The Rockdale News Saturday Nov 1st, 2014 by The Covington News

ELECTION

the News GUIDE

A quick overview of this year’s local candidates

Nov. 1, 2014

Volume 6, Issue 30

75 cents

rockdalenews.com

Serving Rockdale County and Conyers

SPOOKY TIME IN OLDE TOWN Basketball

Families hit the streets for Olde Town Fall Festival and Halloween

is back

Salem boys and girls basketball tip off season

Page 13

Onyx Book Club celebrates 20 years

By Michelle Kim

mkim@rockdalenews.com

Former Rockdale County Probate Court worker Freya Pearson, through her attorney Michael Waldrop, has applied to for an arrest warrant for Probate Court Judge Charles K. Mays Sr. for theft of services felony regarding the approximately $20,000 of backpay she alleges is due for work on setting up a mental health or veteran’s accountability court. The application for the warrant was submitted to Rockdale County Clerk of Court’s office around 3 p.m. Monday. The application was for Rockdale County Superior Court to decide on whether to issue the warrant. A letter asking for the recusal of Superior Court Judge David Irwin and Judge Robert Mumford was also submitted by Waldrop and Pearson. Waldrop said there had been no response from Mays by Friday, the deadline he had listed in a letter sent to Judge Mays Oct. 15, and no response was received See JUDGE, Page 14

By Bryan Fazio

Standoff ends peacefully

news@rockdalenews.com

Page 2 Follow us @rockdalenews

Warrant sought for probate judge arrest

Ebola concerns keep 200 out of school

Page 4

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Page 7

Main photo: Halloween contest Kids winner Kaison Joyner, 8, as Tonto; (counterclockwise from top) Emma Honea, 6, as miss-pac-man; Parker Honea, 2, as pac man ghost; (L-R) Reid Booker 8 academy award winner, Chris Ramos 5 - dinosaur, Liz Ramos 2 - princess, Jalisa Smith 5 - lion, Shanna Taylor 7 - horse. For Halloween night photos, visit rockdalenews.com photos by Michelle Kim /The News

A day after Newton County School System released information that a Newton High School teacher was in contact with someone traveling form Sierra Leone, the school’s absentee rate doubled Wednesday. According to NCSS Director of Public Relations Sheri Davis-Viniard, 213 students were absent from NHS, or about 10 percent of the school’s enrollment of 2,142 students. The high school typically has a 5-6 percent absentee rate, Viniard said. All absences from NHS Wednesday were excused. Thursday, Newton

See ebola, Page 14

The News The News

2 • Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 2 • Saturday, Oct. 1, 2014

‘FALL BACK’

On Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m. Daylight Savings time ends; set your clocks back one hour

RCHS crowns Homecoming royalty

Trending Most-viewed stories

rockdalenews.com

1 2 3

Oct. 25-31

Standoff ends with kidnapping suspect in custody Woman stabs husband with kitchen knife Warrant applied for judge’s arrest

Meeting Place Gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter, Pres. Jimmy Carter, Judge Hatchett, Democratic event, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. 1265 Parker Rd.. “An Intimate Conversation with Amb. Andrew Young,” Sat. Nov. 1, 7 p.m., Cameron Hall, 1035 Green St., $50 Rockdale County Public Schools closed Tues., Nov. 4

the

NEWS

1009 Milstead Ave., Ste 200, Conyers, 30012 Office 770-787-6397 , FAX 678-253-5988 Tips: 770-728-1437, news@ rockdalenews.com / Circulation 770-728-1414 / Advertising/ Sales 770-728-1436 Subscribe to The News for home delivery: $15 a year Call 770-728-1418 or subscribe online at rockdalenews.com

Michelle Kim/Darrell Everidge/The News

Rockdale County High School capped off a robust Spirit Week with a winning game against Lakeside (37-14, Rockdale) Friday. During halftime, RCHS crowned senior Carly Moon (top right, right), escorted by her brother Maso Moon, as Homecoming Queen. Matthew Bennett (top right, left) was crowned Homecoming King on Thursday. The members of the 2014 RCHS Homecoming Court (top left) are:Kemi Adeleke, Ana Diez, haneika Gayle, Amanda George, Nichole Hill, Sarah King, Elizabeth Lowe, Aminah Matthews, Shiymah McCarrall, Carly Moon, Brianna Nickerson, Kemaya Tucker, Jonathan Alvarado, Matthew Bennett, Chase Bullock, Blake Davis, Connor Ferrell, Jhibri Greer, Karmell Johnson, Miles Mitchell, Jake Stowers, RJ Summers, Ronzell Teague, Tajuan Warren.

News Brief | full story at rockdalenews.com

Kidnapping suspect in custody after brief standoff By Martin Rand III

news@rockdalenews.com

A brief standoff with a kidnapping suspect barricaded in a Conyers motel ended peacefully after the suspect gave himself up Wednesday around 5 p.m. Deputies with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals had been looking for 42-year-old Michael Smith of Social Circle after a reported kidnapping Tuesday. The suspect reportedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house in

Submitted photo/The News

Social Circle Tuesday and overpowered her, taking her firearm. He allegedly forced her to drive him to a bank in Covington where she withdrew money that he allegedly

took, according to NCSO spokesperson Sgt. Michael Cunningham. They went back to her house. Smith then left the house, driving a 2003 Ford Escape.

US Marshals and deputies looking for Smith received information Wednesday he might be in a Conyers location. When marshals arrived to the Econo Lodge on Dogwood Drive Wednesday, the suspect barricaded himself in the room. “He tells them ‘Don’t come in; I’ll shoot myself.’ He was considered armed,” said RCSO spokesperson Cpl. Michael Camp.“Once he barricaded himself in the room, we activated our SWAT team See full article at

rockdalenews.com

The News News The The News

Saturday, Nov. Oct. 1, 1, 2014 2014 •• 33 Saturday, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2014 • 3 Economic Development

