The News, Jan. 31, 2015 V 6 I 44

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the News

Jan. 31, 2015

Volume 6, Issue 44

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Lifetime Achievement winner and other Chamber awards Page 8 Serving Rockdale County and Conyers

rockdalenews.com

NEW CITY HALL COMING SOON KEEPING IT 1,000 Page 12 Ready for

snowpocalypse?

Page 3 Probate judge faces more lawsuits Page 2 Like us at facebook.com/ rockdalenews Follow us @rockdalenews

By John Ruch

jruch@rockdalenews.com

Plans for a new Conyers City Hall are moving ahead at a fast clip, with architect bids expected within the next week, city officials said at their Jan. 24 annual Winter Retreat. But the exact site and the funding mechanism for the $7.5 million project are still up in the air, leaving the timing a bit uncertain as well. “We put a lot of effort into this one,” city Chief Operating Officer David Spann said of the request for quotations from architecture firms. A similar request for construction management firms will go out shortly after the architect bids come in, he said. The current multi-building City Hall complex on Scott Street is aging, crowded and inefficient, officials have said. Last summer, the city had a consulting firm create the interior plans for a new City Hall to be located elsewhere, with the Scott Street complex remaining as a public safety headquarters. City officials previously identified a stretch of Oakland Avenue as the site for the new City Hall, but have since backed off to speak more generally of finding a location somewhere between I-20 and Green Street, where the city owns much land. However, it will need to be a big area, as the City Hall is expected to cover about 5 acres. Spann noted that the land situation is changing in that area, with a couple of vacant properties undergoing city condemnation.

See CITY HALL on PAGE 3

Conyers man charged with murder of elderly roommate By Michelle Kim

mkim@rockdalenews.com

A 23-year-old Conyers man has been charged with the death of his elderly male roommate. Daniel Charles Lee Shaw, 23, has been charged with malice murder for the death of James Roberts, 72. Roberts was reportedly stabbed and beaten. An autopsy report concluded that the cause of death was combined blunt force trauma to the head and multiple stab wounds to the throat and chest. The two, who are not related, had lived together in Roberts’ single-story duplex for about a year. Shaw was reportedly homeless when Roberts picked him up and took him in.

Shaw was unemployed and assisted Roberts. Roberts had previously been arrested in Rockdale by a regional drug task force in 2001 for obtaining a contained substance by fraud (prescription fraud) SHAW and for shoplifting in 2004. Police were called to the home on the 1000 block of Pine Street early Thursday morning, shortly after midnight, according to Conyers Police spokesperson Investigator Kim Lucas. Shaw called 911 and told police that Roberts was unresponsive and had been down for about an hour. On the phone, Shaw reportedly indicated he detected some pulse or breath

and then indicated there was none. But when first responders arrived, “the victim was clearly deceased and had been deceased for some time,” said Lucas. “Physically, on the suspect and victim, they had signs of a physical altercation. Inside the home there were signs of a physical altercation,” said Lucas. There were reportedly no appearance of gunshot wounds. Investigators collected weapons from the scene, including knives. The two reportedly had an argument over medications. Both had prescription and over the counter medications, which were present in the home. Shaw has been charged with malice murder and is currently booked in the Rockdale County jail.


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2 • Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015

GPTC president named to Ga. Chamber Board

4 • Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015

the NEWS

1009 Milstead Ave., Ste 200, Conyers, 30012 www.rockdalenews.com

Office 770-787-6397 FAX 678-253-5988 News Tips: 770-7281437, news@rockdalenews.com Advertising: 770-7281436 Circulation: 770-7281414 The News (USPS pending) is published weekly on Saturday, for $32.00 a year (plus tax) for home delivery, or $33.92 by mail per year by Covington Newspaper Company, Inc., 1166 Usher Street., Covington, Ga. 30014. Periodicals postage paid at Covington Ga. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The News, P.O box 1249, Covington, GA. 30015

Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Dr. Jabari Simama, President was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. As the state's largest business advocacy organization, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce shapes public policy and fosters economic viability. "I am honored to have been appointed to serve as a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's Simama Board of Directors," stated Dr. Simama. "The mission of Georgia Piedmont Technical College aligns closely with that of the Chamber. This is an excellent opportunity for the college to work alongside business, government and other academic leaders to positively impact Georgia's economic future," he continued. Chris Clark, Chamber president and CEO, said he is delighted that Dr. Simama has accepted this appointment. "Dr. Simama brings a wealth of knowledge to this post and our organization, having served in leadership positions in both government and higher education. As president of one of our state's premier technical colleges, I am certain his contribution to the board will be significant," he said. The appointment is a one-year term beginning January, 2015.

The News

Mays faces more lawsuits The News

By Michelle Kim

mkim@rockdalenews.com

Three more cases involving Charles K. Mays, Sr., who is also the elected Probate Judge of Rockdale County, were heard in Rockdale Magistrate Court Wednesday, resulting in one case being thrown out and two cases having limited awards against Mays and the Mays family. The cases were heard by Judge Curtis Miller of DeKalb County Magistrate Court. Miller was sitting in for Rockdale’s Magistrate Court judges, who recused themselves because the matter involved a judge sitting in the same circuit. In one case, Mays tried to evict contractor Rodney Scott. Scott had won a lawsuit against Mays in November for work and materials renovating a condominium that Scott lived in and that was owned by the Mays family. Mays was ordered to pay Scott about $10,000 and Scott was ordered to pay any remaining rent and to move out by November 30. On Dec. 5, Mays filed an appeal of that judgement; that appeal is still pending. However, Mays also filed a

disposessory against Scott, seeking to carry out the judgement that Mays had appealed. In Magistrate Court on Wednesday, Judge Miller explained multiple times to Mays, who was representing the Mays Family Trust, that the appeal Mays filed caused the November 30 deadline to no longer apply since the judgement was suspended during the appeals process. Miller threw out the dispossessory case. In another case, about $3,000 was awarded to the Viewpointe East Condominium Association, which was suing Charles K. Mays, Jr. for about $10,000 in unpaid association fees. The president of the Viewpointe East Condominium Association, contractor Mike Zanetti, also sued Charles Mays Sr. for about $2,500 of tools that were allegedly taken and unpaid wages for supervisory work he did for Mays on a contract for the Marriott hotel in Conyers, near Home Depot. The claim for the tools was dismissed due to lack of evidence, and one of three work invoices - about $300 worth - was awarded.

