit money from a duplex in Conyers. Lewis Jabari Jones, 29, and Charity McCullar, 26, were arrested on several charges during the May 4 drug bust at Charity McCullar 2600-B Golfview Terrace located. Jones Lewis Jabari Jones had been under surveillance for a while before investigators moved in. Investigators conducted a search warrant where they confiscated 16.1 grams of heroin, schedule 4 narcotics, $1,900 in counterfeit money, 2,237.1 grams of edibles (which contain THC oil), 3.6 grams of cocaine, 307.2 grams of marijuana, and 8 guns ranging from handguns to assault rifles. Jones and McCullar were both charged with possession of weapons during the commission of a crime; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; Possession of a controlled substance (edibles; Forgery in the 2nd degree; Trafficking heroin; and Possession of a schedule 4 controlled substance. Both were taken to the Rockdale County Jail.
BOLO issued on Taco Bell robbery suspect Rockdale County Sheriff’s investigators have issued a “Be On the Lookout” for a man who robbed the Taco Bell restaurant at 2415 Salem Road, Conyers on May 8. The suspect, described as a light skinned black male, entered the business around 9:51 p.m. brandishing a large handgun with a red rag draped around the barrel. The suspect held the employees at gunpoint and forced the managers to empty the cash registers, placing the money into a black laptop bag. Authorities said the suspect calmly walked out of the store and then ran towards the Ellington road area. The suspect was wearing a dark colored hoodie with a blue bandana over his mouth and ark colored Nike sneakers. Anyone with information should contact Investigator Dwayne Smith at 770-278-8161 or email dwayne.smith@rockdalecountyga.gov.
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
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ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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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
MAY 12, 2018 • PAGE 3
Family expected to get GBI update on Rockdale County Jail death By Valerie J. Morgan
A
fter waiting for answers for two months, the family of 22-year-old Shali Tilson is hoping to learn how their loved one died while in custody at the Rockdale County Jail on two misdemeanor charges. Attorney Mawuli Davis said the family hopes to get an update at a meeting with the GBI on May 14. “We look forward to hearing from the director to find out where they are in the investigation so they can provide any evidence that we can collect (for this case),” said Davis. Davis said Tilson was arrested on March 9. Nine days later, his family received a call from the Sheriff’s Office that he was dead. No cause of death was given. Immediately after Tilson’s death, Sheriff Eric Levett said in a news release that the matter was turned over to the GBI for investigation. Levett said he could not provide any more information pending the investigation. Davis, community organizers and Tilson’s
Attorney Mawuli Davis (back), community organizers and Tilson’s family held a news conference on May 4 to urge witnesses to come forward. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
family held a news conference on May 4 to urge witnesses to come forward. “If there is anyone out there who was at the jail when this tragedy occurred, we’re asking them to call us. We just ask that you have the courage to come forward and to share with us what happened, what you observed and what you witnessed,” Davis said. Tynesha Tilson said she is heartbroken over her son’s death. “My son was a good kid who graduated from Rockdale County High school in 2014. He wasn’t a criminal. We don’t know
what happened to him. How does he end up dead and no one is saying anything,” Tynesha Tilson said. Davis said Tilson did not have any health problems. He was arrested by Conyers Police on March 3 for disorderly conduct and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. “What we know for sure is that a 22-year-old who walked in 9 days before should not be carried out dead,” said Davis. “What we know for sure is that he was healthy and there was no reason that his life should have ended in Rockdale County Jail being
held on two misdemeanors. We’re very clear about that.” Thomas Brantley, Jr., president of the Rockdale County NAACP, expressed his confidence in the Sheriff’s Office to follow through with its investigation. “He (Sheriff Levett) knows that this is a high profile case. I have confidence in him,” Brantley said. Gerald Rose, who heads New Order National Human Rights Organization, said he plans to monitor the case closely. “We want justice for this family, “ said Rose, who attended the news conference. “We’re going to be here. We don’t know if this is another Sandra Bland case,” he said referring to the 28-year-old black woman who died while in custody at the Waller County, Texas jail in July 2015, three days after she was arrested on a traffic stop. Her hanging death was ruled a suicide. “We’re going to make some noise. My job is to start calling on other organizations,” Rose said.