CREDC highlights county’s ‘ROI,’ accomplishments By Martin Rand, III

For the presentation, Jones fo- corporate limits or outside of corcused on numbers related to the porate limits, in the unincorporatnews@rockdalenews.com Hill-Phoenix, Anthony Interna- ed area, they pay the exact same Questions in the past week tional, ASI and ABC Compound- amount of school taxes. They pay about how the Rockdale County ing businesses. Each company the exact same amount of county government was benefiting from has either relocated to Rockdale taxes," he said. "The only thing the work being done by the Co- or expanded an existing building that changes is if they pay city taxnyers Rockdale Economic Devel- already here. es." opment Council led to an economCollectively in 2014, these four But, Post 1 Commissioner Oz ic update Tuesday morning during businesses paid $919,000 in taxes, Nesbitt wants citizens to stop the Rockdale County Board of have $55.8 million in payroll and thinking solely on how the tax Commissioners voting session. employ 1,390 people. money is being divided up beCREDC Executive Director At least one of these business- tween the city, county and school Marty Jones took that time to let es, Hill-Phoenix, is located within board, and focus more on how the the board know the county was C Rthe E Acity T I Vlimits, E SIG N Jones O F F says | JaNiceVanness_14x48 2 is benefitting but that whole community getting a significant return on its CEHRdoesn't E| ARevision T I Vmatter E S I#:Gwhen | JaNiceVanness_14x48 2 0N O FitFcomes to from the collective pot. | Revision #: 0 investment to the Conyers Rock- EHtaxes being paid. See full article at dale Economic Development "I think it's important to know, Council. whether a business is located in a rockdalenews.com After demonstrating how ROI is calculated, Jones says that Rockdale has received a 130 percent increase on its annual $125,000 investment just from having businesses expand and move into the area because of the county taxes paid to the county government. Jones then estimated that if 50 percent of employees hired at these businesses decided to live in Rockdale and if 50 percent spend their earned cash in the county Submitted image/The News that could raise the ROI up to 435 percent for the county. Post 2 Commissioner JaNice Community Prayer Vaness suggested that those numCommunity Meeting 5p.m.Prayer Sunday bers were being conservative and Meeting 5p.m. Sunday that the ROI could actually be CLIENT SIGNATURE: CLIENT SIGNATURE: Potluck higher. ATLANTA: EMAIL SIGNED COPY TO YOUR AE OR FAX SIGNED Community COPY TO 404-699-9198 IMPORTANT TO NOTE: If m Community Potluck needed a charge of $100 an Jones agreed with her saying ATLANTA: EMAIL SIGNED COPY TO YOUR AE OR FAX SIGNED COPY TO 404-699-9198 IMPORTANT TO NOTE: If mo Dinner Tuesday at 7 p.m. work moving forward. needed a charge of $100 an h he wanted to start low for his first Dinner Tuesday at 7workp.m. moving forward. presentation and then bring actu1417 Parker Road ally numbers for his next presen1417 Parker Road tation. All are invited. Overall, the total community All are invited. ROI, benefit to the City of Cocbsoutdoor.com Thank You! nyers and Rockdale and School cbsoutdoor.com Thank You! MEMBERS! ENDORSEMENTS FROM COMMUNITY System, is about 636 percent. FROM MEMBERS! NormanENDORSEMENTS and Pat Wheeler • Jud and LindaCOMMUNITY Kidney • Gerry Byrd • Dr. Carter and Julie Norman Pat Wheeler • Jud Baker and Linda Kidney • Gerry Byrd Dr. Carter Julie• Rogers and • Philip and Griselda • Gary Bridgewater • Bob• and Sandyand Hasser Rogers • Philip and •Griselda • Gary• Adam Bridgewater • Bob and• Steve Sandyand Hasser • Foy and Lisa Mainor SandrineBaker Rainford and Janet Frey Carolyn Foy and• Sonya Lisa Mainor Rainford • Adam JanetMarinelli Frey • Steve Carolyn Frey Travis • •Sandrine Sandi Folsom • Diane andand Bernie • Samand Perryman, Frey Sonya Travis Sandi Vaughn Folsom • Commissioner Diane and Bernie Marinelli • Sam Perryman, Jr. ••Catherine and •Arthur Bud Sosebee • Carol Smith • Jr. McCarthy • Catherine• Dr. andTom Arthur Vaughn• •John Commissioner Bud Sosebee • Carol• Julie SmithMills • Fox Moorman DeBroux • Sha’Ronda McRae Fox McCarthy • Dr. Tom Moorman • John DeBroux • Sha’Ronda McRae • Julie• Mills • David and Cheryl Cooper • Muddessar Ahmad • Ray and • Jean Hambrick Shelli •Siebert David and Cheryl • Muddessar Ahmad• •Steven Ray andHolmes • Jean•Hambrick Shelli • Jerry and Cooper Renee Marrett • Tiny Terrell Billy and •Dee dee Siebert Jerryand andEleanor Renee Meyer Marrett• •Dr. Tiny Terrell • Steven Holmes • BillyBateman and Dee• dee Keel ••Don Mark Shurett • John and Jean Dr. Keel • Donand andKathy Eleanor Meyer ••Dr. and Jean Bateman ••Dr. Lynwood Cleveland TomMark andShurett Lorraine• John Harrison • Pat McGahee Ray O Lynwood and• Diane Kathy Davis Cleveland • Tom and Lorraine Harrison • Pat McGahee • Ray Garner, Sr. • Lisa Little • Dan and Theresa Ray • Mike and Frances F O Garner, Sr. •and Diane • Dan and Theresa Ray •Landy Mike and Carey • Jerry SueDavis Troff••Lisa PeteLittle and Joyce Mecca • Sheldon • Dr.Frances John and F Free Pickup & Delivery to Carey and •Sue • Pete • Sheldon • Dr. John and• Carol• Jerry Fountain Dr. Troff Gaines andand KayJoyce WhiteMecca • Ivy Wroe • VinceLandy and Cindy Evans F Ink Jet Cartridge Free PickupBusinesses! & Delivery to Qualified Carol • Dr. Gaines• and White • Ivyand Wroe • Vince and Cindy Refills TamiFountain and • Tom Schaller FranKay Jones • Tom Amy Johnson • Sam Evans Smiley• Ink Jet Cartridge Qualified Businesses! $12 or more order. 1 coupon per order. 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Four A unveils ‘Eastmore’ adjustments Four A unveiled more detailed plans, adjustments to the 308-acre 1,191 unit mixed use Conyers development during Oct. 28 panel discussion. See article at

rockdalenews.com

© 2014 CBS Outdoor Inc. All rights reserved.This artwork was created by and remains the property of CBS Outdoor Inc. Permission is granted for the use of this artwork only by the original reci not be used for any other purpose or transferred to any third party. Any and all sale, rental, transfer, duplication, transmission, posting on any website or otherwise on the Internet or other medi

© 2014 CBS Outdoor Inc. All rights reserved.This artwork was created by and remains the property of CBS Outdoor Inc. Permission is granted for the use of this artwork only by the original recipie not be used for any other purpose or transferred to any third party. Any and all sale, rental, transfer, duplication, transmission, posting on any website or otherwise on the Internet or other media of

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The News The News

4 • Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 10 • Saturday, Oct. 1, 2014

ong before Oprah started her book club, Atlanta had its own. In 1994, Sandra Mingo gathered a group of five friends to delve into a list of great literature. “You know, I’ve always had a love to read. I wanted to get a lot of people to read books by African American Authors,” said Mingo. And that’s just what she did. As the group grew, their monthly meetings were held in members’ homes in Cobb and DeKalb County. “When we moved out here to Rockdale, we grew by leaps and bounds,” said Mingo. The group called themselves “The Onyx Book Club” because they considered the authors and their own members “black gems.” In a brief biography of the group, Mingo wrote, ”As our club grew in numbers and across ethnicities, we decided to expand our reach to include books written by all people of color in the U.S. and abroad. “ Now, in their 20th year, the membership has grown to more than 65 readers, ranging in age between 20 and 70. While many of the members are local, some travel from as far as Augusta for the bi-monthly meetings. So far, they have read over 150 fiction and non-fiction books, including works by Tony Browder, Peal Cleage, Dr. Joe Lester, Gail McFarland and Waris Dirie. Mingo said, “The books that we read challenge our thinking, help us understand the plight of individuals, families, communities, society and various ethnic groups across the globe. We delve into complex and controversial subjects; and because everyone has a different opinion,

See Onyx, Page 11

Sisterhood of words Onyx Book Club celebrates 20 years of growing through literature By Lisa Hetzel

news@rockdalenews.com

Sandra Mingo, bottom right, founded the Onyx Book Club in Conyers with five friends in 1994. Today, the club has more than 65 readers.