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The News

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 • 3

Is Rockdale ready for another snowpocalypse? By Martin Rand, III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

It’s been one year since Snow-maggedon covered the metro-Atlanta area streets and interstates with mounds of snow and sheets of ice leaving children trapped at schools and motorist stranded on the interstate for more than 16 hours. While not experiencing the same level of calamity on the streets and roadways as the ones near the city of Atlanta, Rockdale County citizens and employees had their own hardships, says Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency Director Dan Morgan, who’s also the Rockdale County Fire and Rescue, or RCFR, chief. Cars slid on and off the icy roads causing numerous minor traffic accidents and road blockages. Parts of the county were shut down for at least a day and people were told to stay off the roads unless it was an emergency. “The (Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office) and fire department brought out just about every 4-wheel drive vehicle we had to either tow people uphill to keep roads clear, pull people out of

CITY HALL From FRONT PAGE

The funding mechanism is the other big factor yet to be determined. City Attorney Michael Waldrop outlined several options at the Winter Retreat. His recommendation was to use the city’s existing but largely dormant Urban Redevelopment Authority to issue bonds. The authority consists of the mayor and City Council and was formed several years ago to give the city eminent-domain powers in that same I-20/Green Street area. It has the ability to issue bonds, Waldrop said. “This [City Hall complex] is something that could fall under that plan,” Waldrop said. He noted that if the city ever moved to rebuild the Scott Street complex with a better public safety facility, that also could fall under the Urban Redevelopment Authority and its bonding power. The city would need to hold a public hearing to discuss such a change to the authority’s purview, Waldrop said. City Chief Financial Officer Isabel Rogers said she would need to determine whether the authority could issue tax-exempt municipal bonds or

ditches, or the most important thing, we provided transportation to those hospital workers who couldn’t make it in to work… so we could maintain staffing throughout the county of emergency services,” said Morgan. But, any major issues that happened within the first afternoon of the ice building up on the ground, says Morgan. After the initial unusually high emergency call volume, things went back to relatively normal levels. A lot for credit goes to the response time and swift action of the county EMA and its partners, but Morgan also credits the citizens with listening and heeding their message of the caution. “I know that from the state side, a lot of people in the metro-Atlanta area took a lot of heat for some of how things were handled,” he said. “I will tell you from the Rockdale perspective, the emergency services side, sheriff, ambulance, fire, and hospital, seem to be very prepared and handled everything that was thrown at them, but you have to hand it to the Rockdale people. When we told them please stay off the roads, for the most part they did.”

Even though he felt the county showed great response and coordination during the unprecedented amounts snowfall, a few lessons on how to better handle future similar situations were learned. The biggest, from the fire department side, was that they didn’t have enough 4-wheel drive vehicles to assist in the response of stranded vehicles. “Rockdale County was very dependent on the (RCSO) for those 4-wheel drives,” said Morgan. So, Morgan requested four new 4-wheel drive vehicles for the RCFR in the county’s 2015 capital budget. The vehicles, two SUVs and two Ford F-350s, will replace Ford Crown Victoria, which were “useless a year ago,” in the RCFR fleet. The vehicles, which can be used year-round to assist in a variety of situations, will cost about $170,000 altogether. “We have added to our capabilities,” said Morgan. The Rockdale County Department of Transportation has beefed up its arsenal against another potential snow and ice battle as well. RDOT acquired a new snow plow attachment and it added to

regular bonds. Other funding options are problematic or less attractive, Waldrop said. One is issuing a general bond, which would offer the lowest financing rates but would require a referendum vote. Another is to establish a new public facilities authority and issue bonds through it, but whether it is legal for such authorities to issue bonds is a “gray area,” Waldrop said. Yet another option is a lease-purchase deal where some

private entity would acquire the City Hall land and essentially put the city on a rent-to-own payment plan. The Georgia Municipal Association is one option, Waldrop said, but that move would require a public bidding process. City Manager Tony Lucas said a private investment group headed by former Florida Department of Transportation chief Lowell Clary has met with city official to offer a similar deal with a low interest rate but a rapid pay-back period.

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its stock of rock salt and sand that it uses to spread on the road during winter weather. “We got down low (last year) and we had to get some from the state,” said Morgan. “We want to have as much on hand as possible.” Also, the communication between county EMAs, state officials and meteorologists from the National Weather Service, or NWS, has improved drastically from a year ago. On top of numerous meetings that have been held over the past year, Morgan says that whenever a storm or weather that has potential to affect the area negatively is headed toward Rockdale or the surrounding area, there’s more of an effort to keep everyone in the know about what’s going on. “We’ll have conference calls, where you might have 50 EMA mangers, two or three people from the National Weather Service, a couple of people from (Georgia Emergency Management Agency) operation cen-

ter, and they’ll give us updates. We’ll look at it on the computer. We’ll be able to ask questions specifically for their county,” he said. “So from the communication standpoint, from the weather side, I feel like the whole state of Georgia is much, much more in tuned. The information hadn’t change. It’s just getting to us faster.” The likelihood of another Snow-pocalypse happening this year is unlikely. According to State Climatologist Bill Murphey, the only upcoming precipitation for the area will be a little bit of rain Sunday afternoon that’ll last until Monday morning. “I don’t see any major winter precipitation on the horizon,” said Murphey. That’s all well and good for Morgan who isn’t looking forward to another seeing snow or ice hit Rockdale anytime soon. “We hope it don’t occur again,” said Morgan. “But, I hope it would run as smoothly if it happened again.”


