It’s beginning to look a lot like
the NEWS
Dec. 13, 2014 Volume 6, Issue 35 rockdalenews.com
CHRISTMAS
Pages 20-21
75 cents
Serving Rockdale County and Conyers
SERVANT
LEADERSHIP Van Ness reflects on eight years representing Rockdale and looks forward to new role
Mitchell to SSU
Salem catcher Peyton Mitchell signs with SSU
Page 17 Haleigh’s Hope cannabis bill
Page 3 Like us at facebook.com/ rockdalenews Follow us @rockdalenews
See full story on page 6
County approves $61.4M budget Reduced budget includes employee raises, CREDC increase By Martin Rand III
mrand@rockdalenews.com
After a month of meetings, budget hearings and debate, the Rockdale Board of Commissioners officially approved a budget for the 2015 year on Tuesday during the board’s voting session. The approved budget for 2015 is $61.4 million, which is $2 million less than County Chairman Richard Oden’s originally proposed budget and about $3 million more than the 2014 budget. The county will use $6.8 million from the general fund to help balance the budget. This will reduce the county’s reserves from $34 million to $27 million. Due to a locally approved ordinance, the county’s reserves cannot drop below $20 million. The proposed capital budget of $2.4 million was reduced to $2.2 million. Post 2 Commissioner JaNice Van Ness attempted to reduce the budget even further by eliminating $70,000 from $1.07 million allotted for the Rockdale County Fire and Rescue, but both Oden and Post 1 Commissioner Oz Nesbitt agreed that the fire department shouldn’t be stripped of their capital dollars. County employees get raise The version of the budget that passed didn’t include the $1.9 million allotment of the initial proposed budget which would
See BUDGET, Page 23
Religion
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 RockdaleNews.com Page 10
In His Name
Springfield Baptist Church gives free food for families in need Dec. 16-19
Thanksgiving
Feast
More than 50 people were served full Thanksgiving meals during the first “In His Name” Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 27, hosted at Conyers First United Methodist Church with partners Crossroads United Methodist Church, Crosspoint Church, The Presbyterian Church of the Resurrection, Way of the Cross Baptist Church, Beasley Drug Company, The Sketching Pad, and Copy Central.
Springfield Baptist Church will be giving away more than 100,000 pounds of food to families in need from Dec. 16-19. The registration and distribution dates/time are: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Recipients must be present and show ID to register in order to receive food. Food will be distributed until the allotted amount of food for that day runs out. The registration and distribution location is as the Springfield Baptist Activity Center, located behind the worship center, at 1877 Iris Dr, Conyers. For more information, call 770-929-1111.
Michelle Kim/The News
Community Calendar The Community Calendar deadline is noon Thursday. Email a description, place, time, phone number to news@rockdalenews. com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
Shop with a Cop
8 a.m. Saturday Dec. 13; donations needed before Dec. 13; Conyers Police and Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement accompany children experiencing financial hardships to shop for Christmas gifts; 770-4835780 or shopwithacopconyers@yahoo. com
Allen Memorial UMC Breakfast with Santa 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Allen Memorial UMC, 803 Whatcoat St., Oxford; Holiday Market with crafts, silent auction, music, games; free Breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m.; 770-786-7414
Community Christmas Celebration 12-4 p.m.; The Resource Center for Community Action; Rockdale County Annex; 1400 Parker Rd. Conyers GA, 30013; 770-760-1346
Feeding Families for Christmas 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; by KickStand Promotions; Collecting canned foods and bottled water for shelters and food pantries; ride starts 2031 Metropolitan Pkwy Atl, GA; John Peek at 678-7582667
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7 p.m. concert, doors open 6:30 PM; Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Ga. Highway 212, Conyers; 34-year Christmas tradition; $20 adults, $15 under 16, www.trappist.net/events/christmas-concert-dec-13; monastery@ trappist.net, 678-964-2237
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The News
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 • 11
The News
12 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014
last minute
Gift Guide
T
he days are winding down and the big day is drawing near – Christmas is around the corner! It’s crunch time now in the gift buying season, but that’s no cause for concern because there’s a plethora of amazing gifts you can find right here in Rockdale. Plus, if you shop locally, your money will go back to funding our schools, roads and community right here in Rockdale. Here’s a few places to start: Monastery of the Holy Spirit The Monastery of the Holy Spirit’s gourmet fudge was just voted best Christmas gift from monks and nuns by aleteia.com. This is one of the many “gifts that give back” that is available for holiday giving at the Monastery, along with beautiful works of stained glass, biscotti and baked goods, books, photographs, bonsai and garden gifts and much more. It’s a great time of year for visitors to enjoy and experience
building at 2147 Gees Mill Road in Conyers. Find a weapon best fits your personal taste from: American Civil War, 20th century wars, American frontier, British Empire, current military police and tactical weapons, pirate adventures, realms of fantasy, steampunk, treasures of the Far East and zombie apocalypse. History buffs will love Atlanta Cutlery’s weapons from historic periods,
the unique offerings at the Monastery, including the Visitor’s Center, and to soak in the peace and tranquility of the chapel. www. trappist.net Atlanta Cutlery/Museum Replicas History buffs, outdoors enthusiasts, zombie hunters, movie buffs and sci-fi/ fantasy fans and just about anyone will be amazed by the unique gifts they can find in this castle-shaped
Lingering
such as tomahawks, commando knives, samurai swords, muskets, pistols and replicas of knights’ weapons. Helmets of the ancient civilizations and even full body armor can be seen and purchased. For the veteran or military person in your life, beautiful, etched, military dress swords are also available. 800-833-0300, atlantacutlery.com See more on the next page
Memories
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13 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014
The News
GIFT GUIDE From page 12
Sigman Bottle Think Disneyland, but for spirits, wines and beers of all kinds. You’re sure to find something to suit any taste at Sigman Bottle’s expanded shop at 439 Sigman Road NW. Nothing thanks your host for a wonderful evening of fun and hospitality like a good bottle of wine, and the shop’s knowledgeable employees can help guide your selection. Need some bubbly for the new year? They’ve got it here. A pack of micro-brewed craft beer to savor while catching up with friends? Find it here. 770-9298797, www.sigmanbottle.com Elite Pawn Most people don’t realize a pawn shop can be onestop shopping to find that “wow” item for anyone in your family at a reasonable price. Take a moment and explore what Elite Pawn, 2235 Sigman Road, has to
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For the musical artist in your life, there’s musical instruments, equipment and DVDs. Hunters and anyone looking for extra security will be thrilled with Elite Pawn’s expanded gun room. Plus, the ATVs and a few of the firearms are brand new. 770-483-1649, www.elitepawninc.com
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We’ll make you “Sparkle” this holiday season! Hair Motif
“Your Hometown Family Hair Care Center!”