Rockdale & Newton Counties’ First Choice for Orthopaedic Care Roderica E. Cottrell, M.D. Robert T. Greenfield, III, M.D. Chealon D. Miller, M.D. Terrance D. Webb, FNP, ONC

SPECIALTIES Hip & Knee Foot & Ankle Neck & Back Hand & Wrist Sports Medicine Shoulder & Elbow Joint Replacement Arthroscopic Surgery Reconstructive Surgery General Orthopaedics Interventional Spine Injections Non-Operative Spine Surgery

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3211 Iris Drive Covington, GA 30016 (770) 787-4042

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OpiniOn

Opinion

Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5

PUBLISHER T. Pat Cavanaugh pcavanaugh@rockdalenews.com Publisher T. Pat Cavanaugh pcavanaugh@rockdalenews.com DESIGN EDITOR Sabastian Wee swee@rockdalenews.com Design Editor Sabastian Wee swee@rockdalenews.com CIRCULATION DIR. Amanda Ellington aellington@covnews.com Circulation Dir. Amanda Ellington aellington@covnews.com

EDITOR Michelle Kim mkim@rockdalenews.com Editor Michelle Kim SALESmkim@rockdalenews.com DIRECTOR Annette Godwin agodwin@rockdalenews.com Sales Director Annette Godwin agodwin@rockdalenews.com COMPTROLLER Debbie Thompson dthompson@covnews.com Comptroller Debbie Thompson dthompson@covnews.com

Our Thoughts Our Thoughts Happy Birthday, RockdaleEthics Medical Commission It is hard to envision that when

There is supposed to be a folks set 60 years with a voteout coming upago at the Board dreamoftoCommissioners build a medical facility meetings on to in Rockdale County, that their the long dormant ethics comdreammission would turn into the 138 bed, plan for the county’s multi-million state-of-the-art Board ofdollar Commissioners. facility that have today in RockBOCweChairman Richard Oden will be presenting his dale Medical Center. plan,Hoswhich Fivepreviously years ago,stated LifePoint a member pitals,involves based in having Nashville, Tenn., the two boughtfrom our each local of hospital. Atmajor first localsome political parties but on the there was skepticism, ethicsfive commission. This has is over these years LifePoint political maneuprovennothing to be a but trueacommunity partver by more the Chairman. We doubt ner, pouring than $34 million whether this plan, which has dollars in capital investments alone been reported on in past issues, into our local hospital. The care would do much to provide and services, in our opinion, have an avenue for citizens to voice improved and the reason is that we any ethics concerns they have great local leadership and amight involving county employ1,200have member staff who believes ees. that our hospital is the best. BOC commissioner Janice In fact, LifePoint this past year Van Ness is proposing has awarded RMC its highest a plan including memhonor,that the involves “High Five Award,”afor ber from the business commuexcelling in five core areas of excelnity on the commission. lent patient care, physician support, We support Van Ness’s plan. employee workplace, community The swing vote on both plans service and fiscal responsibility. is BOC commissioner Oz NesCelebrating its 60 thethe birthday on bit, and we urge commisSept. 4, hospital officials announced sioner to vote for the plan that another pluspartisan for the hospital takes politics and out of the citizens of our county. There is the ethics commission. now a partnership Van Ness’with plan Piedmont will insure Healthcare system, rated one of that the community controls the best in the country for cardiac the ethics committee, not politservices other services. icaland hacks. This allows our local hospital to immediately improve its cardiac department, which will be a blessing. Soon there will be no need to lose precious being transferred to We time welcome letters to the editor. Atlanta. Letters must be 350 words or We less. lookThey for this partnership should be limitedtoto continue to bring new services issues of public interest andto may our hospital. be edited for content, grammar, We spelling are proud wish the folks andtolength. at Rockdale Medical very • Mail: Editor, TheCenter News,a1009 happyMilstead 60th birthday and200, we are Ave., Suite Conyers, looking GAforward 30012 to our hospital being a one-stop-medical care facility. • Email: news@rockdalenews.com

HAVE YOUR SAY

Robin Hood and the Digital Revolution

Election 2014 in context

The lovable legend of Robin Hood with his band of Merry olitical punditsforoften Men making life difficult the the forestoffers for the Sheriff ofmiss Nottingham a and it’s amazgreat waytrees, to understand the poliingofhow things look when you tics 21st-century America. pause for a moment to look As with any such story, cast-at theisbroader context of the 2014 ing key. The modern version midterm elections. The shortwould place termentreprediscustech sion among neurs in the political role of Robin junkies is all Hood and his about whethgang. er They’re Repubcommitted to licans can making life win control better the of thefor Senate Scott masses and and just how more than a Rasmussen many seats little Columnist they disdainwill fulwin. of the governing A lauthormost ities. everyone involved sees it as a The contemporary Sheriffs of close and competitive election. Nottingham would be played However, take a step back and byit’s government regulators. They easy to discern the message have kinds of formal fromallAmerican voters. authority but can’t compete in theTuesday, realm Whatever happens ofPresident moral authority. Robin Obama’sWhile time in office Hood techies are comwill and havethe cost his party more mitted to Congress making life for seats in thanbetter any presieveryone, are indent in atthe leastregulators half a century. terested in rules and power The more numbers are stark. President than Obama took office after the rather people. 2008 withto257 Someelections might object thisDemocastcrats in the House of Represening by claiming that the tech entatives. At are the in moment, are trepreneurs it for thethere monof histrue. party ey.only To 199 somemembers extent, that’s left — a net loss of 58 seats.

“ “

With a flair that Robin Hood

And, virtually all analysts expect term president including Bill the number of Democrats to de- Clinton (-47), George W. could appreciate, Uber is flouting cline even more next Tuesday. Bush (-17) and Ronald ReaThe only question is by how gan (-16). the established order by setting much. The damage to the DemocratTo put that number in perspec- ic Party is primarily the result shop andlostwinning hearts tive, theup 58 seats already by of the the president’s hugeof gamble

“ “

the NEWS the NEWS

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5

customers without the blessing of

Whatever happens Tuesday, regulators. President Obama’s time in office will have cost his party But you can’t hang around the is flouting the established order tech industry without also rec-in by setting up shopthan and winning more seats Congress ognizing that just about every- the hearts of customers without any in seeking at least halfofaregone involved has president a passion that first the blessing comes from seeing the world as ulators. In response, infuriated century. it is while also striving for a way to make it better. Besides, originaleven Robin the currentthe president tops Hood hadlost mixed motives,Nixon too. the 46 by Richard He risked and limb partly amidst thelife Watergate scandal. so that he could give to the On the Senate side, thepoor. same However, big part of his incentrend is aconfirmed. Following tive to win the of the plan 2008was elections, the girl Demohis dreams marry seats. into the crats held and 59 Senate Exroyal family.are that they will have pectations The sparring tech between 45 andbetween 50 following entrepreneurs and regulators is next week’s elections, a decline currently visibleNixon’s surroundof 9 to most 14 seats. Reing Uber, alost ride-sharing compublicans six seats over the samethat timeprovides frame. its custompany fair, service President Obama ers To withbebetter than the had more seats totaxi lose industry. than Nixheavily regulated on, but about With a the flairpercentages that RobinareHood the same. Andappreciate, the numbers are himself could Uber worse than any other recent two-

regulators around the world have declared team Uber to be outlaws. Butthrough they arehis outlaws to rush healthwith care public support. law with limited public support. Thethesame dynamic is shaping At time, many Democrats, upincluding on countless other fronts. then-House Speaker The health is Nancy Pelosi,care wereindustry convinced about to bewould rattledeventually by an amazthe law being arraypopular. of self-monitoring come Perhaps dethat vices. FDA isthealready made But themthe overlook danger working to protect statuslegisquo of passing majorthesocial and slowwithout down any change. It “is lation bi-partisan actively support.watching app stores” to prevent new apps from being It’s impossible to overlook the dangers until anymore. As thesigns 2014 deployed the agency midterm approach, off. Only 40elections such apps were apeven the generally supportive proved in 2012 and 2013, a pitiPolitico.com posted concise ful number when you athink of headline the evnew how manysummarizing apps are created reality: “Obamacare brings