Olde Town Conyers to test “Open Streets” events this summer
Olde Town Conyers plans to welcome residents and visitors to a series of summer street events that will showcase performers, music, outdoor dining and old-fashioned games. The new project, ReImagine Commercial Street, kicks off on May 18-19 City officials say they are bringing the Open Streets concept to Conyers to help stimulate business and offer families summer time fun
in a safe, walkable environment. Commercial Street will be closed off during each event to create a pedestrian street experience, Mayor Vince Evans said. The Open Streets movement originated in Bogota, Columbia, and has since spread to North America, becoming a popular in a number of cities, officials said. “At our planning retreat in January, the city council discussed the idea of closing Commercial
Street in historic downtown on a trial basis to create a plaza-type atmosphere where people can walk freely, enjoy family-friendly activities, visit and dine with neighbors, and more,” said Evans. “If the concept proves popular and beneficial to stimulating businesses in the downtown area, closing Commercial Street permanently to through traffic could be something the council considers in the future.” Commercial Street will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 18, through Saturday evening, May 19. Beginning at 6 p.m., café tables and chairs, music and performers for street-side entertainment, and
games such as cornhole, giant Jenga and hula hoops and sidewalk chalk activities will be held in the street. Commercial Street will re-open to through traffic on Sunday, May 20, at 8 a.m. Future Re-imagine Commercial Street events will be held on the third Friday evening and Saturday of the month: June 15-16, July 2021 and August 17-18. Re-imagine Commercial Street will be held in conjunction on those weekends with the Olde Town Summer Film Series at the Randal S. Mills City Center Park (Olde Town Pavilion). For more information, call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770602-2606.
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Teresa Hardy receives Liberty Bell Award from DeKalb Bar Association
Former Abbott Francis Michael to lead Arabia Alliance’s Monastery nature walks Join the Monastery of the Holy Spirit's naturalist, land manager and former Abbott Fr. Francis Michael on a walk through the woods where you will discover the natural treasures of the Monastery's landscapes. Walks are scheduled for May 12, June 16 and June 30, 9 a.m. to noon. With more than 2,000 acres, the Monastery of the Holy Spirit includes the Abbey Church, the Monastic Heritage Center, and the Honey Creek Woodlands Natural Cemetery. But what many do not know is that the Monastery is also the largest protected privately-owned green space in the Atlanta area, and home to the highest concentration of butterflies ever observed in a single day east of Texas. Let Fr. Francis Michael guide you through the forest and share the natural wonders he has discovered in more than 40 years of exploring and studying the plants, animals, and insects around the Monastery. Participants will meet in front of the Abbey Store shortly before
9 a.m. and are encouraged to bring plenty of water and insect repellent; wear sturdy walking shoes and long pants; and be prepared for a lot of walking, standing, and whatever elements Mother Nature decides to share with us. This guided tour is sponsored by the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. For more information about the nature walk at the Monastery, contact Sarah Lisle, Director of Interpretation, atsarah@ arabiaalliance.org or 404-998-8384 x6. The tour is limited to 20 participants and pre-registration is required. Tickets are $15 and available online at http:// walkinthewoods.bpt.me. To learn more about Arabia Alliance and the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, visit www. arabiaalliance.org.
Teresa Hardy, president of the DeKalb NAACP, received the Liberty Bell Award from the DeKalb Bar Association on May 10. The award honors a nonattorney citizen who has made a difference in the DeKalb County community. Hardy was honored for her leadership and dedication to fighting for civil and human rights. Hardy succeeded John Evans after he retired as president of the DeKalb NAACP in 2016. She has served with the civil rights group for more than 13 years. DeKalb State Court Judge Dax E. Lopez presented the award to Hardy during a luncheon that was held in celebration of Law Day. The event was held at the historic Decatur Courthouse. “I was blessed to have my family and friends support me. It made my day that Judge Lopez presented this award to me. Also great to have Judge Jacobs, Judge Boulee, and Judge Brian K. Ross present to support me.” Hardy said she felt humbled by the honor and thanked the members of the DeKalb Bar Association for recognizing her Teresa Hardy work. Founded in 1964, the DeKalb Bar Association (DBA) is comprised of lawyers, judges, paralegals, elected officials, students and others in the legal profession.
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, MAY 1ST 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, MAY 21ST 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:
RZ-18-002 Beverly J. Searles Foundation 6757 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) District MR-2 (Medium Density Residential) District Conditional PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: Request to rezone property to construct senior living facility LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-002 Pawanjit Kavr 6721 Covington Hwy C-1 (Local Commercial) District C-1 (Local Commercial) District Request Special Land Use Permit to construct liquor store.
TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0003 City Staff Amendment to Article IX, Section 9.1.3 to add a definition for “Short Term Vacation Rental”.
TEXT AMENDMENT: TMOD 18-0004 PETITIONER: City Staff PROPOSED AMENDMENT: Amend IV, Table 4.1 Use Table as to the permitted locations of Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend Article IV, Section 4.2.5.8 to provide supplemental regulations for Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend and Adopt. TEXT AMENDMENT: TMOD 18-0005 PETITIONER: City Staff PROPOSED AMENDMENT: Chapter 14, in its entirety, relating to Land Development, subdivision, soil and erosion, and tree regulations.
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MAY 12, 2018 • PAGE 5
CERM is presented with the ACEC 2018 National Recognition Award during the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala in April in Washington, D.C. Pictured from left to right: Judy Hricak, Engineering Excellence Award Committee Chair; Kenneth Fluker, CERM’s Business Group Manager and Principal Engineer; Albert G. Edwards, CERM’s Founder and Managing Director; and Manish Kothari, ACEC Chairman Elect.
DeKalb-based CERM honored with national award The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the nation's oldest and largest business association of engineering companies, honored DeKalb County-based Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC (CERM) for its technical leadership, community engagement and education outreach work on the redevelopment of the former Mobile Gas Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) into a 7-acre public park. In June 2017, CERM and its partners completed the environmental assessment and remediation of the 175-year old MGP site located in downtown Mobile, Alabama. CERM received the 2018 National Recognition Award during the annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala last month in Washington, D.C. The minority-owned firm collaborated with the surrounding community to implement a successful strategic public engagement plan. “We understand from first-hand experience the importance of recognizing perceived burdens and hardships with key project stakeholders and partners to build consensus on engaging and educating the broader community,” said Albert Edwards, Founder and Managing Director for CERM. “This strategic approach provides a platform for corporate, community and civic leaders to align resources to mitigate broader community development needs and we are honored to be recognized for what will be an invaluable amenity for residents to enjoy for generations to come.” Each year, ACEC celebrates the nation's best engineering achievements using criteria such as uniqueness and originality, and technical, economic and social value.
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Vote for a better DeKalb. Early voting now-May 18. Election Day is May 22nd.
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PAGE 6 • MAY 12, 2018
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WorkSource DeKalb has 150 openings for summer youth program The 2018 DeKalb Works Summer Youth Employment Program still has 150 openings for out-of-school youth. WorkSource DeKalb is having difficulty finding eligible candidates for these needs-based positions. Interested candidates must be DeKalb County residents between the ages of 16-24, not attending any school and who
SMILE sets meeting to discuss community issues Stone Mountain Improving Lives Everyday (SMILE) will hold its next community meeting on Monday, May 14, 7 p.m. The meeting will take place at the DeKalb Watershed Conference Center, 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur (located next to D & K Suits). Agenda items include: SMILE’s vision for a Clean and Safe Stone Mountain; organizing monthly litter cleanup events; update on recruiting community volunteers to work with DeKalb County troubled youth; new visions for Stone Mountain; community resource centers; and community gatherings/celebrations. For more information, call Debra Greenwood, co-moderator, at 404-234-2478 or email Smilega30083@gmail.com.
Time changed for May 17 DeKalb Ethics Board meeting The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its regular board meeting on Thursday, May 17, 3 p.m. at the Central DeKalb Senior Center, second floor meeting room, 1346 McConnell Dr., Decatur. To view the meeting agenda, visit www.ocgnews.com (Coming Up section).
Early voting continues through May 18. Election day is May 22
meet certain other conditions. The eight-week program runs June 4 through July 27. Interns will be paid $9 per hour. The positions are part of the second annual DeKalb Works program sponsored by DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners in conjunction with WorkSource DeKalb.
The program will provide 400 jobs for youth this summer. Half of the jobs are funded by DeKalb County and the other half is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Seventy-five percent of the WIOA jobs, or 150 positions, are earmarked for out-of-school youths who meet certain criteria. To apply, visit www.
worksourcedekalb.org. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to register is May 21. For additional information about applying for an internship, contact WorkSource DeKalb Youth Services at wsdyouth@ dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-6873400.