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Highway 138 Conyers, GA Kroger Shopping Center
Merle Norman
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Other Merle Norman Locations: 1110 College Avenue SE, The Lofts Covington, GA 30014 • 678-625-0052 224 Jonesboro Road McDonough West Shopping Center McDonough, GA 30253 • 770-898-8883
14 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014
The News
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Santa ads, you will find 3 clues. Simply put these clues together and try to figure out where in the Rockdale County area the Santa is hiding. The ceramic Santa will be hidden at midnight on Friday of each week. Simply find and return the Santa to our office located at 1009 Milstead Ave., Suite 200, Conyers by 5 p.m. on Wednesday and pickup your $50. It’s that simple. One winner per household for the duration of the contest.
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The News
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 • 15
16 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014
The News
Now opeN SuNdayS 770-929-8797
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Sports
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 Page 17 rockdalenews.com
Legendary coach Cleveland Stroud to be honored By Shakeem Holloway
C
sholloway@rockdalenews.com
leveland Stroud was the first black head coach at Rockdale County High School. He’s known for his integrity, something that showed after Stroud reported to the Georgia High School Association that one of his players on the 1987 state championship was ineligible to play because of his grades. The honorable act forced GHSA to strip Rockdale of its 1987 state championship. Stroud has since become a pillar of the community, as he has transitioned from janitor to school bus driver to coach to Conyers councilman. According to Pastor Aldren Sadler, president of the Citizens Progressive Club of Rockdale County, and the community came together to raise $5,000 for a plaque that will
be permanently mounted on the walls of the RHS’ Cleveland Stroud Gym. Stroud also coached Sadler’s son at RHS. “He’s been a mentor to me,” Sadler said. “One of the things that I admire about him is that he went back to college later in life and finished up his degree. He worked at Lithonia Lighting. He worked as a school bus driver, he was a janitor at a school where I went to high school...and he did all that with a family of three children,” Sadler said. “So when I was going through college myself I went to school and dropped out. I looked at him and saw what he had accomplished and that was the thing that kind of kept me going to finish up my degree at Georgia State,” Sadler added. Sadler says he looks at Stroud as a mentor, coach and community leader. He added that Stroud is very well re-
spected in the community by all walks of life. “I think that he’s been a great asset for our community. I believe personally that he does what he can to help the community. He loves this place, he grew up here and I believe he is dedicated to making this community come together as one,” Sadler said. Sadler said that the community was overwhelmingly supportive in terms of giving money for Stroud’s dedication and bust. “I just hope the public will be there tomorrow to show coach Stroud how much they appreciate (him) as a teacher, as a coach and as a community leader,” Sadler added. The dedication to Stroud will take place Saturday evening between the varsity boys and girls basketball games at Cleveland Stroud Gym.
Mitchell becomes a Tiger
By Shakeem Holloway
sholloway@rockdalenews.com
Peyton Mitchell started playing softball at the age of nine at Brown Mill Recreation Center. Now, almost a decade later, Mitchell signed to play softball on a scholarship to Savannah State University Tuesday afternoon surrounded by friends and family. “When I went there, the team was nice and it wasn’t too big or too small. It’s an HBCU and that’s what I want to go to,” Mitchell said. Mitchell thanked all of her softball coaches through the years for helping to get her where she is today. Mitchell said SSU was in her top three and she was said it felt really good that she has the opportunity to go there. “They said I’m a (good) power hitter and they liked the way I was carrying myself. They liked how I was talking to the players and being engaged,” Mitchell said. Mitchell added that SSU said they needed a 2015 catcher and they think she can be that person. Although he’s only had one year with her, Salem softball coach Bobby Link said Mitchell was a quality catcher, person and student-athlete. “Great kid. She’s a great leader, a very quiet leader. She prepared herself very well,” Link said.
Shakeem Holloway/The News
Salem AD Darren Wilkins, Peyton Mitchell and Salem softball coach Bobby Link.
Link added that, unofficially, Mitchell probably is a career .400 hitter, something he realized she could do the moment he saw her. “She just started coming
into her own when it came to swinging the bat and hitting extra-base hits. We knew she could hit. I knew she could hit when I saw her, she’s a very good hitter,” Link said.