ery day. It’s only a matter of time before some developers take the Democrats backlash, notofferbeneUber approach and begin fits.” ing apps that ignore the regulabacklash did more than torsThe but serve consumers. harm the Democratic Party. It Self-driving cars are coming, also dealt a blow to the presitoo, promising improved safety dent’s dream of restoringduring faith in and more productivity government. Today, confidence travel time. Education is another and trust in the federal governfield filled with tech-inspired enment is as low as it’s ever been. trepreneurial opportunity. Nothing that happens next TuesIn all of these areas and many day will change that reality. more, technology-driven change Just over a year ago, President will comehimself faster than Obama put itthe thisreguway. lators can write new rules. “If people can’t trust notThat only will to many morebut Uberthe lead executive branch also like conflicts with governments don’t trust Congress and don’t ordering innovative trust federal judges tocompanies make sure tothat stop providing a better we’re abiding by theservice Constiwithout permission. tution with due process and rule Sheriff ofJust law,like thenthe we’re goingoftoNothave tingham long ago, the some problems here.”regulators have the we fullhave forcea problem. of governSadly, ment backanthem up. There’s It’stoalso opportunity for little theytowill useBarack it to thosedoubt who want follow protect Obamatheir intopower. the White House. A Robin agenda Hood had the public modest of restoring trust with him, and today’s tech enin government by changing the trepreneurs can count on more way government behaves could than Americans withIt be 100 wellmillion received by voters. smart phones. long as as promthey may not be as As exciting keep focus on isingtheir to reshape theserving nation,the but it’s something everybody public, the Sheriffthat doesn’t stand aoutside chance.the political class wants to see. To find out more about Scott To find out about Scott Rasmussen, visitmore www.creators. Rasmussen visit www.creators. com. com.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Your response to “Lorraine Elementary lockdown lifted after possible bomb threat sweep” on

Economic Development Council’s ‘much ado about nothing’ facebook.com/rockdalenews

z said: a Martine araciquarterly G Dear Editor: Last Tuesday, during had to pay taxes and this was should submit report to the sa is el M ShCounty elia Dodd time of the thethat ere at so id: a questionI could th so r sI araised publicKcomments, just one of the ways in which taxpayers BOC and the public everyone al e tl as u w I B H g a r s, m in ilton said: is no othe aria th schoofol M therethis and how ren in bo to the Rockdale County Board benefitted. is noted here thatScott the Burkey understands body is serving was lockdown just ith child ThanItk yo u Lorraine ant my kids to w As a parent w sed with how this situation went er ev ld County. I wou eand ac Commissioners. The question was businesses he referenced are existing--the City the In the instant ea pl ey st pl th said: a e n ff or he fo m w r taking administration not be rraine ol. The to at Lobenefitting, scho to be was ndMr. ays not new---businesses. te en w at “How is the County Further, Mr. Jones c case, for Nesbitt suggest al pp My daughter a e the re ha as I w d ththat if d. g le th le in nd e ha kids. My hand ts well be staff from bothits commitment e studenon ies andmade itgra andINCREASE Threturn or was at Davis d to st or what is the investment n. clear that most of the progress County re w n ad d no do d re ho a , ck u lo ed g am I h on ter being e pros. ng, danc lik sa n er io rs th at he ga tu si ac o to n and the schools Te d e y. le for considering taxpayers in economic under the the CREDC is ludicrous. his of thdevelopment rit orke peop prioCounty, em. topthe awesome Obviously afeteria staff w s worked hard ve suchbe n. Cmore to hacannot bothduring handled it decision e lack of th ed childrefor an dollars than 3/4 of the auspices of the CREDC occurred ts based upon the di en to ud us st comfortaccount C r ou s. nche d love e luConyers d the tenure of his predecessor. professionally. information epar teach anand total the ks and prfor LES and figures, ere stocked an se snacbudget oms wRockdale Great job inflated ro st d do.progress, re ey e es th th bl l ay w al so e Thank you! re ar su e e W ak . Economic Development Council?” I also Immediately following Mr. Jones’ and inadequate ROI that was present in to m ents tra 700+ stud DMS!!!presentation e exthe hools!before requested that CREDC come presentation, the Rockdale News printed Mr. Jones’ clean for th sc g in az am ch be a part of suto make a presentation thetoCommission an article that on its surface appears to be It is clear to me that the CREDC d: self-serving in view of the comments has much work and explaining to do a Hamilton sai on what it has done to serve Den Rockdale very a e HAVE YOUR SAY ool and hav dle sch I work at Davis midthat County taxpayers. were attributed to Rockdale taxpayers. To the writer, knotow Mr. Jones, andWe welcome I e. rain Lor at n arte erg letters to the editor. Please include kind in daughter Shauna ParMarty This week, Rockdale Commissioners it appears that there is “much ado sons Jones, CREDC t to give a bigNesbitt and wan I , But ay. tod was it full name, hometown and phone number. Letters tic hec said: made a presentationhow Director, before VanNess, both of whom served previously about nothing,” and that the parties are ary ent elem e rain Lor at chers must be 350 words or less. They should be limited thank you to the tea siste r was there that the return the“My BOC suggesting on this body. Their comments can also scrambling to justify their continuing this ool sch from up her ed to issues of public interest and may be edited for school. When I pickbe construed as a slap with my niec and l on also investment for e’s Rockdale County in the face to a existence. dril fire the ut abo me rnoon she told grammar, spelling and length. class. She saidunusually the same highafte school taxpayers was given taxpayer who big haskids a right to questioncontent, the “field trip” she got to have to the thing. • Mail: Editor, The News, 1009 Milstead Ave., Suite care h great money. ng sucspends that regardless of where the businesses County To avoid Elaine Davis-Nickens for taki y’all the today. Thank all ofway 200, Conyers, GA 30012 are located, i.e., City or County, that all this in the future, perhaps the CREDC Rockdale County ! !!!!! kids our of • Email: news@rockdalenews.com

The News

6 • Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014

The Daedalians By Pete Mecca

news@rockdalenews.com

According to Greek mythology, a skilled artist and craftsman, Daedalus, along with his son, Icarus, had become imprisoned on the isle of Crete without hope of escape. Using his substantial intellect, Daedalus used wooden frames, wax, and various sized feathers to fabricate wings. After man’s first ‘preflight’, the two men took to the air, with a stern warning from Daedalus to his son not to fly too high because heat from the sun would melt the wax, nor too low, because sea foam may soak the feathers. Winging over the islands of Samos, Delos, and Lebynthos, Icarus got a bit too cocky, or forgetful, and gleefully soared upward toward the sun. The sun’s heat melted the wax, the feathers fell off, and Icarus, so to speak, ‘stalled’ in midair. He plunged into the sea and drowned. Most parents can relate: kids just don’t listen. There exists an organization called the Order of Daedalians. These men and women took to the air as American military aviators with many still on active duty. If you were or are an American military pilot, you qualify for membership. The worldwide network of Daedalian ‘flights’ support the military services and sponsor an ‘Awards and Scholarship Program’ to encourage patriotism, good character in our country’s youth, safety in flight, and integrity. My invitation to attend the Order of Daedalians Ben T. Epps Flight 102 was tendered by Rockdale resident and Vietnam War Navy F-8 fighter pilot, John Laughter. The American Legion meeting hall in Smyrna held a hangar full of gifted military aviators, including two former POWs in Vietnam, a venue of veterans this columnist classifies as a ‘target rich environment.’ I felt like a mosquito in a nudist colony ... I didn’t know where to start. Their personal stories will be presented in weeks and months to come, but in fairness to all the attendees please allow me the liberty to pen a wide range of open and sometimes

