The News Saturday September 20th, 2014 by The Covington News

the News Sept. 20, 2014 Volume 6, Issue 25 Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 Page 12 rockdalenews.com rockdalenews.com

PAGE 13

y a true

Page 7 Serving Rockdale County and Conyers

In Jordan’s Honor I

t was a bittersweet moment for Claire Henry in the media center of Rockdale County High School Friday morning. Henry, the mother of Jordan Savage, a 2014 RCHS graduate who suffered with lupus and succumbed to the disease two weeks after graduating at the age of 19, could only shake her head and smile at the legacy her son has left behind. In honor of Savage, the Rockdale County Touchdown Club and the Rockdale County Dugout Club held a Lupus Awareness Night during the RCHS rivalry football game versus Salem High School Aug. 29 in which they raised $500 from donations.

Stepping Up to the Plate

See Savage, Page 14

Patriots softball ties for region lead

Page 12

New Edition, New App

Phil Manson / The News

NSP Blight up conference teams Town Hall

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New Stage:

moron would’ve predicted the run defense, enter Death Valley Old Ball Coach would drop two with confidence. home conference games in a row. Texas A&M: The Agriculturals M-O-R-O-N. may drop 70 points on hapless The Gamecocks’ win over SMU in Dallas this Saturday. Georgia put them right back in While SEC money and expo-You’ve asked for it. It’s finally here. the center of the SEC East race. sure has elevated A&M’s pro-Starting September 24, The Rockdale News opens Florida: The Gators needed gram, SMU sure was better when an exciting new chapter in community journalism. The three overtimes to beat Kentucky. boosters lavished playerswith In football. In the Swamp. oil-soaked cash back in the early award-winning community paper is adding another Will Muschamp’s seat grows 1980s. edition to its weekly coverage – an interactive digital hotter by the minute. (I don’t realAlabama: The Tide hasn’t edition. At the same time, it is also unveiling a new app ly know if his seat is hot tempera- made waves this year. Just gone ture-wise; it’s just an expression.) about its business of winning, for iPhone, Android and Windows phones. LSU: I’ve got the Bayou Ben- Nick Saban style. gals on mild upset alert Saturday But oh the drama set to unfold“We are proud to be able to increase our news covagainst Mississippi State. LSU in Tuscaloosa this Saturdayerage for by the use of this new, innovative digital paper hasn’t played tackle football since the Bama-Florida game. MusAugust and the Starkvegas champ’s golden opportunityand for app,” said The News’ Publisher T. Pat Cavanaugh. Like uspups, at facebook.com/ with their Cousin Eddie-from-Vaa student-schools-the-master mo“It is the first for our company and was made posrockdalenews cation lookalike coach and stingy

Page 2

The News opens new era of community journalism

Sheriff,

Chief reacts to bill

Page 3

See SEC on PAGE 13sible by our staff, who developed the concept of this

new paper. I am proud of their efforts.” Cavanaugh continued, “We are proud to be an active neighbor in the Rockdale community and are even prouder to be a part of the future of community newspapering.” The new edition will come out on Wednesday afternoons directly to 12,000 local residents’ inboxes. This digital edition comes to life under your fin-

gertips, featuring interactive info-graphics, video, real-time social media feedback and more. This is news you can reach out and touch, swipe, click and share. Browse it at your leisure, on your tablet, phone or desktop. Editor Michelle Kim is excited to explore the new coverage possibilities with the digital paper. “Not only will you have unique, captivating local stories, you’ll be able to explore those stories like never before,” she said. The new digital edition will be just one part of the package of powerful local information in The News’ new app. “Whether you like the speed of mobile news, feel of paper, or the depth of the digital edition, we’ve got something for everyone,” said Web Sales Director Jason Cosby. Advertisers can target regional and local markets by leveraging the best of multimedia, print, social media and more in one package. To find out more, contact See New, Page 14

CURFEW crackdown

Conyers Police issue 14 citations to parents for kids breaking curfew By Martin Rand, III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

Conyers Police issued 14 citations to the parents of youths who were out past City of Conyers curfew Saturday night. The maximum fine for such an offense is $1,000 accompanied with six months in jail. Typically, a judge has doled out fines between $150 and $300 and no jail time, says Kim Lucas, public information officer for the Conyers Police Department. Underage kids staying out past curfew is usually a problem when school isn’t in session, but incidents like this can occur on

See Curfew, Page 14

The News

2 • Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014

What’s Trending Company’s relationships to RCPS questioned Rockdale County public Schools

rockdalenews.com Sept. 13-19

1 2 3

Deputies demoted, fired for involvement in cheating scandal Kids violate curfew, Police issue 14 citations to parents Task Force formed to target DUI drivers

ROCKDALE NEWS

ONLINE POLL

Do you agree with the City of Conyers’ curfew for minors? Yes 25

No, curfew should start earlier 1 No, curfew should start later 0 Not sure 0

To vote in the next poll, go to RockdaleNews.com.

Meeting Place Board of Commissioners meeting, Tues., Sept. 23,10 a.m.; 901 Main St.