LaTasha Canty, Mitchell’s mom, got her daughter into travel ball at the age of 11 and says that Mitchell was a part of a great group of girls, playing for the Browns Mill Lady Jackets.
“She played so well. She started hitting them out, she’d go through little slumps but she’d stay in there,” Canty said. Canty said that she realized her daughter could possibly play college ball when she started high school. “She volunteered to be the catcher. She had never caught in her life. So I said, ‘If you want me to get you lessons I will.’ So from then on after 10th grade, she had been the lead catcher since then. So I was like, ‘I think we might be able to ride this out with something,’” Canty said. Canty was in awe Tuesday afternoon at Mitchell’s signing. She was so proud of her daughter. “It’s her next step. It’s her next journey. I’ve watched her, I think she’s a great kid. She’s a really fun-spirited girl. So I’m hoping that when she goes to school she will stay focused. Softball has been a big part of her life. Sometimes we’d have to say, ‘You can’t play if you’re not going to do the work.’ That kind of thing kept her motivated,” Canty said. “So I’m hoping that when she goes to school that will keep her motivated. That’ll keep her structured so that she won’t get into too many other things, but enjoy college at the same time because I really enjoyed it. I’ve always put in her head once you go to college you won’t want to come back home.”
The News
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 • 18
Salem splits against Newton By Shakeem Holloway
sholloway@rockdalenews.com
Salem's girls survived against a strong push from a promising Newton team with a bright future, but Newton's boys dealt the Seminoles their second loss of the season. Coming into the Salem/Newton girls game, you might’ve expected a bit of a lopsided win for Salem despite Newton having a better record. The Lady Rams gave it their all and almost came away with an upset but fell just short losing 60-59 as a half court shot clanked off the rim. The boys game wasn’t nearly as exciting as the girls, but it was everything you’d expect from Newton: a slow and steady pace, good defense and a 54-45 win for the Rams.
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The News
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 • 19
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The News
2 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014
What’s Trending MOST-VIEWED STORIES
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Contractor protests Probate Judge appeal, filed Friday Gastroenteritis outbreak closes Oak Hill Elementary Friday Two men arrested in child molestation cases
Meeting Place
Conyers-Rockdale Library Board of Trustees meeting, Mon., Dec. 15, 5:30 p.m., 864 Green St SW Board of Commissioners open house, Tues., Dec. 16, 57 p.m. 901 Main St. Rockdale County newly elected officials swearing in, Thurs., Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m., Rockdale County Courthouse Board of Education meeting, Thurs., Dec. 18, 7 p.m., 954 N. Main St.
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Newton Medical cuts staff Newton Medical Center officials announced Friday staff reductions have taken place at the Newton County hospital. “Because of reasons associated with the economy and healthcare regulations at the national level the hospital has been compelled to make certain changes in personnel staffing,” said a release from NMC. The changes included a reduction in personnel as well as a reduction in hours worked in some departments. All personnel who are affected have been notified and changes have been completed. Newton Medical announced earlier it expects to pick an “equity partner” in January.
Mental Health Summit at RCA By Staff Reports
news@rockdalenews.com
The Rockdale County Probate Court and Rockdale County Probate Judge Charles K. Mays, Sr. is hosting a Community Mental Health Summit Dec. 13, 9 a.m. at Rockdale Career Academy, to help address many questions about mental illness and how to find the resources needed to help those living with the illness. This event features a panel of professionals to assist those who are caretakers of individuals living with mental illness. Those attending will receive information through panel discussions, question and answer sessions and breakout sessions covering topics such as medical care and treatment, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, lay affidavits, legal awareness, diagnosis, support for families, housing, personal care homes and more. Judge Mays expressed he felt the summit was needed in Rockdale County. “My office deals with many people and situations pertaining to individuals with mental illness, especially since
all lay affidavits come through the Probate Court. The problem is that, in many cases, we have had to repeatedly issue these lay affidavits over and over on behalf of the same family for the same individual who is mentally ill.” He continued, “Mentally ill individuals require help to get well, but so often have very few options to get that help. Also, the caretakers of
these individuals are often stuck, asking the question,‘what do we do?’ We need to find help and resources these citizens of Rockdale County.” The Community Mental Health Summit takes place Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive. The event is free and open to the public.
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The News
Rain in Paradise: Hometown Holidays goes on despite downpour A sudden rain and even a car engine going up in smoke couldn’t stop the holiday spirits as the 2014 Hometown Holidays Parade with more than 70 floats and Tree Lighting Ceremony took place Saturday, Dec. 6, in Olde Town Conyers and in the Rockdale Auditorium. Performers included the All County Jazz Choir, Conyers School of Ballet, Pine Street (Elementary) Singers, Salem High Show Choir, Davis Middle Chorus, Peeks Chapel Elementary Chorus, Heritage High Choir, Sole Momentum Cloggers. Sponsors included Premier Platforms, Publix in Conyers, Cowan Ace Hardware, and Kroger in Conyers. Here are a few scenes. See next page for more photos of the Rockdale Tree Lighting ceremony.