‘overheard’ narratives. Only one WWII pilot was in attendance, yet what a pilot he was. A P-51 Mustang pilot, he completed his training at war’s end yet never flew in combat. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, he trained on the legendary Mig-killer F-86 Sabre Jet but arrived in Korea too late to fly in combat. As they say, the 3rd time is a charmer. Colonel Homer T. Terry stayed on active duty and mastered the F-100, F-102, F-105, and the F-106. In Vietnam, Colonel Terry flew the F-105 Thunderchief, the “Thud” as it was affectionately called, on 125 combat missions. Senator Bill Rial is not really a senator, but he looks like a senator, so the Daedalians call him Senator. Suave and handsome, the Senator exudes the self-confidence of an aviator. He flew the A-10 Thunderbolt, more commonly known as the “Warthog.” The Senator basically sat inside a 1,200 lb. titanium armored ‘bathtub’ that protected the aviator and his instruments while firing a 30mm rotary cannon capable of 3,900 rounds per minute with 80 percent of the rounds inside a 40ft target from 4,000 feet. Bill Rial serves as the Daedalians Public Relations specialist — of course he does; what else would you expect from a guy people call Senator? I talked to a helicopter pilot that survived Vietnam. Another pilot spent his entire career behind the controls of mid-air refueling planes like the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC10 Extender. Another aviator piloted many aircrafts but enlightened us with his experiences as part of the ‘forward team’ for Air Force One during the Carter Administration. He also flew the flimsy and highly vulnerable FACs (Forward Air Control) aircraft from ‘Naked Fanny’ (Nakhon Phanom), the same jungle airbase yours truly operated from for 18 months before traveling to Saigon for another year. Yet the story that pulled my heartstrings was the guest speaker’s presentation on the shoot down of a RB-47H Stratojet on July 1, 1960. Yeah, I know, that was a long time ago, so why should a Cold War shoot down that’s

submitted photos /The News

over 55 years old be worthy of a newspaper story? Well, six Americans were aboard the Stratojet; four perished, two survived. A Soviet Mig fighter shot down our boys north of Murmansk in the Barents Sea, 50 miles from any coastline, friendly or hostile. Capt. John McKone, the navigator, and the pilot, Capt. Freeman Olmstead, survived the freezing waters of the Barents Sea for six hours before a Russian Trawler picked them up. The aircraft commander perished at sea and three Ravens (reconnaissance officers) went down in flames with the Stratojet. McKone and Olmstead were taken to the dreaded Lubyanka prison in Moscow. Although not physically tortured, the two airmen were kept in solitary confinement and interrogated ruthlessly but would not confess to any wrongdoing that would justify the shoot down in International waters. The airmen nearly froze to death in prison; the tea they were sometimes served froze solid. One of the captives, Freeman Olmstead, read Moby Dick 13 times while in captivity and in later years he recited every chapter with ease. The Soviets finally realized their injustice; gave the two officers a bar of soap and clean sheets, ceased the unrelenting interrogations and tried to change world opinion. But no trick or tactic could change the fact or justify the deaths of four American aviators. Ironically, if not sadly, prison guards asked the two flyboys to teach them the proper pronunciations for American curse words. The flyboys refused. After seven months of captivity, the Soviets finally released our two aviators. In the 10 years between 1950 and 1960,

approximately 75 Navy and Air Force personnel lost their lives in 10 separate incidents on routine and legitimate reconnaissance missions. On April 17, 1955, several Soviet Mig fighters pounced on a RB-47 in International airspace. The plane and its crew vanished from radar tracking and were never seen again. The so-called Cold War was anything but for the families and friends of airmen, sailors, or soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in peacetime trying to keep the barbarians from the gate. The cost of freedom doesn’t just apply to the precious souls lost in war. We owe a debt to the peacemakers, the men and women who protect and defend our way of life, our rule of law, our economy and our future in both war and peace. Mostly taken for granted and unappreciated by the powers that be, it is up to us to at least say ‘thank you’ to the young men and women in uniform. And a simple ‘thank you’ to an old soldier sporting his service cap would be appreciated. Who knows, that sort of kindheartedness may earn you a few extra points with Saint Peter when you approach the Pearly Gates. Past or present military pilots are invited to contact the Daedalians in Atlanta at flight102. com or contact the national website: daedalians.org. Pete Mecca is a Vietnam veteran, columnist and freelance writer. You can reach him at aveteransstory@gmail.com or aveteransstory.us.

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Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 • 7

2014 ELECTIONS Not sure who’s on the ballot this year? No worries, we got you covered. We even made this sample ballot for you to cut out, fill out and use as a guide when you’re at the polls Nov. 4.

FOR GOVERNOR J. NATHAN DEAL, (Incumbent) Republican JASON J. CARTER, Democrat ANDREW T. HUNT, Libertarian FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR L. S. “CASEY” CAGLE, (Incumbent) Republican CONNIE J. STOKES, Democrat FOR SECRETARY OF STATE BRIAN P. KEMP, (Incumbent) Republican DOREEN CARTER, Democrat FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL SAMUEL S. OLENS, (Incumbent) Republican GREGORY K. “GREG” HECHT, Democrat FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE GARY W. BLACK, (Incumbent) Republican CHRISTOPHER JAMES IRVIN, Democrat FOR COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE RALPH T. HUDGENS, (Incumbent) Republican ELIZABETH N. “LIZ” JOHNSON, Democrat EDWARD T. “TED” METZ, Libertarian FOR STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RICHARD L. WOODS, Republican VALARIE D. WILSON, Democrat FOR COMMISSIONER OF LABOR J. MARK BUTLER, (Incumbent) Republican ROBBIN K. SHIPP, Democrat FOR PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER (TO SUCCEED H. DOUG EVERETT) HERMAN D. “DOUG” EVERETT, (Incumbent) Republican JOHN H. MONDS, Libertarian FOR PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER (TO SUCCEED LAUREN W. MCDONALD) LAUREN W. “BUBBA” MCDONALD, (Incumbent) Republican DANIEL A. BLACKMAN, Democrat ROBIN AARON GILMER, Libertarian FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE IN 114TH CONGRESS FROM THE 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF GEORGIA HENRY C. “HANK” JOHNSON JR., (Incumbent) Democrat

FOR STATE SENATOR FROM 17TH DISTRICT RICHARD M. JEFFARES, (Incumbent) Republican FOR STATE SENATOR FROM 43RD DISTRICT RONALD B. RAMSEY SR., (Incumbent) Democrat FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM 90TH DISTRICT PAMELA S. STEPHENSON, (Incumbent) Democrat FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM 91ST DISTRICT D. “DEE” DAWKINS-HAIGLER, (Incumbent) Democrat FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM 92ND DISTRICT TONYA P. ANDERSON, (Incumbent) Democrat FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM 109TH DISTRICT R. DALE RUTLEDGE, (Incumbent) Republican FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM 113TH DISTRICT PAMELA A. “PAM” DICKERSON, (Incumbent) Democrat FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM 114TH DISTRICT L. THOMAS “TOM” KIRBY, (Incumbent) Republican G. KEITH THOMAS, Democrat FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF THE ROCKDALE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT RICHARD R. READ, (Incumbent) Republican FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER POST 2 JANICE VANNESS, (Incumbent) Republican DOREEN L. WILLIAMS, Democrat FOR ROCKDALE COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISOR (NONPARTISAN) (Vote for three) DAVID L. SHIPP RUSSELL W. TONNING Write In Candidate

FOR FOR UNITED STATES SENATE DAVID A. PERDUE, Republican M. MICHELLE NUNN, Democrat AMANDA C. SWAFFORD, Libertarian