By Michelle Kim

“

I am disturbed

mkim@rockdalenews.com

The Rockdale County school board approved a $371,224 warranty covering the school system’s new tablets, but not before the relationship between the contracted company — Lexicon Technologies, owned by a former school board member — and the school system was called into question by a resident Thursday night. During the meeting’s public comments period, resident Sam Smiley asked the board to take another look before deciding on the contract. “Certainly the relationship looks questionable,” Smiley said. “I don’t believe the Collins family and Lexicon should be both contributor to the school system and benefactor in the way of contractor.” He added he did not want to diminish Collins family’s contributions to the community. Lexicon Technologies is a major contributor to the nonprofit Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation. The Foundation was created in 1988 in partnership with the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce as a fundraising entity to support Rockdale County Public Schools and to raise funds that RCPS, as a government entity, could not, said RCPS spokesperson Cindy Ball, who serves as a former

at the lack of transparency in the relationships ... I’ve only heard good

“

Most-viewed stories

things about Mr. Collins.

- Sharon Pharr, Rockdale school board member

officer on the Foundation’s volunteer board. The Foundation gives grants to teacher projects, similar to Snapping Shoals EMC’s Bright Ideas Grant. A request for proposals had gone out for the warranty contract, which would cover 400 Dell Venue 11 Pro Tablets and 3,420 Apple iPad Tablets the school system was purchasing using $2.96 million in ESPLOST (the voter approved penny sales tax) funds as part of its’ aggressive plan to provide one device to every student within three years. Assistant Superintendant and Chief of Staff Gene Baker said the warranty RFP was sent to Apple, Dell and Lexicon Technologies,

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

Disclosure: The News Publisher Pat Cavanaugh is a volunteer member of the RCPS Foundation Board.

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time administrator whose salary would be paid half by the school system and half by the Foundation. RCPS Legal Counsel Santana Flanigan said that he had reviewed the RFP for the warranty contract and concluded the school system’s purchasing policies had been followed. The warranty contract was written to allow other companies to cover the warranty of additional pieces of equipment, if the school board so decided. The contract was approved 6-1, with school board member Sharon Pharr voting against. “I’m going to say it,” Pharr said before the vote. “I am disturbed at the lack of transparency in the relationships.” “I’ve only heard good things about Mr. Collins,” she added. However, “I am concerned about the relationships.”

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which repairs and refurbishes electronic devices. Representatives from Dell and Lexicon attended the prebid informational meeting, but only Lexicon submitted a bid. “The turn aroundtime requirements were pretty exacting,” said Baker, describing the 24-hour turnaround requirement. As part of the agreement, Lexicon will also provide a “float” of devices to provide a replacement while a broken device is under repair. Baker said it would have cost RCPS $1 million more to purchasing additional devices if the school system tried to maintain its own “float.” Rockdale-based Lexicon Technolgies, started in 2003, is owned by the Collins family, whose children attended RCPS schools. Travis Collins was a school board member for 12 years from 1997 to 2008, serving as vice chair and chairman. On Thursday night, Smiley pointed out the school system’s ties to the Foundation would be further solidified by the hiring of a part

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The News

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 • 3

Local law enforcement reacts to Johnson’s bill mrand@rockdalenews.com

Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Georgia, introduced a bill to the House of Representatives Tuesday morning that focuses on the demilitarization of local law enforcement agencies. Johnson, who represents all off Rockdale County and parts of Newton, Dekalb and Gwinnett counties, implored his fellow representatives to support the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014, H.R. 5478, bill, which aims at reforming the Pentagon’s 1033 Program, which gives military-grade weapons and equipment to state and local law enforcement departments for free. The bi-partisan legislation will stop local law enforcement agencies from requesting equipment from the 1033 program such as: • Automatic weapons that are .50-caliber or higher • Tactical vehicles, including multi-wheeled vehicles, armored vehicles, and mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, or MRAPs • Drones that are armored, weaponized, or both • Aircrafts • Grenades, including flashbang grenades, stun grenades and grenade launchers • Silencers • Long range acoustic devices “I rise today to urge this house to stop the free flow of excess defense department military weapons and equipment to local law enforcement,” he said in a minute-long speech during the general assembly. “Our neighborhoods need to be protected but Americans oppose blurring the lines between the police and military. When law enforcement uses military MRAPs on Main Street, that changes the relationship with the public.” Congressman Johnson’s proposed legislation will also add requirements to enforce tracking mechanisms that keep up with and control transfers of the equipment given to local agencies and implement policies ensuring that police agencies can’t sell the surplus equipment they receive. Johnson first expressed interest in reforming the 1033 program in March when he cowrote an opinion piece about his desire to reform the program. Local law enforcement reactions Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett isn’t exactly backing the

“

I’m dissapointed in Hank Johnson. For him to be our representative, this seems out of

“

By Martin Rand III

character for him to not talk to the police chiefs in his own area.