The News
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 • 21
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The Rotary Clubs of Conyers and Rockdale County partnered with Rockdale Emergency Relief to provide a brighter Christmas for children in need on Dec. 7 by buying gifts at Target. Interact Club members from Heritage High, Salem High and Rockdale’s Open Campus, Young Americans Christian School and other students assisted as well. The event provided about $10,000 worth of Christmas gifts purchased for more than 100 children. The clubs, headed by Thua Barlay for the Conyers Club and Alain Bouzoubaa for the Rockdale Club, fundraise all year to be able to hold this event, organized this year by Darlene Hotchkiss. One volunteer was particularly excited to be able to give back. Eliah Holmes, an Open Campus High School student and Interact Club member, described how she and her siblings were the recipients of the Empty Stocking Fund in 2008. She is pictured holding a photo of her with “Santa” during the event. She said if it had not been for RER and Rotary’s Empty Stocking Fund event, they would not have received anything for Christmas that year. She is thrilled to know that she is contributing towards the efforts that meant a great deal to her.
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22 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014
The News
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BUDGET From front page
have been used to hire new employees and funded salary increases for county employees. The board instead chose to implement salary incentive plan, which will pay employees a 4 percent increase based on performance evaluations, proposed by Van Ness and supported by Oden. Nesbitt voted against the measure still believing his plan of 5 percent across the board increase of salaries across the board was the best solution. This plan would have cost $982,682. “At the end of the day we’re all saying the same thing in terms of let’s give our employees an increase,” said Nesbitt. “I say let’s give them a large amount and then move forward.” Van Ness said her plan is a blend of the two salary incentive plans proposed by Oden and Nesbitt. Following the completion of performance evaluations at the end of June 2015, Oden wanted to give employees a 2 percent increase based on those performances while also giving employees an opportunity to receive further raises if the employee earned specialized certificates, degrees and/or diplomas relative to their job position. Van Ness’ plan also called for the hiring of three new employees for the Recreation and Maintenance department at $46,332, Planning and Development in the code enforcement department at $33,023 and a part-time administrator in the Management and Information department at $20,000. The total plan would cost $909,355 in 2015.
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After a tense public debate about whether Rockdale County should It says a lot use more of its financial resourcabout how serious es to fund the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council, the county and city county commissioners elected to is about economic grant the CREDC $25,000 more annually. development.” The board made the deci— CREDC Director Marty Jones sion when it adopted its 2015 budget during a voting session Tuesday morning. CREDC Di- al for the increase. rector Marty Jones requested In previous board meetthe increase in funding to help ings, Nesbitt rallied to give the the council refrain from taking CREDC even more than $25,000 a large amount out of its re- additional dollars, but says the serve fund in 2015. increase now will suffice. The increase in funding will “This is a step in the right diraise the county’s total contri- rection,” Nesbitt said. “Withbution to the CREDC, a joint out question $25,000 is more economic development entity than enough at this time.” between the City of Conyers In her initial amendments and the county, to $150,000. last week to the county budget The city has paid $60,000 an- proposed by County Chairman nually but also recently decid- and CEO Richard Oden, Van ed to increase its total contri- Ness proposed a $15,000 inbution to $75,000 in 2015. crease, but was quick to add Jones says he’s thrilled to that was still doing research. hear the county will provide The only board member the additional funding. that didn’t support giving the “We’ll be able to continue CREDC additional funds was our work as it is,” he said. “It Oden, due to the fact that says a lot about how serious Jones hadn’t provided him the county and city is about with information related to the economic development.” CREDC that Oden requested Post 1 County Commissioner from Jones in November 2013 Oz Nesbit, vice-chairman of the and again in August. CREDC, has been the BOC’s Discount. Oden said during the Nov. 18 biggest supporter of the Discount. in- budget hearing that he hadn’t Discount. creasing funding to the CREDC received information related to Discount. and says that he’s pleased Post Discount. the CREDC’s exact return on Discount. 2 County Commissioner JaNice investment to the county, exact Van Ness supported his propos- number of jobs created, new
business comparison for the county and City of Conyers, an action plan for the CREDC and other financial information dating as far back as six years. Jones says this was largely a miscommunication on his part, but some of the information requested he couldn’t speak to because he wasn’t working at the CREDC during those times. “We gave him the budget for the past six years,” said Jones. “He felt like it was incomplete and wanted justification for expenses. I wasn’t here then.” Jones started work as director of the CREDC on November 18, 2013. Also, even though the CREDC receives taxpayer money, they don’t have to share certain information with the public because it’s not a governmental entity. Now that the organization has more funding, Oden wants to more accomplished by the CREDC. “My budget proposal did not call for an increase mainly because I want to see more value for the county taxpayer’s current contribution to CREDC,” said Oden in a released statement.
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Announcements
Ethics board The board approved a new ethics board ordinance that will replace its current ordinance which was passed into law in 2008, but never initiated. The new ordinance will have a three-member board with appointments from the Rockdale Bar Association, the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Associations.
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“Therefore, with this increase in investment, there will be expanded performance expectations with greater accountability, transparency, a closer monitoring of activities, shared decision making and reporting on a consistent basis. I look forward to soon sitting down with the Council to discuss in detail how to make this happen.” The CREDC will have about $260,000 in funding from city, county, Rockdale County Development Authority and additional revenue. Jones says that still falls about $10,000 short of the CREDC’s proposed operation budget for next year, so the board may still have to dip into its reserves.