The News

4 • Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015

board of commisioners

BOC defers chairman’s new vehicle request By Martin Rand, III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

Rockdale County Chairman and CEO Richard Oden will have to continue to drive his ten-year-old vehicle a little while longer. The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to defer Oden’s request for a new 2015 Ford Expedition XLT vehicle to a later meeting. Post 1 County Commissioner Oz Nesbitt made the motion to defer the item, but it was Post 2 County Commissioner Doreen Williams who was the main opponent of the agenda item at the board’s work session last week. Her main issue dealt with the price tag attached to the vehicle. During Tuesday’s regular meeting, she further elaborated on her view. “My concern has nothing to do with purchasing a new vehicle for the chairman,” said Williams. “Simply, perhaps we want to get something that’s not quite as expensive.”

The large SUV Oden requested costs $44,756 and was factored into the county’s 2015 capital budget during last year’s budget discussions. It comes with optional equipment added, such as the XLT package, the towing package and the 4-wheel drive, which adds $17,393 to the cost of the standard vehicle. It would replace the 2005 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer currently driven by Oden. The 2005 Ford Expedition was purchased for $34,360 during former-County Chairman Roy Middlebrooks’ tenure and has accumulated over 111,000 miles on the engine. Oden says the current vehicle he drives is a top-of-the-line edition for the 2005 model year and that this new vehicle would be a “downgrade” because it’s not the high-end model for the 2015 year. The Ford Expedition Platinum EL, which retails for about $60,000, is the high-end model for 2015, says Oden, and that would be the comparable model to his current vehicle. “Obviously the downside to this is in

terms of some packaging, which I don’t think I need it, so I’m just going to let that up, and I appreciate the line of questioning and the hurdle,” said Oden. He further explained why the newer vehicle was warranted. “(The 2005 Expedition) is a ten-year-old vehicle with over 120,000 miles, probably going to add another 10 (or) 15,000 by the end of this year,” said Oden. “In terms of seating, I’m a pretty big fella, and I do host a lot of dignitaries in this community from out of the region, out of the state, and I think your leadership, we have adequate transportation that is comparable to those who come into this community.” Williams recommended purchasing a new vehicle that was less expensive and, during the work session last week, used the Rockdale County Coroner’s request, which was approved during Tuesday’s meeting, for a 2015 Ford Explorer, which would cost the county $29,947, as an example. The 2015 Ford Expedition comes with a 3.5 liter, V6 Ecoboost engine, has seating

for about eight adults and gets an estimated 15 miles-per-gallon in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway. In other county business: The board approved a contract for the Rockdale County Sheriff ’s Office to Motorola Solutions. The contract will pay Motorola $33,549, from federal discretionary funds, to install a bi-directional amplifier system, which increases the transmission capabilities of signals, at the Rockdale County Courthouse. The board approved another contract with Motorola Solutions that will supply the RCSO with 90 mobile radios. The radios will cost $24,868. The board approved a contract with Mansfield Oil Company in the amount of $1.37 million dollars to supply county vehicles with gas and diesel fuel for the whole year of 2015. The board will meet again during its work session next Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. at the Assembly Hall building, 901 Main Street, Conyers.

obituaries

Robert “Bobby” Housworth Robert “Bobby” Housworth, 82, of Conyers, died Sunday, January 25, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Myrtice Housworth; and sister, Frances “Sis” Housworth. He is survived by his wife Jackie Housworth; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Housworth Debora Housworth; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Roddy Thomas; grandchildren, Jon Thomas, Coley and Stephanie Housworth, Bradley Anderson, Melissa and Greg Swink, Megan and Michael Riviere, Ryan Thomas, Taz Housworth; great-grandchildren, Emma Thomas, Addi Housworth, Audrey Swink, Bubba Swink, Hailey Riviere and Jackson Riv-

iere; brother and sister-In-law, Harold and Lucille Housworth; sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Perry Conner, Deloris Maddox and Judy Merritt; brother-inlaw, Ray West; many nieces and nephews and close friends. Funeral services will be held at Rockdale Baptist Church, Wednesday January 28, 2015 1 p.m. , with Rev. Billy Moss officiating; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday January 27, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Philadelphia Baptist Cemetery Trust fund in his memory by mailing to 4386 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 c/o Mike Goddard. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

new officers The Friends of the Nancy Guinn Library held their annual business meeting on January 17 at the library and elected officers for 2015. (Left to right) Back row: Janet Wagman - Hospitality Chair, Peggi Lincoln - Member at Large, Juanita Canen – Treasurer, Linda Jarrett - VP Programs, Gwen Ellington Co-Vice President, Joy Maner - Corresponding Secretary. Front row: Charlotte Gellert - Recording Secretary, Linda Kelly - Member at Large, Charlotte Bauer - Co-Vice President, Judy Anthony - Ways and Means, Mary Ann Holder – President. Not pictured: Russell Worley - Member at Large.

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Opinion NEWS

pcavanaugh@rockdalenews.com

DESIGN EDITOR Sabastian Wee

EDITOR Michelle Kim

mkim@rockdalenews.com

SALES DIRECTOR Annette Godwin

swee@rockdalenews.com

agodwin@rockdalenews.com

CIRCULATION DIR. Amanda Ellington

COMPTROLLER Debbie Thompson

aellington@covnews.com

dthompson@covnews.com

Our Thoughts Pets

Occasionally, as we drive around the county on one chore or another, we see stray animals wandering the highways. We see animals tied up in backyards with no place to go when the cold weather hits us like we are supposed to experience this weekend. Being animal lovers ourselves it breaks our hearts to see such animals mistreated. If you have the privilege to have an animal that is your responsibility to love and care for, than do it. If you can’t or won’t, then turn them into animal control. That would be less cruel than treating them with no care at all. If you know someone that is mistreating their animals report them to the Rockdale County Animal Control. Their shelter is located at 1506 Rockbridge Road and they can be contacted at 770-278-8403. During this cold weather please take the extra time to insure that your animals are protected from the elements; it’s the right thing to do.