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS -ATo prohibit an increase in the state income tax rate in effect January 1, 2015 (Senate Resolution 415). Senate Resolution No. 415, Act No. 592 “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to prohibit the General Assembly from increasing the maximum state income tax rate?” YES NO -BAdding reckless driving penalties or fees to the brain and spinal injury trust fund House Resolution 1183). House Resolution No. 1183, Act No. 589 “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow additional reckless driving penalties or fees to be added to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund to pay for care and rehabilitative services for Georgia citizens who have survived neurotrauma with head or spinal cord injuries?” YES NO

PROPOSED STATEWIDE REFERENDUM -1Allows property owned by the University System of Georgia and operated by providers of student housing and other facilities to remain exempt from taxation. House Bill No. 788, Act No. 613 “Shall property owned by the University System of Georgia and utilized by providers of college and university student housing and other facilities continue to be exempt from taxation to keep costs affordable?” YES NO

The News

8 • Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014

ELECTION GUIDE 2014 Here are the races you need to know about before the big day on Tuesday Board of Commissioners Post 2

JaNice Van Ness (incumbent)

Dr. Doreen Williams

Party: Republican Residence: Conyers Profession: Owner of Peachtree Academy For more: www.janicevanness. com, 770-356-7301 On experience: “I think experience in a position like this is very important. I have a vast array of knowledge regarding county operations and legislative pieces in the county, and probably one of the more important things is the knowledge and historical experience working on a budget because that is our focus and how we operate this community. I think you have to have someone who has the business savvy and the financial awareness that I do.” On jobs/economic development: She feels it’s her responsibility “to help facilitate and encourage job development and job growth and work to retain jobs in the community as well as recruit those jobs that will have higher paying wages and salaries.” “We must retain and expand our current businesses. We must work hand in hand with the City of Conyers to bring new partners to our community that will provide jobs, occupy current buildings, provide new construction, and help balance our tax digest.” On recreation and senior services: “ Rockdale County is moving toward a system of cost accounting to review the true cost of sports programs and services that we offer. The system would employ user fees to relieve some of the tax burden for these non-es-

Party: Democratic Residence: Conyers Profession: Retired educator For more: www.drdoreenwilliams.com, electdr.doreenwilliams@gmail.com On experience: Increased efforts for economic development, the adoption and implementation of a long-range strategic plan, and the coordination of educational courses needed for businesses looking at coming to Rockdale County On an ethics board: “It’s come up a couple of times and it didn’t get anywhere because there was unwillingness to negotiate. That’s unacceptable. We need an ethics commission that going to work.” On a long term strategic plan: A plan, sort of like ones that neighboring Newton and Gwinnett Counties have adopted, will guide Rockdale commissioners decision-making towards achieving benchmarks set forth in the plan, says Williams. On conflict on the board: What she sees is a three-member county board where “discord and contention” persist during board meetings, and sometimes stifles decision making. “My experience in education is that you take emotion out of things. You look at the research. You try to make rational (and) thoughtful decisions based on research and talking to people, interviewing people to get the best information you can. Not just making willy-nilly decisions because that’s what you what or somebody else wants or

State House Representative, District 114 (covers Rockdale, Walton, Gwinnett, Barrow counties)

Tom Kirby (incumbent)

Keith Thomas

Party: Republican Profession: Human Resource Safety Manager For more: www.kirbyforgeorgia. com, tom@electtomkirby.com On taxes: For Georgia to compete with neighboring states for businesses, Kirby believes the state needs to transform the tax code. “It is time that we look at a complete transformation of the tax code… There are so many different taxes that individuals and business are hit with. There are embedded taxes in all of the goods and services that we pay. It is past time to have a simpler fair tax for all Georgians.” On government: “Government has grown way too big and has exceeded what good and necessary government should be doing. I will be working to reduce government every chance I can, including pushing back from the overreach of the federal government.” On solar power: “Georgia has a great opportunity to utilize more solar power. This bill simply opens the gate for solar energy providers to allow them to fairly compete in the marketplace. No special consideration, no tax dollars to support them. They either make it or not on their own merits.” On the treatment of embryos: “We in Georgia are taking the lead on this issue. Human life at all stages is precious including as an embryo. We need to get out in front of the science and technology, before it becomes something no one wants. The mixing of Human Embryos with Jellyfish cells to create a glow in the dark human, we say not in Georgia. This bill is about protecting Human life while maintaining good, valid

Party: Democratic Profession: Business Manager For more: http://keiththomashd114.com, keith@bctc.net On experience: Believes in local control of schools. His primary objective if elected to the state government will be to reform Georgia’s public education system. With his 7-year-old grandson now enrolled in public school, he feels a duty to make sure he has the best tools available to be successful. He wants local school districts to get more funding from the state budget and should be budgeted first, separate from the rest of the state budget. “If you look at our education system, it’s near the bottom (compared to other states).” On taxes: Opposes any tax increase on the sale of items that are necessary and essential for retired Georgians and folks living on a fixed income. On jobs: “There needs to be more good paying jobs in the district… I’m a community person. I’m from here. I see where we’re weak and where we’re strong.” Working in the construction industry for 39 years, Thomas strives to put every able-body citizen in the district to work while also promoting the growth of small businesses and industries within the district. He claims to have personally helped find work for hundreds of people living in the district through local apprenticeship programs in the building trades industry.

The News

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 • 9

2014 ELECTION GUIDE Here are a few more state-wide races you need to know about before the big day on Tuesday

Secretary of State Brian Kemp (i)

Party: Republican City: Athens Occupation: Small business owner/ Secretary of State E-mail: brian@votebriankemp. com Platform Issues: First and foremost, I am responsible for ensuring safe, secure and accessible elections. Working with our local elections officials, Georgia is leading the country in new online tools to make elections more Kemp accessible and we have a zero tolerance policy for any kind of voter fraud. Additionally, one of my top priorities is making sure that the vote of every single member of our Armed Services overseas is counted. Under my leadership, Georgia has implemented a test program to help make voting easier and more accessible overseas. We are currently working on additional options to make this process even more accessible and more secure for our heroes. To help support small businesses my office has supported efforts to cut government red tape. Under my leadership, Georgia continues to maximize new online tools to make our services more easily available to citizens.

Doreen Carter

Party: Democrat City: Lithonia Occupation: Consultant E-mail: doreen@doreencarter. com Platform Issues: My three main platform objectives are operational efficiency, government transparency, and protection of voting rights. My goals would be to improve the efficiency of the Secretary of State’s operating practices; Carter help ensure the office of Secretary of State is transparent in its work with professional organizations; and implement operational best practices, informed by feedback from business own-

ers engaged in the credentials and renewals process. I would also focus on promoting collaboration to dissolve siloed approaches to leading change. This means utilizing all of the state’s assets in a cooperative fashion, focusing on the needs of our counties, to deliver on our mission to serve the people of the State of Georgia. Finally, I would passionately and enthusiastically work to end voter suppression. I will use the Executive Office of the Secretary of State to encourage legislation that makes voting easier for all legal citizens of our State– especially the elderly and those of foreign origin. By making access easier and processes as simple as possible for ALL of Georgia citizens, we can have confidence that the fundamental right to vote is not denied to any eligible Georgian.