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24 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014
The News
The News
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 • 3
Cannabis oil bill back for new legislative session By Meris Lutz
news@rockdalenews.com
When State Representative Allen Peake was first asked about medical marijuana by a reporter in January 2014, his response was swift and dismissive. “I said ‘absolutely not¬-there’s no way; there’s no appetite for that; there’s no indication at all that the Georgia General Assembly is even interested in talking about medical marijuana’.” Nearly a year later, Peake has happily been proven wrong, with House Bill 1, also known as the Haleigh’s Hope Act, on track to be passed into law, making medicinal cannabis oil legal in Georgia. Peake was cautiously optimistic during an event on Monday in downtown Covington where he gave a detailed outline of the proposed legislation, which will be the first bill debated when the new legislative session opens on January 12, and fielded questions from among several dozen audience members. The legislation is intended to
provide relief to thousands of Georgians suffering from conditions that have been successfully treated with cannabis oil. In particular, Peake said his priority is to bring home at least 17 Georgia families that have been forced to relocate to Colorado and other states where medical marijuana treatments are legal. These families include the Coxs of Macon, Peake’s home district, whose daughter, Haleigh Cox, was the inspiration for the bill, as well as the Hopkins, a local Covington family that recently moved to Boulder for their daughter Michala. “We shouldn’t be putting obstacles in front of these families; we should be helping them,” said Peake, adding that each of the families he is in contact with have seen an improvement in their loved one’s condition, sometimes dramatic, with cannabis oil. In fact, he said, Haleigh, who used to suffer from 100 to 200 seizures a day, recently experienced an entire week without a single seizure. Peake explained that the bill would go into effect in two
phases. The first would protect from prosecution those individuals who legally bought cannabis oil in another state and transported it back to Georgia, although the transport of cannabis substances over state lines is still illegal under federal law. The second part of the bill would create a regulatory system for the production, processing and sale of cannabis extract for ingestion or intravenous delivery. Peake emphasized that the bill would not legalize smoking under any circumstances. He added that HB1 would resemble medical marijuana legislation in other states considered middle ground on the issue, recognizing conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy but excluding mental illness. “You ought to see the security on these green houses where the cannabis plant is actually grown and processed,” said Peake, who has met with growers from other states in an effort to make the bill executable. Although 33 states now have some form of medical cannabis law, including all of Georgia’s
immediate neighbors, some of that legislation was fundamentally flawed in that it restricted cultivation to academic institutions that were then unable to grow any marijuana for medical or research purposes without jeopardizing their federal funding. Peake said his bill benefits from hindsight, drawing inspiration from what has worked in other states and avoiding pitfalls from others. He did not predict incentives would be necessary to attract growers and processors, despite federal restrictions that can make it a risky business venture. “We’re going to have a very strict licensure process, probably only licensing five or six business entities to grow, to manufacture, process and dispense the cannabis oil,” he said. “We’re not going to open this up to [where] anybody who has a headache is going to be able to walk off the street and get cannabis oil.” Mike Hopkins, Michala’s father, also spoke, telling the audience that while it was too early to jump to say conclusively, Michala appeared to be in less pain,
was more alert and the duration of her seizures was shorter after just two weeks of treatment. He added that he was hoping Georgia would pass HB1 so he could bring his family home. An earlier version of the bill passed the state house of representatives last year before dying in committee after an unrelated bill was attached to it. This year, House Speaker David Ralston has voiced support and the governor has indicated he would sign the bill into law if it passed, but the bill still faces opposition, particularly from law enforcement and faith based groups. Covington residents Joel and Tiffany Smith came out to support the event, despite having gotten just two hours of sleep after their son, Hayden, was up all night with seizures. They urged anyone who is uncertain about the bill to seek out Peake and “get those questioned answered.” “There is a lot of education that needs to be put out there,” said Tiffany. She said it is difficult to explain to people what it is like to watch one’s child’s days “waste away.”
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4 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014
News Briefs Gastroenteritis outbreak closes Oak Hill Elementary
Based on the recommendation of public health officials, Oak Hill Elementary School in Newton County will be closed for both students and staff Friday, Dec. 12 due to a large number of students showing gastroenteritus virus symptoms, causing the Newton County Health Department to recommend closure. Gastroenteritis often causes diarrhea and/or vomiting. According to Health Department officials, these symptoms usually develop in one to two days after exposure and most people get better in one to 10 days without medication.
PHOTOS | full stories at ROCKDALENEWS.COM
Pastoral Response and Redemption Forum Local pastors, law enforcement, education officials, elected leaders and community members came together for a Pastoral Response Nov. 26 at Macedonia Baptist and a youth and community Redemption Forum Dec. 3 at Springfield Baptist to address hard questions and to urge the community to reach out to youth and to make opinions known in a peaceful manner following the Ferguson grand jury decision in the case of Officer Darren Wilson and Michael Brown and the Staten Island, NY grand jury decision in the case of Officer Daniel Pantaleo and Eric Garner. Catch up with the previously published coverage of the forums and the meetings leading up to them in the Dec. 3 digital edition (found at www.rockdalenews.com) and the Dec. 6 print edition or at www.rockdalenews.com
Two men arrested in child molestation cases
Two Conyers men have been arrested for allegedly committing different forms of child molestation. Victor Vargas, 50, was arrested Friday, Dec. 5, for allegedly performing sexual acts with a girl from 2006 to 2009. The girl, now 14, was 6-yearsold when the sexual contact allegedly began and 9 when it ended. Antonio Newbill, 27, was arrested Dec. 2 for allegedly having sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl sometime this past summer.
Michelle Kim/The News
Springfield Baptist Youth Pastor D’Ondre Mapp, right, Redemption Forum panelists Dr. Roderick Sams, Conyers Police takes a question for the panel from audience member Chief Gene Wilson, RCSO Chaplain Aldren Sadler, Pastor Bilie Cox, Rockdale Superintendent Richard Autry join hands for a closing prayer. De’Angelo Johnson.