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

County addressing wastewater plant smell Dear Editor: The Rockdale County Quigg wastewater treatment facility, which ESG Operations staffs under contractual agreement, serves an important role for the public by providing proper treatment and disposal of domestic and industrial wastewater and the associated bio-solids. Bio-solids are biological and inert wastes that remain after removal from wastewater. Unfortunately, during the treatment of these wastewater streams, odor generation is an undesired outcome. All wastewater treatment facilities produce a certain amount of odor, which is normally not offensive. The Quigg plant management’s goal is to operate the plant so that odors are not offensive and kept to a minimum. To do this, the unit operations that provide treatment, as well as offensive odors, may be covered or housed to capture, treat and eliminate them. Recently, residents living near the Quigg facility began to complain of an offensive odor coming from the

plant. Initially, plant management and staff were unable to determine the odor’s origin and therefore, imple-

within the treatment process to determine the source and modify the offending unit, but none of the initiatives

All wastewater treatment facilities produce a certain amount of odor, which is normally not offensive. The Quigg plant management’s goal is to operate the plant so that odors are not offensive and kept to a minimum. To do this, the unit operations that provide treatment, as well as offensive odors, may be covered or housed to capture, treat and eliminate them.

mented numerous searches and operational changes

taken were successful. Yet, with the help of several lo-

cal residents, the odor’s source thankfully was identified and staff’s attention was shifted to odor containment and treatment. Odor containment and treatment requires developing a plan to cover the offending unit. The structure will have an air removal system that will be connected to an on-site scrubbing unit designed to remove industrial strength odors. ESG Operations and engineering staff will perform a majority of the work. The time associated with the County procurement process and actual project construction will require around 3- 4 months for project completion with an estimated cost of up to $40,000. Rockdale Water Resources will continue to keep the public apprised of the progress we make on this important project. Dwight S. Wick Rockdale Water Resources Director, Rockdale resident

Trash in streets needs to be priority Dear Editor: Last week’s article on roadway trash was a waste of good paper to start. Let’s get right to the heart of the matter and that is we now have trashy people who have moved here and use our byways as their personal trash heap. Next we have law enforcement that needs clear and concise instructions to nail anyone throwing out trash. Then push the judges to get tough on offenders. But you see in today’s world that would come out as profiling and heaven forbid anyone gets their “feelings” hurt with a ticket and heavy fine plus picking up trash on a rainy cold day. My road frontage is constantly covered in litter. Heck a cop could sit in my driveway and make their annual salary plus retirement catching drivers going thru from Henry and DeKalb.

Let’s get right to the heart of the matter and that is we now have trashy people who have moved here and use our byways as their personal trash heap.

PUBLISHER T. Pat Cavanaugh

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

the

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5

Not to mention the huge semi trailers cutting thru to avoid 138 traffic. Our

small bridge at flat bridge is not rated for these overweight truckers. I sincerely doubt anyone really cares about trash anymore since the constant murder stories are prevalent nowadays. My guess is money will be poured in more military equipment for law enforcement rather than a good beat cop out here to try and return us to a enviable community in which to live once again. I know day dreaming is just an escape from reality but sometimes you just need to remember how good we had it here! Don Meyer Conyers


Religion

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 RockdaleNews.com Page 6

Where to Find Food Help

Religion Calendar SUNDAY, FEB. 1

Sunday Superbowl Gathering 3-9p.m.; Springfield Activity Center; potluck; tailgating starts 3 p.m. outside, bring grills

SUNDAY, FEB. 8

Gosel Concert

10:30 a.m., Community Church of Praise, 3851 Union Church Rd, Stockbridge; concert featuring The Browders; 770-918-0008.

MONDAY, FEB. 9

Salem UMC Blood Drive

1:30 - 7:15 p.m.; Salem United Methodist Church, 3962 Salem Rd., Red Cross Blood Drive; David Bennett, 770-388-7236.

THURSDAY, FEB. 12

Nehemiah food pantry and clothes ministry

9:30 a.m.-11:30 am.; Nehemiah Empowerment Group Ministries, Inc., 1005 Hardin St., Conyers; food pantry and clothes ministry open every Thursday; 678-458-8311, 770-7554319, anthonysmith105@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14

Spread the Love Community Breakfast at Macedonia

9-11 a.m., Feb. 14; Macedonia Baptist Church, 1052 Barton Street, Conyers; breakfast for those at extended stay hotels, boarding houses and homeless in the community

Bald Rock Baptist Women’s Day Celebration 10 a.m. Feb. 14 Brunch; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 15 service; Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284 Old Covington Road, Conyers; Women Ministry Annual Women’s Day Celebration. 770-929-3421.

Valentine’s Dinner Family Promise fundraiser 6 p.m.; Conyers First United Methodist Church; 921 North Main ST NW; “Love to Laff” Valentine’s Dinner Fundraiser featuring author Darrell Huckaby; Tickets $40 per couple; dinner of pork loin or chicken, raspberry spinach salad, mushroom rice, green beans, cherry or strawberry cake; jsprague396@gmail.com

• Servants of the Lord. (770) 922-6206. Saturday and holiday meal delivery. Call for interview and to start delivery, no age limit. Sponsored by Conyers First Methodist Church. • Presbyterian Church of the Resurrection, 676 Ga. Highway 20 NE, Conyers, (770) 922-5553, pcres@bellsouth.net. For Rockdale residents; once a month; must provide driver’s license or proof of residency and pick up food. Call in orders by Wednesday and pick up on Thursday morning.

• Rockdale Emergency Relief, 350 Tall Oaks Drive. (770) 922-0165. Rockdale residents can receive a box of non-perishable food every three months. You must have Social Security card and picture ID at time of pick up. You also must arrange your own pick up. • Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Ga. Highway 212. (770) 483-7228. Every Tuesday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. A variety of food, breads, pastries and canned goods. Eligible once every three months. Must show a current picture ID.