Commissioner of Insurance Ralph T. Hudgens (i)

Party: Republican City: Hull Occupation: Investor E-mail: ralph@ralphhudgens. com Platform Issues: Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is a advocate pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and pro-traditional marriage. Whether it’s automobile or traveler’s insurance, he’s committed to giving consumers the necessary information to make the right decision for their family or busiHudgens ness. Keeping Georgia’s families safe is a responsibility that Hudgens takes seriously. To protect our children from natural disasters like floods and hurricanes, Hudgens will continue to partner with Georgia-based companies to host Hurricane Preparedness Expos throughout the state. To prevent tragedy at home, Hudgens will double down on his “Operation Safe Home” initiative, which donates hundreds of smoke alarms to the disadvantaged, and will continue to travel the state to perform safety seminars. The growth of technology, especially online, has led to an increase risk of complex scams and fraudulent activity. Hudgens will continue to protect con-

sumers from fraud by keeping a sharp eye on scammers trying to take advantage of the vulnerable.

Elizabeth N. “Liz” Johnson

Party: Democrat City: Statesboro Occupation: Retired Insurance Professional E-mail: electlizjohnson@gmail. com Platform Issues: Putting Georgians first should include expanding Medicaid eligibility to provide health coverage for hardworking low-wage earning uninsured Georgians, including nearly rural Georgians, veterans and Johnson veteran spouses. I will monitor implementation of the Patient Protection/Affordable Care Act Law and its impact on health insurance premiums for improvements. I’ll identify additional innovative and affordable health care options by partnering with the medical community, community-based services, Department of Community Health, Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities and the Department of Public Health. I will work to increase consumer awareness by utilizing virtual outreach and implementing offline outreach opportunities for our overlooked and under-served rural Georgians. I’ll establish regional and rural Satellite Constituency Service Centers to better serve Georgians. I will utilize focus groups input for improvements within each subset of the office. I will install a 24-hour consumer protection hotline and train subsequent staff for immediate reporting of suspected insurance abuses, fraud and emergencies that just won’t wait until 8 a.m. the next business day.

Edward T. “Ted” Metz

Party: Libertarian City: Mableton Occupation: Independent Insurance Agent E-mail: tedmetz@gmail.com Platform Issues: I pledge to be the watchdog to make sure that Georgians are given a fair deal by solvent companies practicing ethical sales methods, and I pledge to make consumer buying guides and information readily available. Life Insurance is real-

ly a euphemism for “Pre-mature Death Insurance.” Life Insurance should be a part of every responsible person’s Metz portfolio so that loved ones can settle the estate and move forward without an undue burden of debts and expenses left after your passing. Although the office is called Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, no proper definition of Safety Fire can be found. I will endeavor to rename the office in a grammatically correct and easily definable manner.

State School Superintendent Valerie Wilson

Party: Democrat City: Decatur Occupation: Nonprofit Director E-mail: valarieforeducation@ gmail.com Platform issues: Restore funding to the education system; Enforcing regulations for charter schools; (As told to the Ga. School Boards Association): “My vision is Wilson a public education system that provides all children with an equitable and quality public education that incorporates rigor and relevance. It is a vision that creates a rewarding experience for a new generation of learners who are prepared to be globally competitive with their peers across the country and abroad. Ultimately, it is a vision of a system that prepares children to be strong, productive citizens who enjoy successful lives. In order to achieve this vision, I have identified four top priorities: The first is restoring and increasing the K-12 budget, recouping the billions of dollars lost to public education and bring the budget current to today’s actual costs and needs; second, working to alleviate the use of public dollars to support private schools through vouchers, income tax credits, and the proliferation of for-profit charter schools; third, working with DOE staff, local districts, teachers, parents and students, I would move forward with the implementation of Common

Core actively soliciting and utilizing their input; and finally, empowering teachers and engaging parents to ensure success for our students.”

Richard Woods

Party: Republican City: Tifton Occupation: Educator/ Self-Employed E-mail: woodsforsuper@yahoo. com Platform Issues: Opposes Common Core Education; Bringing back 180 days to the school year ; (As told to the Ga. School Boards Association) “We must go out into our communities and have an honest discussion with our parents, teachers, students, and concerned citizens about Woods what they want education in Georgia to look like. As state school superintendent, I will hold a series of community listening sessions with community members and their local legislative delegation to get input and feedback on educational policies. I also plan to hold regular meetings with education organizations and other community groups in order to find ways to move education forward in our state… During the course of my campaign, I have had success with using multiple forms of marketing to get my message out to Georgians from across the state. This strength will serve me well as a state school superintendent as I communicate where we want to go in education and how we are going to get there… I feel that one of the biggest challenges facing public education in Georgia is lack of communication regarding the successes that occurring every day in our classrooms. We have dedicated teachers and students who are making great strides. I will work hard to market that message… Ultimately, I believe in classroom-focused and child-centered decision making. Policy decisions must be made in the context of what will support our classroom professionals and increase student achievement… From the onset of this campaign, I launched a C4 plan (http://woodsforsuper. com/c4solutions). This solutions-based plan is what our teachers, parents, students, and taxpayers deserve.”

10 • Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014

Obituaries Douglas Stephen Bennett

SouthCare Funeral Home Mr. Douglas Stephen Bennett, 65, of Conyers, died Friday, October 24, 2014 after a long illness. Mr. Bennett was born June 8, 1949 in Burke County, son of the late James and Ola Bennett. Douglas Bennett recently retired from working as a Quality Douglas Bennett Assurance Manager. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers James and Bobby Bennett, his sister Sara Williams, and his sister in law Elsie Lowman. Surviving are his wife, Roberta Bennett of Conyer; daughter Robyn Guy and her husband Stacy of Alpharetta, Ga.; son Nathan Bennett and his wife Angie of Covington; sister Kitty Wachob; sisters-in-law Lilly Bennett, Peg-

The News

gy Bennett, Candace Barrier, Pat LaFevers; and brother-in-law Roby Barrier. Also surviving are four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Nov.1 at Rockdale Baptist Church in Conyers, GA. Douglas Bennett will be interred at Mt. Olive Baptist Church at a later date. The Rockdale News Nov. 1, 2014

Richard “Chuck” Boelkins

Scot Ward Funeral Services Richard Charles (Chuck) Boelkins, II passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2014. Born on Jan. 2, 1939, he was preceded in death by Richard C. Boelkins, MD, and Jean Blocksma Boelkins of Grand Rapids, MI. He attended Calvin College and graduated from Oberlin College. He attended University of Wisconsin as a research assistant to Dr. Harry Harlow where he received his M.Sc. (Experimental Psychology). He received his Ph.D. in experimental psychology in 1972 from Stanford University.

He was elected to Society of the Sigma Xi. Chuck served as Assistant Professor in the psychology department at Georgia State University from 1973-75. He worked for the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in the late 1970’s. While at Harvard, C h u c k served as a consultant to the World Health Organization and as a Chuck Boelkins reviewer of grant applications and manuscripts submitted to several peer-reviewed scientific journals. In 1978, Chuck left academia to follow his passion in the arts and woodworking designing and building residential furniture. In the late ‘80s Chuck was selected to co-chair the first Rockdale County Comprehensive Land Use planning committee. He chaired a volunteer committee to develop a County Solid Waste Management Plan to include residential

recycling. Chuck then created the Rockdale County Transfer/Recycling Center. For the last eleven years of his career, he worked in industrial recycling for the State of Georgia in the Department of Natural Resources. He is survived by Sue Chappell of Conyers, his wife of 38 years; brothers, David D. Boelkins of Holland, MI and James Nelson Boelkins of Jennison, MI; his daughter, Valerie Jean Hayes of Springfield, VA and son, Richard Charles Boelkins III of Oakland, CA; his grandsons, William Bennett Hayes and Jonathon Roger Hayes also of Springfield VA. A celebration of his life was held Wednesday, October 29 at 11:30 a.m. at Scot Ward Funeral Services. The family requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Chuck’s memory to www.nationalgeographicsociety.com or www.georgiaconservancy.org. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216. The Rockdale News Nov. 1, 2014

William David Moon

Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes William David Moon was born July 26, 1932 and passed away October 29, 2014. Funeral Services for William David Moon, of Conyers, will be held on Saturday November 1, 2014, 11 a.m. graveside at Hillandale Memorial Gardens 6201 Hillandale Dr, Lithonia, GA 30058. William Moon Vi s i t a t i o n was Friday October 31 from 2 p.m. -.4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. For more information TEXT WMoon to 72727. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. Rockdale Chapel 1999 Hwy 138 Conyers, GA 30013 The Rockdale News Nov. 1, 2014

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Sports

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 Page 12 rockdalenews.com

SEASON PREVIEWS

Shakeem Holloway/The Rockdale Newa

Lady ‘Noles basketball By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

October 27 marked the beginning of basketball season for high school. We begin our string of weekly season previews for each team with Salem girls and boys basketball. The Salem girls are coming off a historical season that saw them reach the elite eight of the state playoffs and they’re looking to return to glory, but this time they want to win it all. The tone surrounding the Lady Seminoles seems to be championship or bust, and you can see it in their practices. “It starts everyday in practice.