City Councilman Cleveland Stroud, City Mayor Randy Mills, County Commission Chairman Richard Oden.
Pastors from Springfield Baptist, Bald Rock Baptist, Macedonia Baptist, Church of New Beginnings, Grace Church International spoke and law enforcement respresentatives from Conyers Police, Rockdale Sheriff’s Office, Covington Police attended the Nov. 26 Pastoral Response at Macedonia Baptist.
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Opinion NEWS
Editor Michelle Kim
Publisher T. Pat Cavanaugh
Statement from DJ Asante on behalf of the Mays Family
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sales Director Annette Godwin
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Our Thoughts BOC
This past week the BOC voted to approve two important changes. A new Ethics Board will be formed that will include a representative from the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. It was absolutely the right thing to include a representative from the business community on this important committee, which reviews ethics complaints on the conduct of county commissioners. Post 2 Commission JaNice Van Ness never stopped pushing to have the Chamber representative included in this revised board. In doing so she locked horns with the BOC Chairman Richard Oden who wanted the political parties to be represented. When Post 1 Commissioner Oz Nesbitt agreed to be the second vote of support, Van Ness’ vision of a fair and balanced Ethics Board structure was approved. The Chamber’s executive committee has already voted to name Darlene Hotchkiss to the Ethics Board, subject to full board approval in January. Post 1 Commissioner Oz Nesbitt fought for a $25,000 county increase to support the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council, the independent economic arm of the city and county, a change Oden fought against. Nesbitt fought long and hard to see that the county’s contribution was increased, especially after city officials had increased their commitment by $15,000. After Van Ness came over to Nesbitt’s way of thinking, the motion passed. We salute booth Nesbitt and Van Ness for their perseverance in passing both of these issues. Change in the Ethics Board and the increased funds for the CREDC will help make us a more transparent and business-oriented community.
Dear Editor: December 12, 2014 Notice: EXTORT many Georgia Public Officials Terms of Use: You are authorized to publish since 2001. These action have been known this press release in unedited format and to cost the effected Public Officials and may use excerpts only if the whole unedited County Tax Payers Tens of Thousands document is published. Use of any part or excerpt of The US Constitution, Georgia this release/statement is an agreement, by you, to the Constitution and our legal system terms of use of this release and the statements herein.
Georgia Constitution and our legal system give all people the right to free speech and protest. They also give all people, including Judges, the right to defend themselves by due process of law, which includes the right to appeal. Charles Mays, Sr. strives to work in a professional manner, to provide service for, and in support of, the citizens of Rockdale County. He give all people the right to free and his family are moving forward, FOR IMMEDIATE in a manner that is completely in speech and protest. They also give RELEASE: compliance with all laws, to be This statement is being vindicated of these allegations that all people, including Judges, the written in reference to the have been made against them; while news articles that have fully defending and maintaining their right to defend themselves by due been published concerning honor and integrity…nothing more, Charles K. Mays, Sr., the and nothing less. process of law, which includes the Mays Family, and Mr. We ask for your understanding in Rodney Scott. Our policy the fact that, after this statement, there right to appeal. is not to comment on any will be no additional statements made, pending litigation. concerning this particular matter, until Opening: Paper Terrorism it is fully resolved in the court. has arrived to Rockdale County and is in of Dollars; as they scramble to defend shameful form... Mr. Scott is a consort of OUTRAGEOUS ACCUSATIONS and Thank you, a well known Federally indicted woman BOGUS law suits. D.J. Asante (Spokesman) (Who allegedly swindled a Missouri elderly Court Orders: Mr. Scott was ordered by Trustee and Atorney In fact for the Mays woman of almost one-half Million Dollars). the Magistrate Court of Rockdale County Family Trust The use of Complex extortion and Paper to pay the Monthly rent due at 1501-c Pine Disclaimer (Post Script): For responses Terrorism are preferred tactics to defraud Log Rd Conyers GA 30012. The Rockdale to Allegations made in the official capacity victims and force them to pay ransom or face County Magistrate Judge stated, “You must of Mr. Charles K. Mays, Sr. as a Rockdale ruin and countless suits. pay for where you stay”... AND to this date County Employee and Probate Judge; please Similar PAPER TERRORISM actions Mr. Scott has yet to pay the rent as ordered. contact the Rockdale County Attorney Mr. have come to the attention of The Georgia So in my capacity as Trustee and Attorney M. Qader A. Baig, Esq. For Responses Bureau of Investigations (GBI) and The in fact for the Mays Family Trust I have concerning any Criminal Allegations made Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). lawfully entered a dispossessory action in the please contact Attorney Gary Washington, These extortion specialists have used the Magistrate Court of Rockdale County. Esq. cover of VICTIM to TERRORIZE and Court Appeals: The US Constitution,
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the
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5
Rodney Scott, the plantiff in a civil lawsuit against Charles K. Mays, Sr., the Rockdale County Probate Judge, protested outside the Rockdale County Courthouse starting Monday after Mays filed an appeal Friday, Dec. 5. For the full article, go to www. rockdalenews.com
HAVE YOUR SAY We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must be 350 words or less. They should be limited to issues of public interest and may be edited for content, grammar, spelling and length. • Mail: Editor, The News, 1009 Milstead Ave., Suite 200, Conyers, GA 30012 • Email: news@rockdalenews. com
The News
6 • Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 FROM FRONT PAGE
Van Ness reflects on eight years representing Rockdale By Martin Rand III
news@rockdalenews.com