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The News

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 • 7

Foundation honors late RCHS baseball player Jordan Savage By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

The family of a Rockdale County High School baseball player who lost his life to Lupus last year is making sure his spirit lives on with the establishment of the Jordan D. Savage Foundation, Inc. to reach youth through sports. The non-profit foundation is a community service organization that is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the life of Jordan D. Savage by raising funds to provide support to the high school and youth sports programs in our community. The primary fundraiser for the foundation is the Savage Run 5K. a 3.1 mile run/ walk that will be held June 6, 2015. For more information about the race or to become a sponsor go to www.rusignup.com/ savagerun5k. “Jordan was a passionate and loyal athlete and teammate. We can think of no better way of memorializing his life than to perform services and raise funds to allow young athletes to play, enjoy and excel in the sport of their choice,” wrote his moth-

er Claire Henry. “We also support the programs of the Lupus Foundation of Georgia and seek to help improve the quality of life for persons living with Lupus.” Jordan Savage was jordan a recent 2014 gradusavage ate of Rockdale County High School and former Rockdale Youth Baseball Association player. Savage battled an unpredictable opponent known as Lupus, an autoimmune disease. The foundation will provide registration fee assistance for youth who cannot afford the entry fees to play baseball or other sports. If you are a youth under age 18 and need help with registration fees for sports, email jdotsavage@gmail.com. For more information contact Claire Henry, 404-512-0090, twitter:@jdsavagefdn or https://www.facebook.com/jordan.savage.7146 Also, if you would like to contribute to the Jordan D. Savage Foundation, you can go to www.gofundme.com/ejgcqk .

Lexicon Studios grand opening

Martin Rand III /The News

Junior McKylie Wilkerson, Junior Elle Thompson and Senior Joshua Horton, celebrate the grand opening of the Lexicon Studios, a video production space designed by the Lexicon Technologies to create technician training and customer support videos. These new Lexicon employees are enrolled in Rockdale Career Academy’s first employer-led video production program this Spring 2015 semester.

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The News

8 • Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015

Passing the Gavel

Darrell Everidge/Michelle Kim/The News

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce highlighted extraordinary community servants in the 31st Annual Meeting on Jan. 27, 2015, at the Ga. International Horse Park. Clockwise from top left: The Gus Barksdale Lifetime Achievement Award winner is Pastor Aldren Sadler of the Church of New Beginnings, President of the Citizens Progressive Club, a chaplain at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and a member of the Hospital Authority board. The 2015 Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Deborah Armstrong, CEO of Rockdale Medical Center was passed the gavel by outgoing Chairman T. Pat Cavanaugh, publisher of The News. The James Culpepper Volunteer of the Year Award winner is Marcie Howington, director of the Phoenix Pass transitional housing program for homeless women and children and co-founder of the Rockdale Young Professional Leaders, presented by last year’s Volunteer of the Year and the 2016 Chamber Chair-elect Earl Wise. The Education Partner of the Year is DART Foundation, presented by Willie Washington to Lisa Phillips, HR Manager for Dart Container Corporation’s Conyers facility who accepted the award on behalf of the Dart Foundation. Last year the Dart Foundation donated $35,000 to Heritage High for engineering courses and grants for (STEM) related projects at various RCPS schools. Community Spirit Award Winner is Chick-Fil-A in Conyers, presented by Scot Ward to Gene Robinson, manager of the Conyers Chick-Fil-A, who gave “glory to God for all that I do.” Chamber board members who were leaving the board were thanked for their service, including Alice Queen, editor of The Rockdale Citizen, and Brandi Wells.


The News

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 • 9


10 • Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015

STRONGER TOGETHER By Michelle Kim

Getting fit for 2015

didn’t,” said Simon. “Then two nights a week. Then three nights a week.” She did her workouts “under the radar, in case I failed.” But fail she did not. When the Pyes opened the Crossfit Ransom gym in 2014, Simon stayed with them, although it took a little convincing for her to realize she had already been doing Crossfit-type exercises all along. Now, Simons – who used to pooh-pooh exercise – hits the gym twice a day. She attends the 7 a.m. workout, where she’s usually the only one, and then the evening workouts to socialize. And for the past three years Simons has been on the winning team of the county gov-

Stronger Together For newlyweds Grace and Donovan Carter, working out did not come easily, but now they can’t imagine their daily lives without it. The Covington natives got married August 2012 and hit the “Newlywed 15.” Donovan, a 23-year-old Information Michelle Kim/The News Technology proernment’s annual weight loss chalfessional, said “I’d started to lenge for employees. The key is finding a way that pudge out a little bit. (Grace) exworks for her. “’Modification’ is pressed she wanted to get in better the best word ever,” she said. “I shape. So I said OK, you should go to bootcamp.” may modify it, but I can do it.” Grace did go but struggled with And not going to the extremes. motivation and asked Donovan to “I knew for me, it had to be slow and steady. I had to make realistic come with her. They found workchoices that I could keep up with.” ing out together motivated each Food is a big part of fitness. “For other to keep going. “It makes everything easier me (it was) eating regular food but making better food choices, add- when you have a similar routine ing in more vegetables, adding in together,” said Grace, a 24-yearmore raw foods. Cutting out pre- old hair dresser and nanny. “We can do dinner together so we can pared foods, and limiting sugar.” Her advice to anyone wanting get out at the same time. Days to get healthier but leery of exer- when I don’t want to go, he wants cise? “Just do it. Just start. Don’t to go. When he doesn’t want to go, I want to go. It really does work be afraid.”

out.” Neither saw themselves as Crossfit-types before they began the bootcamps and the Crossfit Ransom gym. Grace was in dance and Donovan played sports growing up. But they credit the Pyes’ supportive coaching style and the community at the gym. “We’re five to six months in. I haven’t hit my goals completely, but I’ve done a lot of things, I’ve achieved a lot,” said Grace. She’s lost inches and gained muscle. And she’s discovered she’s stronger than she thought – she now deadlifts 255 pounds. Ryan now deadlifts 355 pounds and squats 315 pounds. When he started, he was at 135 pounds and 150 pounds respectively. But both emphasize it’s about competing against yourself, not against other members, who are all in different stages with different strengths and weaknesses. “This is the first year I started in January and I’m still (working out as) January is coming again,” said Grace. “I’ve never done this in my entire life. That’s a big deal. That’s a goal that I hit.” For the young couple, working out also gives them peace of mind. For Donovan it relieves stress after work and commute. For Grace, “The biggest thing, for me as a woman, emotionally, it makes me feel 10 times better when I work out. I feel really depressed if I don’t. Not because I’m obsessed with working out or anything. It just makes me feel really good mentally. “There’s something about the physical, it really does relieve the emotional side. It is all connected.”