We talk about that constantly, about you can’t just look at today as just another day of practice. It’s in preparation for our end goal,” Rochone Dilligard, Lady Seminoles head coach, said about the team’s goal of winning a state title. “We come in every day with the same intensity when we’re playing a cross-town rival in a game and it looks that same way in practice. Our practices look like a game because we have that intensity and that’s what we just gotta keep going all throughout because we do have an endgame in mind of a state title. Everybody else in the country has that same goal so you can’t get caught up in that, you just gotta be diligent in doing

what you do and being the best at what you do.” Salem, boasting a strong senior class, returns three starters from last year after losing only two seniors. LSU commit and Lady Seminole standout Ayanna Mitchell returns, along with two impact players in Rosie Kyles (4.4 rebounds and two steals per game last year) and Shay Tarver (11.9 ppg last year). Dilligard says that with the experience on this team and having been in the system for four years she expects it to be a seamless transition into the season. Their leadership experience is evident in

See Lady ‘Noles Page 13

Seminoles looking to get over the hump By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

For the fourth consecutive season last year, the Salem Seminoles boys basketball program made it to the first round of state – despite the team’s 4-12 region record. The team is losing six of its seniors from last year, but retains all-region guard Austin Samuel who averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds per game last season. “We did lose a lot of seniors, but those seniors really didn’t have a whole lot of varsity experience before their senior year. The year before that we lost three guys that are now playing college,” Noah Harrell, Salem head basketball coach, said. Harrell added that they do have a young team that doesn’t have a lot of experience. He said several of the returning guys were on the varsity team and were around the varsity players that made it to the first round of state. “I’m excited to see what we’re able to do. But it’s one of those things of until they start playing a lot of minutes you never know what you’re gonna get,” Harrell said. “I feel like we’ve got a lot

of potential, but we’ve got a long way to go.” Harrell says that in order to get over the hump he has the team working on the little things that matter. “ We looked back at a lot of our weaknesses last year and looked at where we really stumbled and we are really keying on harping on the little things that add up to be big things,” Harrell said. “We are taking a new mentality of we’re holding ourselves accountable for all minor mistakes because those minor mistakes turn in to big mistakes.” Harrell spoke about some of his returning players, such as Samuel and Michael Green. Players that he’s counting on to step up and have a huge impact this season. “He’s (Samuel) a 6-4 wing. He can play guard, he can play post. He was all-region last year he averaged about 13 points and 10 rebounds a game. I’m expecting a lot out of him this year,” Harrell said. “Our point guard is Michael Green and he’s a junior. He’s been on varsity since he’s been a freshman. He didn’t play very much as a freshman but he played a whole lot

Ayanna Mitchell takes the ball past halfcourt on a fastbreak.

last year, so I’m expecting him to have a really good year. He’s grown a couple more inches, he’s about 6-1 now and he is very solid with the ball, has great court vision. I’m expecting a lot out of him.” Harrell added that he has other juniors stepping up, who he thinks has grown and expects to continue to grow. Senior Jarrett Cook played significant minutes last year, and Harrell says that he held his own and showed that he’s ready for the challenge. Chandler Davis, a 6-foot-6 junior post player played a little in the state playoff game and played well enough that Harrell thinks he’s ready for varsity. Harrell says that he’s expecting him to take a big step, despite not having much varsity experience. “I feel like we have a lot of potential and I really want the community to come out and support us. We’ve made it to the state playoffs four consecutive years in a row, but unfortunately we have lost every year in the first round of state,” Harrell said. “We are trying to get over that hump. Concentrating on the little things is what we’re really trying to key in on so we can get over that hump.”

Rockdale athlete of the week: TJ Warren

Darrell Everidge /The News

TJ (Tajuan) Warren has been selected as the Rockdale News athlete of the week for the second time this season. Warren exploded for 244 all-purpose touchdowns against Lakeside last week, leading the Bulldogs to a 35-14 win.

The News

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 • 13

Lady ‘Noles From 12

watching them practice. You see players telling other players where they need to be and you see them holding each other accountable. “They’ve been in the program so long, they know the expectation level,” Dilligard said. “They know what they’re supposed to be doing and they are doing a very good job of communicating to the younger players and to each

other. They’re holding each other accountable, being where they’re supposed to be and doing what they’re supposed to do.” “We’re working on mastering a lot of the things that we did last year, but due to our experience we’re able to add a couple of new things this year. Because they do have a basketball IQ and they’re able to pick up things quickly.” The Lady Seminoles were working on defense in practice. Things such as pressuring the ball and getting out on fast breaks.

“Our focus is always defense. We want people talking about, “How are we going to score against that team?” That’s what we focus on whether it’s fullcourt, half-court – whatever it is, we are going to stop you. That’s our mission, that’s what we think,” Dilligard said. “A lot of times you can’t control if the ball is going in the basket or if you’re getting your shots or anything like that. But you can control your effort and your level of intensity on defense and we re-

Made it to state

athletes they’re also students. I have a lot of them that are taking dual-enrollment classes. We pride ourselves on just the actual character they have, the integrity they have and also the students that they’ve become.”

ally try to focus on that.” Although there are good athletes on this team, Dilligard says that there is more to them than that. Dilligard said, “This is a great group of kids. I want people to also know that they’re not just

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High’s attendance policy will be enforced. The system also sent home and posted on its website and Facebook page an information packet, which included a letter to parents and a tip sheet on infection prevention. “The Georgia Department of Public Health has requested assistance form school districts in Georgia to help make the public aware that any person(s) who travels to the Ebola-affected African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, will be considered “at-risk,” the letter said. “If you, your child or any member of your family has

been exposed to an individual(s) who has travelled to or from Ebola-affected countries, please notify your child’s principal or school nurse immediately. Per board policy, before being allowed to return to school, your child(ren) will be required to have clearance from a medical provider stating that he/she is not ill.”

Newton High School students and staff received the information on the Ebola virus, due to concerns over a teacher’s spouse, according to a statement released Tuesday, returning from Sierra Leone Monday. NCSS Director of Public Relations Sheri Davis-Viniard told The News that the NHS teacher’s room was sanitized as a precau-

15, and no response was received over the weekend. DJ Asante, listed as an agent of the Mays Family Trust on court documents, told The News on Friday that the family would issue a statement over the weekend. No statement was received as of Monday morning. The lengthy warrant application goes into detail in arguing why the warrant should be issued. “It’s very detailed for a reason,” said Waldrop. “This is obviously a serious matter of serious magnitude. We wanted to treat it as such.” Check back rockdalenews.com for more details.

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