SLUP proposed to permit daycare facilities in Moreland Overlay District A community meeting will be held to discuss a proposed Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) that would allow for daycare facilities in the Moreland Overlay District’s Tier 5 (single-family residential homes area). The meeting will be held on May 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Welcome Friend Baptist Church, 3198 Bouldercrest Road, Atlanta. DeKalb County Commissioner
Kathie Gannon and staff members of the DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Department will host the meeting. The community will have a chance to voice concerns about the proposed ordinance amendment. To visit http://www.kathiegannon.com/tl_files/ documents/BOULDERCREST1%20 ORDINANCE%20PROPOSED%20 FINAL%207-10-12.pdf.
Kathie Gannon
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Southeast DeKalb Concerned Citizens to host political forum The Southeast DeKalb Concerned Citizens Coalition will host a political forum on Tuesday, May 15, 6 p.m., at the Redan Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Road, Lithonia. Candidates running in local races have been invited to attend. The coalition is a grassroots organization of concerned citizens of Southeast DeKalb’s House District 90 and House District 94. The community is encouraged to attend.
MAY 12, 2018 • PAGE 7
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DeKalb residents offered free disposal at landfill on May 19 The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host the “2nd Annual Landfill Amnesty Day” event on Saturday, May 19, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the county-owned Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood. Residents will have an opportunity to dispose of bagged garbage, yard trimmings, tree parts, bulky items, such as furniture and small and large appliances,
and special collection items, such as tires and construction and demolition materials. No hazardous materials will be accepted. The event is free and open only to DeKalb County residents. Proof of residency will be requested. Amnesty Day is part of the “Operation Spring Clean Sweep 2018” campaign, a multi-departmental initiative focused on litter removal, illegal
dumping, and removing debris, trash and grass from streets, neighborhoods, sidewalks, roadway drains and county rights of way. For more information, contact Pauline A. Andrea, DeKalb County Sanitation Division public relations manager, at 404971-2892 or paandrea@dekalbcountyga. gov, visit www.dekalbsanitation.com, or follow @DKalbSanitation on Twitter.
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MAY 12, 2018 • PAGE 9
Three-time Olympic gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas, in disguise, (left) stretches with young gymnasts. Photo via Facebook
Stonecrest Gymnastics gets Olympic surprise By Valerie J. Morgan
S
hadae and Gavilan Crawford had no idea they were talking to Olympic gold medalist gymnast Gabby Douglas when they spent three days showing her the ropes at their gymnastics business in the city of Stonecrest. Douglas, 22, came to Stonecrest Gymnastics & Ninja Zone to film an episode of Celebrity Undercover Boss, which airs Fridays on CBS. She went undercover as a middle-aged office manager pretending to be interested in opening a gymnastics school for children. In an interview with On Common Ground News, the Crawfords said filming the segment has been one of the highlights of operating their business, which will turn 5 years old in July. “We had no idea that it was Gabby Douglas who had been following us around. She had on a really good disguise,” said Shadae Crawford. The Crawfords said they were invited to be
Gavilan and Shadae Crawford had no idea they were talking to Olympic gold medalist gymnast Gabby Douglas. Photo via Facebook
part of the Celebrity Undercover Boss segment after a casting call company reached out to them on Facebook. It was Shadae Crawford’s vision to open the gymnastics program in search of providing
quality, affordable training to African American kids. “I’ve been coaching for 16 years,” said Shadae Crawford, who was captain of Lithonia High School’s gymnastics team. “You just don’t see a lot of African Americans in gymnastics. The costs can be super expensive and we wanted to open our doors and make it affordable,” said Crawford. Gavilan Crawford said they have about 250 students in their program, among them a 10 year-old who has qualified as a two-time state champion. “We train children from 18 months old to 18 years old. It’s a great sport for kids. Gymnastics teaches them leadership skills and some move on to compete. It helps them build mental fortitude and learn how to keep pushing,” said Shadae Crawford. Stonecrest Gymnastics & Ninja Zone is located at 5036 Minola Drive. 770-733-1508.