Daniel Lafayette Carmichael, 20, Covington, Jan 20, Battery, Cruelty to Children Paul Auston Jones, 26, Locust Grove, Jan 21, DUI Mary Louann Larsen, 25, Loganville, Jan 21, Driving Without a Valid License Maurice Marcellius Gordon, 39, Stockbridge, Jan 21, Simple Assault, Battery Kerwin Ray Jeffrey Piper, 39, Conyers, Jan 21, Driving Without a Valid License Laurie Lacenda Jones, 27, Monticello, Jan 21, Criminal Trespass Charity Hope Nesbitt, 32, Lithonia, Jan 21, Battery Robert Lee Nealy, 54, Atlanta,

Jan 21, Theft by Deception Angela Cornelia Goss, 53, Conyers, Jan 21, Battery Ashley Marie Printup, 26, Conyers, Jan 22, Probation Violation Chelsea Rebecca Bennett, 17, Conyers, Jan 22, Disorderly Conduct Clemmie Jean Crowe, 48, Monroe, Jan 22, Battery Danielle Marie McDaniel, 36, Commerce, Jan 23, Theft by Taking Ray Anthony Jones, 37, Conyers, Jan 23, Forgery, Poss. Of Marijuana Jamari Martrell Deadwyler, 18, Stockbridge, Jan 23, Burglary Deandre Montrel Coleman, 22, College Park, Jan 23, Burglary

Edward Thomas Ponder, 30, Conyers, Jan 23, Dui, Probation Violation Taariq Zakee Brown, 24, Lithonia, Jan 24, Dui Dane Alphonso Leader, 42, Conyers, Jan 24, Battery, Cruelty to Children Keith D Mitchell, 40, Decatur, Jan 24, Disorderly Conduct Tico Isahia Jovan Holloway, 17, Conyers, Jan 24, Simple Battery Courtney Sydarrian Anderson, 17, Conyers, Jan 24, Burglary, Criminal Trespass Lekeenan Dianti Goolsby, 22, Monroe, Jan 24, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping Miguel Patino, 35, Conyers,

Jan 24, DUI, Open Container Devin John Campanella, 21, Loganville, Jan 24, Poss. Of Marijuana Grady Junior Smith, 51, Monticello, Jan 25, Stalking James Charles Rowe, 56, Covington, Jan 25, Operating a Motor Vehicle While License Suspended Romeo Dashawn Winston, 24, Conyers, Jan 25, Theft by Taking Morgan Ayanna Stroud, 17, Conyers, Jan 25, Theft by Shoplifting Allan Deandre Riley, 19, Conyers, Jan 25, Poss. of Marijuana Dionte O Okelly, 18, Covington, Jan 25, Theft by Taking

“I remind them, if I can do it, anybody can do it. Everything can be modified.”

mkim@rockdalenews.com

Think lifting weights and building endurance is just for body builders? Think again. Anyone can benefit from strengthening and working out, and anyone can do the exercise and make the food choices needed for better fitness. It’s all about getting started and sticking to it. Modify Simons never set out to lose 90 pounds over the last two years. Or to become the unofficial den mother at the Crossfit Ransom gym. Her main goal, when she started working out in January 2012, was simply to survive. Simons, who has served as the unflappable secretary to Rockdale Superior Court Judge David Irwin’s office for 16 years, had not worked out for at least two decades. Her knees hurt when she did try. And she had gone on and off diets over the years, but nothing stuck. Like most people, she had the basic knowledge of what she needed to do to improve her fitness, but simply didn’t do it. “Oh heck, I knew it. I was just bad,” she said. “I don’t know what switch turned.” She described herself as a “healthy fat person” without drastic health issues to scare her into fitness. But she was keeping track of what she ate on My Fitness Pal. And then a friend invited her to a bootcamp workout run by Covington residents Morgan and Ryan Pye at her church, Conyers First United Methodist. “I started going one night a week, thought I would die, but I

The News

rockdale county jail log Michael Alexander Hernandez, 23, Covington, Jan 19, Battery Daphne Deanna Osborne, 29, Conyers, Jan 19, Battery, Cruelty to Children Brian Karson Simmons, 18, Covington, Jan 19, Theft by Shoplifting, Disorderly Conduct Ridley Rodrigo Ingram, 47, Snellville, Jan 19, Battery Kimberly Dawn Heath, 44, Mcdonough, Jan 20, Reckless Driving, Burglary Andre Anthony Prince, 53, Conyers, Jan 20, Probation Violation Katilynn Simone Thoma, 18, Conyers, Jan 20, Theft by Shoplifting


The News

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 • 11

Steppin’ for Stroke with Chi Tau Omega Get ready to turn up the heat on heart health awareness this month with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Chi Tau Omega chapter of Newton and Rockdale counties as it hosts "Steppin' for Stroke" Friday, Feb. 6, at Marshalls Sports Bar and Grill in Conyers followed by the Go Red for Women Fashion Show on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2 p.m. at The Mall at Stonecrest, 2929 Turner Hill Rd., Lithonia. On Friday, Feb. 6, 6:30-7 p.m.,"Steppin for Stroke" will collect a $5 donation at the door to benefit the American Heart Association. Attendees will learn new line dances under the instruction of Terronce “TJ” Es-

Community Calendar Please note the Calendar deadline for Saturday’s paper is noon Thursday. Email events to news@ rockdalenews.com.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Intergovernmental Town Hall 8:30 a.m. – noon; at Edwards Middle School, 2633 Stanton Rd. SE; sponsored by Commissioner Doreen Williams and State Sen. Ronald Ramsey; invited panelists Ramsey, Williams, State Rep. Pam Dickerson, Sheriff Eric Levett, City Councilman Cleveland Stroud, Rockdale Superintendent Richard Autry

Sunday, Feb. 1 Sunday Superbowl Gathering 3-9p.m.; Springfield Activity Center; potluck; tailgating starts 3 p.m. outside

Tuesday, Feb. 3 City of Conyers Meeting 3:30 p.m., Conyers City Manager’s Office, 1184 Scott St., Conyers Community Development Committee meeting, request by Rockland cargo to amend Gateway Village zoning category

Youth Town Hall Feb. 3, 6-8:30 p.m., Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Rd, Lithonia; Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler and invited panelists Rep. Tonya Anderson, DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Sutton, Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson

Thursday, Feb. 5 Empty Bowls at DMS 5:30-7p.m.; General Ray Davis Middle School, 3375 E Fairview Rd SW; tickets $5 adult/$3 child; A simple meal of soup, salad, bread and dessert will be served in a ceramic bowl created by DMS students as a reminder of those who have “empty bowls” in our community; also canned food drive; proceeds benefit Rockdale Emergency

Relief; kking@rockdale.k12.ga.us

Nehemiah food pantry 9:30 a.m.-11:30 am.; Nehemiah Empowerment Group Ministries, Inc., 1005 Hardin St., Conyers; food pantry and clothes ministry open every Thursday; anthonysmith105@gmail.com.