Post 1 County Commissioner JaNice Van Ness has about two and half weeks left in her eightyear run as a Rockdale Commissioner after losing her election race for the seat during the general election last month. Yet, while things should be winding down for the lame duck commissioner, she’s been working diligently trying to get legislature passed and initiatives started before her time is officially up. “It’s helped me realize a lot of things I needed to tie up as loose ends legislatively over this last month,” Van Ness said about her impending leave from office. “It’s as busy as ever.” So, Van Ness has been working tirelessly on getting some of her last minute initiatives, a new ethics ordinance being the main one, approved by the Rockdale County Board of Commission. Her opportunity to get some changes complete came during the board’s final voting session of the calendar year Tuesday morning. There were a lot of important topics up for discussion, as the board had the opportunity to approve the county budget for 2015, but prior to any discussion taken place, County Chairman and CEO Richard Oden declared Dec. 9 JaNice Van Ness Appreciation Day. Ironically, Van Ness stole the show with her ethics ordinance proposal finally getting approval after months of back and forth between the board, and the board adopted Van Ness’ salary raise proposal for its employees when they approved the county budget. Yet, even with those victories under her belt, she still wants to do more with the little time she has left. She’ll still be working with the ethics ordinance trying to get a board enacted before she leaves office. “I would love to see that the appointment of at least two (ethics board) members by the end of the year,” said Van Ness. “That will make it active.” She’s also working with code enforcement to try to reduce the time it takes to get owners of blighted homes to clean up their property and she’s still working on getting “No Litter” signs put throughout Rockdale. But, through her dedicated work on these matters, there shines a small part of Van Ness that is happy this chapter of her life is coming to a close. She’s worn a variety of other hats during her tenure being commissioner. She’s the owner and
founder of Peachtree Academy, a daycare and school, and mother to four school-aged children, her oldest is 17 and her youngest is nine and a wife to her husband Ken. Van Ness says she’ll enjoy the extra time not being on the BOC will allow her to spend with her family and business. “It will definitely free me up on Tuesdays,” she joked. Life under two administrations Van Ness was elected to the board in 2006 and began her tenure in 2007, with former County Chairman Roy Middlebrooks and former Post 1 County Commissioner Jason Hill. She was new to local government but knew she wanted to make a difference in the community, especially in the economic development sector. “I think that I was really passionate about strengthening economic development and building the business relationships in the community,” she said. Before she could achieve that, she had to learn the process of how local government operated.
She turned to Hill, who was a friend prior to her being elected, for assistance. Hill says that he encouraged Van Ness to run for the Post 2 seat and that it was a pleasure working with her for the two years they were on the board together. “She was always respectful and willing to work to find solutions even when the two of us didn’t agree,” Hill said. “Rockdale County will certainly miss having her in office.” Van Ness echoes the same sentiments as Hill. She says that thanks to the chief-of-staff at the time, Julie Mills, the three-member board was able to get on the same page before public meetings. “She would meet with us and go over the agenda, talk to us like, ‘Commissioner Hill wants to do this,’ or ‘Chairman Middlebrooks wants to do this,’” said Van Ness. “She would help build support for things. It was just a very calm, unified experience.” Overall, her two years working under the Middlebrooks Administration are some of her
fondest memories working as a commissioner. “With the previous administration it was a much more comfortable experience,” she said. “It was everybody working towards the same goal and problems in Rockdale County and doing what’s best for the citizens in the community. And there weren’t power struggles, like I feel go on today. “So I have good experiences and memories of that time working together, and I probably didn’t appreciate the access I had to department heads like I do now.” Her six years under the Oden administration has been “very different” compared to that time period. “We just don’t function that way and it’s unfortunate,” she said. “Chairman Middlebrooks and some of the other chairman in the past have had that trust relationship with the other commissioners and felt comfortable letting commissioners have access to department heads and having those open
lines of communication, and unfortunately now, they have to sign a statement saying they will report back to him anything that’s said. So very different.” She also believes the leadership for the community was better under Middlebrooks compared to Oden. “I think Chairman Oden’s intent is good, and let me just say all the commissioners I have served with are really passionate about (helping) the community,” Van Ness said, but thinks that the county would be served better with a county manager handling operations. A commonality between both administrations that Van Ness couldn’t stand to put up with was the bureaucracy. She gave an example of the Rockdale Transportation department needing to go back and forth between the board and the Georgia Department of Transportation to approve documents.
See VAN NESS, page 7
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Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 • 7
VAN NESS From page 6
“I knew from working in the federal government that the bureaucracy would bother me, and it’s the one thing that bothers me today,” she said. Life after the BOC When Van Ness took office in 2007, she had a one-year-old daughter. That child is now nine years old and gave Van Ness a different perspective on the situation. “It’s kind of unusually to think that that’s all she’s known,” said Van Ness. “In fact, she said, ‘I get my mommy back!’” Van Ness, who says she spends a lot of time researching ideas and legislation that could benefit Rockdale County in some capacity, anticipates doing more activities in the motherly role opposed to the commissioner role. “I go to community events representing Rockdale County,” she said. “(This) will definitely give me extra time on my schedule and free me up as mom which will be nice.” This transition may also free her up for more time to see her husband, but conflicting work
schedules may still prevent that from happening. Nonetheless, Van Ness says that she couldn’t have made it through these past eight years without Ken, the athletic director for her school in Covington, by her side. “(He’s) been great to allow me to focus on the county initiatives I’ve wanted to work on,” said Van Ness. “I’m so grateful to have a partner in
life that will do those things. He’s 100 percent in the game and I’m so extremely grateful.“ Van Ness she won’t attend county meetings that much next year, unless something dire is on the agenda. However, she still plans to watch them occasionally on TV or the internet, and will also look to be a useful tool the community can use if they need
assistance or have a problem with county operations. “Now, I have the knowledge to be helpful to people and direct them to a different set of people to work with,” she said, but, Van Ness also has faith that Post 1 Commissioner Oz Nesbitt will be attentive to the voices of the community. She says that when Nesbitt came on the board in 2009, with
Oden, she didn’t know much about him but they would eventually build a bridge of understanding between each other. “I can definitely say it’s been a growing relationship of trust between us,” said Van Ness. “I think I and Commissioner Nesbitt have built a good enough relationship for me to feel comfortable that he will take care of those citizens.”