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Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
A benefit for disabled veteran and blind entrepreneurs service. In order to receive the said exemption, the issuing authority must be satisfied that the person making application is a resident of this state, and that the income of the person is such that he or she is not liable for the payment of state income taxes. A war veteran must By Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. furnish satisfactory proof Rockdale Probate Judge that he or she has a physical disability which is disabling Any disabled veteran of to the extent of 10 percent or a war or armed conflict in more; that his or her service which a branch of the armed in the armed forces of the forces of the United States United States was terminated engaged, whether under under conditions other than United States command or dishonorable; and that his otherwise, any veteran of or her service or some part peace-time service in the thereof was rendered during United States armed forces a war period as defined by who has a physical disability an act of the Congress of the incurred during the period United States, or during one of such service, or any of the recognized periods blind person may peddle, of military conflict. Proof conduct business, or practice of the veteran’s 10 percent their professions and semidisability shall be established professions in any county or upon the written certificate of municipality in the State of two physicians, by a letter or Georgia without paying an other written evidence from occupation tax, administrative the United States Department fee, or regulatory fee for of Veterans Affairs or the the privilege of so doing, Department of Veterans provided such person Service stating the degree receives a certificate of of disability, or by written exemption issued by the evidence from the branch commissioner of veterans of the armed forces of the
United States in which the veteran served. A veteran of peacetime service in the United States armed forces must furnish proof that he or she has a physical disability to the extent of 25 percent or more, incurred in the line of duty during the period of their service, by a letter or other evidence from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Department of Veterans Service. The letter must state the degree of disability, or the disability may be proven by written evidence from the branch of the armed forces of the United States in which the veteran served. The documentation presented must also show that the veteran’s service in the armed forces of the United States was terminated under conditions other than dishonorable. An applicant whose disability is blindness must furnish satisfactory proof of their blindness to the issuing authority. All persons seeking a certificate of exemption from the payment of occupation taxes, administrative fees, or regulatory fees for peddling,
conducting a business, or practicing a profession or semi-profession must first make application to the judge of the probate court of the county in which he or she resides for a certificate of eligibility. Each applicant shall also make an affidavit before the judge of the probate court that he or she is not subject to payment of any income taxes to this state. Upon receipt of the required evidence and executed affidavit, the judge of the probate court shall issue a certificate of eligibility stating that the applicant has furnished the proof required for the issuance of a certificate of exemption required by the commissioner of veterans service. Such certificate of eligibility shall be valid for a period of ten years. Eligibility for a certificate of exemption to be issued by the commissioner of veterans service shall be determined after an application has been submitted by the disabled veteran including the kind of business to be operated, and the place where the business is proposed to be carried on. Only the business described in the application shall be exempt from the payment
of state, county, municipal business or occupation taxes, or administrative and regulatory fees imposed by local governments. No person shall operate in his or her own name any other business than what is described in his or her application, deal in or peddle intoxicating drinks, operate a billiard, pool, or other table of like character, deal in futures, carry on a business of pawnbroker or auctioneer, or allow the use of his or her name, or certificate, by any other person for carrying on any business or profession in this state for the purpose of avoiding any tax levied by the state, county or municipality. For additional information or to determine your eligibility for this exemption, you should contact the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Department of Veterans Service. 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.
DeKalb Medical Cancer Center selected for Susan G. Komen grant DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center has been selected as a recipient of the Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta grant awards. DeKalb Medical will receive $56,000 of the more than $1 million grant to fund breast cancer diagnostic services for uninsured and underinsured women with a focus on underserved populations, including the immigrant and refugee community in Clarkston. Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta provides breast health and breast cancer services for underserved and uninsured men and women. DeKalb Medical will use the grant dollars to provide diagnostic imaging, biopsies and physician services to women who otherwise could not afford the cost of finding out if the lump or lesion found on screening mammogram or by clinical or self-exam is cancerous. “We are so grateful to be one of Komen Atlanta’s grant recipients,” said Dr. Qammar Rashid, director of DeKalb Medical’s Comprehensive
Breast Care program and surgeon with DeKalb Medical Physicians Group Surgical Associates. “With these funds, we will be able to provide earlier intervention closer to home for more women. Diagnosing breast cancer is an expensive process, and women often put off getting follow-up mammograms or biopsies because they simply can’t afford them.” Dr. Rashid added, “By providing this financial support, we hope to diagnose women earlier in the disease process, while their breast cancers are still curable.” “A key part of Komen Atlanta’s work is to meet the most critical needs of our community,” added Cati Diamond Stone, Komen Atlanta Executive Director. “Our community grants are awarded to local health care partners who provide high quality care and address barriers to care, like financial burdens, transportation and childcare. We are thankful for our local partners and their commitment to working with us to lower breast cancer mortality in metro Atlanta.”
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