Friday, Feb. 6 Red Hot and Healthy Noon-2 p.m.; Rockdale Medical Center East Tower Classrooms, 1412 Milstead Ave.; 10th annual Red Hot and Healthy Luncheon and Fashion Show celebration of American Heart Month, themed “Hollywood’s Golden Age;” Fashions are provided by Belk; Tickets $15, RSVP by Feb. 2 at 800-424-3627

Steppin’ for Stroke 6:30-7 p.m. at Marshalls Sports Bar and Grill, 1180 Sigman Road Northeast; Chi Tau Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority Inc.; $5 donation for American Heart Association; learn new line dances under the instruction of Terronce “TJ” Estelle and One Step Above; www.chitauomega.com

Saturday, Feb. 7 5th Annual RCA 5K 10:30 a.m. 1 mile; 11 a.m. 5K; at Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr; abentley@rockdale.k12. ga.us

Go Red for Women Fashion Show 2 p.m.; at Mall at Stonecrest; Chi Tau Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority Inc.; free Go Red for Women Fashion Show aims to increase awareness about heart disease in women and features both youth and adult models who will wear red; www.chitauomega.com

Monday, Feb. 9 Salem UMC Blood Drive

telle and One Step Above. On Saturday, Feb. 7, 2 p.m. the free Go Red for Women Fashion Show aims to increase awareness about heart disease in women and features both youth and adult models who will wear red in support of the fight against heart disease in women; informational literature pertaining to heart disease will also be distributed. To learn more about heart health, visit www.goredforwomen.org. For information on upcoming community events sponsored by Chi Tau Omega, visit www.chitauomega.com.

1:30 - 7:15 p.m.; Salem United Methodist Church, 3962 Salem Rd., Red Cross Blood Drive; David Bennett, 770388-7236.

Affordable Healthcare registration 6-8 p.m.; Macedonia Baptist Church, 1052 Barton Street, Conyers; bring social security numbers, 2013 tax income forms, policy numbers of current health insurance, forms from healthcare. gov; Sponsored by Rep. Tonya Anderson; 770-362-0123 or bbcox2012@gmail. com

Tuesday, Feb. 10 Youth Town Hall Feb. 10, 6-8:30 p.m., Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr; Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler and invited panelists Sen. Ronald Ramsey, Commissioner Doreen Williams, Rep. Pamela Stephenson, Conyers Mayor Randy Mills

Thursday, Feb. 12 Nehemiah food pantry 9:30 a.m.-11:30 am.; Nehemiah Empowerment Group Ministries, Inc., 1005 Hardin St., Conyers; food pantry and clothes ministry open every Thursday; anthonysmith105@gmail.com.

Saturday, Feb. 14 RREA meeting 11:30 a.m., Feb. 14; Rockdale Baptist Church at 1295 Smyrna Rd, Conyers. ; Rockdale Retired Educators Association meeting, speaker will be RCSO Deputy Peter Elizabeth Wolfe; RSVP for lunch; Helen,770-483-6808, helensteve25@ bellsouth.net

Friends of Library Book Sale 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Feb. 14, Nancy Guinn Library, 864 Green St.; used book sale; 770-388-5040.

Spread the Love Community Breakfast 9-11 a.m., Feb. 14; Macedonia Baptist Church, 1052 Barton Street, Conyers;

breakfast for those at extended stay hotels, boarding houses and homeless in the community

Valentine’s Dinner Family Promise fundraiser 6 p.m.; Conyers First United Meth-

odist Church; 921 North Main ST NW; “Love to Laff” Valentine’s Dinner featuring author Darrell Huckaby; Tickets $40 per couple; dinner of pork loin or chicken, raspberry spinach salad, mushroom rice, green beans, cherry or strawberry cake; jsprague396@gmail.com


Sports

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 Page 12 rockdalenews.com Anthony Banks/The News

RCHS athlete of the week: Connor Ferrell Anthony Banks/The News

Keeping it 1,000: The Rashad Jones experience By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

Career marks such as scoring 1,000 points in your career as a high school basketball player don’t come often. That many points is an almost-astronomical total for a high school player, and Heritage senior Rashad Jones surpassed 1,000 last Friday scoring nine points in a 66-51 victory over region opponent, Loganville. “That was one of my goals coming into high school as a freshman. I always wanted to hit 1,000 points because when I first came to Heritage I saw [Laura Echols’] number retired on the wall, No. 32. And she had like 1,000-plus points so that was one of my goals coming into high school and it was just a

blessing hitting it,” Jones said. “It was just surreal because I hit one of my accomplishments so I was just really blessed and honored to get the award.” Echols played for Heritage from 1994-1998, and she scored 1,665 points for her career. A feat, Jones likely won’t see. Jones has been a varsity player since his freshman year, a big reason he’s been able to reach this accomplishment. Second-year Patriots’ Head Coach, Vernon Denmark, says that Jones probably accumulated more than half of those points before Denmark arrived. When Denmark came to Heritage, his coaching style required Jones to take a step back offensively.

See Jones, Page 13

Connor Ferrell is the RCHS athlete of the week for the week beginning January 25. Ferrell went off against Alcovy, scoring 31 points to lead the Bulldogs to a 81-50 win over the Tigers.