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Education School Board of Distinction The Rockdale County Board of Education was recently named a 2014 Board of Distinction by the Georgia School Boards Association. The GSBA Board Recognition Program is a three-year, three tiered program, beginning with Quality Board status (the Rockdale BOE achieved this last year) and Exemplary Board is the top tier.“I congratulate our board members for this recognition and truly appreciate their work and dedication to public education and to the children and families in Rockdale County,” said Superintendent Richard Autry. The recognition was announced at the Annual GSBA Conference with Board Chairman Jim McBrayer and Board Member Katrina Young accepting the award. (Pictured, left to right) Bottom row: Sharon Pharr, Katrina Young, Mandi North. Top row: Brad Smith, Chairman Jim McBrayer, Wales Barksdale, Tony Dowdy, Superintendent Richard Autry.
Rockdale high school students excel on Ga. writing test By Staff Reports
Rockdale County Public Schools high school students continued their trend of setting high marks on the Georgia High School Writing Test this year. Overall, the RCPS district average increased one percent from a year ago to 97 percent of students meeting or exceeding on the writing test. RCPS students outperformed the state average of 96 percent. Heritage High School students received a 97 percent mark, the same as last year. Rockdale County High School and Salem High School students raised their scores by two percent from last year to 98 and 96 percent. “Once again I congratulate our classroom teachers in all subjects who support our interdisciplinary approach to teaching writing,” said RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry in a press release. “Written expression is a key skill desired by colleges and employers alike and our students continue to demonstrate strong writing skills as evidenced by these impressive results from each of our
Specialty program Open Houses
Open Houses continue for Rockdale County Public Schools’ specialty programs with seats for students outside the school’s zone. On Monday, Dec. 15, Edwards Middle School holds an open house for its new Pre-Medical Science program, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Conyers Middle School holds its open house for its new Center for Technology and Engineering program, 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. CMS is located at 400 Sigman Road. Parents and students will have an opportunity to tour the building and have an in-depth conversation with teachers, administrators and staff about the program as well as gain more information about the Aerospace Engineering Specialty track. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Salem High School’s Academy for Lead-
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Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 RockdaleNews.com Page 8
high schools again this year. I am proud of the accomplishments of our students and appreciate the collective efforts of our high school staff.” The GHSWT scores reflect eleventh-grade first time test takers who took the exam in September. In a press release, the Georgia Department of Education stated this year marked the last full administration of the GHSWT. In
the future, students’ writing will be assessed through the Georgia Milestones Assessment System. “As we transition to a new assessment system, students will still be required to show their writing proficiency, but they will participate in one comprehensive testing program, rather than a series of individual tests,” said State Superintendent Dr. John Barge.
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ership and Global Business holds its Open House 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. As part of its ongoing strategic plan, RCPS is continuing to roll out new specialty programs at Shoal Creek Elementary (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math Academy), EMS, CMS and at SHS. Existing specialty programs are: AVID Elementary at Sims Elementary, STEM Academy at Honey Creek Elementary, STEM Academy for Environmental Studies at Memorial Middle, Performing and Visual Arts at Davis Middle, Performing and Visual Arts at Heritage High, Institute for Advanced Technology at Rockdale County High, Global Business and Leadership Academy at Salem High. The application period is in January. For more, go to http://portal.rockdale.k12.ga.us
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Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014 • 9
The Rockdale Rockers A 55 & Older Social Club
Rockdale Medical Center Social Gatherings, Monthly Lunches, Health Education, Screenings & More!
The Rockdale Rockers will meet on the third Thursday of each month 11:30-1:00 for lunch, guest speakers, bingo and much more! Meetings are located in the East Tower Classrooms Annual ‘VIP’ membership $15 for one year; two year membership $25 For More Information: Deanne Mance 770-918-3908 • Jessica Smith 770-918-3190 Marianne Freeman 770-918-3111 • Charlene Rodriguez 770-918-3124 2015 SCHEDULE January 15 .............................................................. Darrell Huckaby, Local Author February 19 .......................................................................................... Heart Healthy March 19 ...............................................................................Don’t be Scammed... April 16 ....................................................................On the Move; Staying Active May 21..................................................................................Home Improvements June 18 ..................................................................................... Medication Safety July 16 ........................................... Estate Planning, Living Wills, & Funeral Planning August 20 .........................................................................All About Hospice Care September 17............................................................................All About Urology October 15 .................................................... All About Supplemental Insurance November 19 .............................................................................All About ‘Joints’ December 17 ............................................................................... Christmas Party
RSVP 1-800-424-3627 • Please RSVP one week in advance