The News

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 • 13

Jones From 12

“Being the type of player that he was before I got here, I would probably have to say he’s one of our more unselfish players. He has sacrificed a lot to change to the style of basketball that I want him to play,” Denmark said. “Prior to me getting here, he was kind of the guy who was taking almost every single shot every night. He came in his junior year, had a little bit more talent around him and he was asked to pass the ball a lot more. He unselfishly chose to do that and it has really helped the team.” “He can shoot the ball very well. When he puts his mind to it, he’s a good scorer. He probably had over half of that thousand prior to me getting here,” Denmark said. “Like I said, for him to still make that accomplishment and also be one of our leading people in assists and also be one of our leading defensive players, I think that it shows that he has an allaround game.” Jones was able to put up points his first two seasons, but the team didn’t win much, if any. Denmark brought a winning atmosphere to Heritage going, 35-14 in almost two seasons so far. Denmark praised Jones for his selflessness and his offensive ability. “I don’t think you can find a kid with more heart than Rashad. He has a will to win and he wants to

win badly,” Denmark said. “Pri- game, Jones said that he modor to me getting here, he didn’t els his game after...Nick Young, always have the most success as of course. He also likes Derrick far as the team is concerned. To Rose. When asked what his go-to wanna adjust, to want to kind of move was, Jones, smiling ear to carry the team and lead us a little ear, said that he liked to go Chibit, that shows how much pas- cago-style, but his coach doesn’t sion that he has for the game. He let him because when he tries to really wants to win and it’s very do too much he messes up. Jones important to him to come out and then said that he likes the in-andout move. want to play hard each night.” Jones, in all of his bravado, is In meeting Jones just once and talking to him, his exuberant, a good kid, humble enough to aplight-hearted personality engulfs preciate his accomplishment and you to the point that you can’t hopefully to play at the next level. “Honestly, I’ll play anywhere, do anything but laugh. Jones is a fun-loving, animated, confident man. I don’t care. I’ll play combut not to the point of arrogance, munity college, JUCO, [Diyoung man. So, probably as no vision-3, Division-2], it really surprise, Jones says his favorite doesn’t phase me. I just want to player is Lakers’ shooting guard play college basketball at the next Nick Young, a.k.a “Swaggy P.” level,” Jones said admirably. “If You can see the resemblance in I get an opportunity to play basketball on the next level then I’m their personalities. “Hold on, you recording? We going to take it. It doesn’t matter need to go somewhere quiet,” where it’s at. It could be in NeJones said when we started the braska, if that’s what it takes for interview before finding a quiet me to play basketball I’ll go over spot in the coach’s office and let- there to play ball in Nebraska. If I get a chance to play basketball at ting me know he was ready. “That’s why I got this haircut. the next level, I’m going to take The Nick Young style, “Swag- advantage of it and it’s going to gy P,”” Jones said, pointing to be a blessing.” “Rashad is a great senior,” his mohawk. “That’s one of my idols. I try to play like him, but Denmark said. “I’m hoping to try to find a good home for him next I’m not 6-foot-7 like him.” Jones jokingly (maybe, seri- year on a collegiate level.” Denmark says that he thinks ously) says that if he was 6-foot-7 Rashad can play at the next level. like his idol he’d be dropping 30 Discount. Discount. If his basketball skills aren’t good points a game. He doesn’t come enough, or his size isn’t enough off as pretentious or arrogant,Discount. but Discount. to warrant someone to sign him at you can tell he’s just a free-spirit- Discount. the next level, then his heart will ed kid that’s fun to be around.Discount. Speaking of his offensive just have to suffice.

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The News


The News

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 • 15

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real estate House For rent toWN HouSeS for rent. 2bdrm/1.5 bath. Refurbished. New carpet, paint. Kitchen has all appliances. Back deck. 770-316-3267

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Digital Advertising Account Executive The Covington News, the leading source of award-winning news in the east Atlanta area for 150 years, continues to expand in the digital landscape. We are expanding our Digital Advertising department to meet the growing needs of our advertisers and our readers. We are looking for those who work well in a fast-paced, challenging team environment with cutting edge advertising technology. Online Advertising Sales Executives will provide solutions to local and national businesses utilizing our entire portfolio of digital advertising products. Our Advertising staff strives for excellence in contributing to the overall achievement of the Advertising department’s financial and product sales goals. Ideal candidate should possess the ability to get to decision makers and build relationships that lead to increased revenue. If you can’t wait for the next new product to be launched, and networking on Facebook & LinkedIn is second nature to you, we’ve got a great opportunity for you! Our mission is to help local businesses market themselves in an online world that’s become too fragmented and complex for them to manage. Local merchants can now take control of their brand marketing and message to customers across all the channels. Our clients need to be online and have a partner there to help them through the process. Essential Functions: • Selling online advertising across multiple platforms • Responsible for rate negotiation with clients • Responsible for cultivating and maintaining client relationships at all levels • Prospect new advertisers • Apply creative marketing plans to generate new revenue opportunities • Maintain current working knowledge of interactive products and their functions • Prepare and present proposals to advertisers • Performing research and developing leads for new online revenue opportunities • Service existing accounts and create special sales opportunities specific to each client • Assist in creating presentations, sales materials and online creative ads • Performing other incidental and related duties as required and assigned • Collect money as needed for outstanding accounts Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities a plus: • Understanding of digital advertising methods and concepts, web/ internet sales • Knowledge of interactive products and how they function • Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively is required • Able to create creative marketing plans for advertisers • Strong organizational and prioritization skills required • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite • Ability to make sound business decisions and exhibit detail orientation • Able to quickly build and maintain relationships • Ability to follow up and adapt quickly in fast-paced digital industry • Maintain effective interdepartmental relationships and foster a positive workforce environment • Able to manage transactional sales activity for multiple products • Able to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines • Able to quickly, accurately and calmly handle decision-making process • Must represent the company with professionalism and integrity What we offer: • Competitive base salary, and commissions. • Cell phone and car mileage expenses included. • Laptop and/or Tablet for digital product presentation • Multimedia and design team for quick turn-a-round. • Relaxed and Business Casual Atmosphere • A wide open and growing digital industry Send resume to pcavanaugh@covnews.com

Subscribe to The News online @ www.rockdalenews.com


16 • Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015

The News

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