— CPD Chief Gene Wilson

bill. While he states that vehicles such as the MRAP are designed for wars and have no place on the streets of Rockdale County, he does believe that each local law enforcement agency has to decide what equipment would be best to use to combat the crime in that community. If a local agency deems one of the banned items necessary for the type of crime in the community, that could end up costing the taxpayers in that community money, Levett said. “Now, we have to go through the local budget and find money to purchase the equipment when we could get if for free,” he said. The RCSO has received vehicles, guns, clothing, gas masks and other equipment through the 1033 Program. It hasn’t received any equipment since Levett became the sheriff in January 2013. Shortly after Levett became sheriff, an internal audit was conducted and some of the equipment the RCSO had acquired through the program was deemed unnecessary to keep because it either wasn’t being used, said Sergeant Andrew Arnold, spokesperson for the RCSO. The department currently has three hummers and 14 M-14 assault rifles, which were used for honor guard, in its inventory. The department is in the process of returning the M-14s back to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Conyers Police Chief Gene Wilson echoes the words of Levett. The city police department had received M-16 assault rifles through the 1033 program. “It may not be that every department needs it, but some departments might,” Wilson said about the use of assault rifles and other would-be banned equipment under the bill. But Wilson also says that the use of heavier weapons by local police is partly due to people on the street using stronger weapons than were once used by suspects. In the 1970s, when Wilson was a police officer working in DeKalb County, a six shooter was all he needed, but the times have changed. “People have a problem with police using assault rifles, (but) that’s what the public’s got,” he said after saying that police officers may encounter an assault rifle threat two or three times a week. “That’s what we run into out here. It’s just a way to keep balance. I wish we were still in those (old) times, but those times are gone.” Wilson is frustrated Johnson didn’t consult with him or Levett before moving forward with this bill since it’ll directly affect both law enforcement agencies in Johnson’s congressional fourth district. He thinks it’s a knee-jerk reaction to the national media spotlight that has been put on local police af-

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ter protestors for Michael Brown were met with militarized equipment by local law enforcement in Ferguson, Missouri. “I’m disappointed in Hank Johnson,” Wilson said. “For him to be our representative, this seems out of character for him to not talk to the police chiefs in his own area.” According to Andy Phelan, spokesperson for Johnson, Johnson did consult with Levett, Gwinnett County Sheriff Butch Conway and Cedric Alexander, public safety director for DeKalb County before filing the bill. Will it get House support? So far, both parties of the House have expressed interest in the bill, Phelan said. The bill’s co-sponsor is Republican Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho, which could prove resourceful in getting the bill to pass a House vote. “Our nation was founded on the principle of a clear line between the military and civilian policing,”

said Labrador in a press release about the bill. “The Pentagon’s current surplus property program blurs that line by introducing a military model of overwhelming force in our cities and towns. Our bill would restore the focus of local law enforcement on protecting citizens and providing due process for the accused.” Phelan says that the proposed legislation is receiving a lot of interest in other political spectrums as well, but the team is still working “to reach out to other offices and continue to get support and interest from both sides of the aisle.” Passing the bill should be a matter of logical thinking, says Johnson. “This is a common sense and bipartisan bill to reform the department of defense 1033 program to stop the free flow of this equipment from foreign battlefields directly to the streets of America,” he said. “Our country is not a war zone and it should not feel like one.”

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4 • Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014

The News

Engaging youth By Jessica Smith

news@rockdalenews.com

Martin Rand III /The News

Rockdale’s NSP Coordinator Tanisha Lanier, Post 2 Commissioner JaNice Van Ness and Commission Chairman Richard Oden.

Questions at NSP town hall By Martin Rand III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

Oden seemed to be sticking with “We already have one (NSP) eshis previously made comments tablished, but I can’t say it’s the in relation to the issue by stating fastest because we’ve been dothe Planning and Development ing it for five years. With this, it Department would be asking would just give us the flexibility for an additional $150,000 in to expand our scope. It’s totally the next budget cycle to demol- a viable option.” The audience also inquired ish blighted homes versus using NSP funds to complete such as about what code enforcement was doing to make the homea task. If the county decided to move owners of these properties pay forward with using NSP funds for their blighted houses. Planning and Development for the proposed tasks, it would have to resubmit its application Director Marshall Walker exfor NSP funds with Georgia’s plained that at least three or Department of Community Af- four owners they contacted paid fairs which will delay the county to have the house demolished. from dealing with the 32 prop- Other owners have been more erties deemed NSP eligible in elusive and have not helped. But, even though the homes Rockdale, said Oden. “I don’t want you to forget may be “eye-sores” the county that part,” he said. “Now we’re has to allow the legalities of the in an election year. I can tell you, situation play out because the this could be 2015, second, (or) property owners have rights as third quarter, before we can get well, Walker said. Commissioner Oz Nesbitt, them to listen to us.” Van Ness stood by her pro- Post 1, was absent from the posal for the use of the funds meeting. He’s publically stated and shortly before the meeting at previous board of commisconcluded, she held an informal sioner meetings that he’s strongpoll in which she asked the guest ly against using NSP money to demolish buildings and instead appearing to raise their hand if Discount. would rather use county money they supported her idea. Discount. Discount. from the Planning and DevelopMore than half of the attendDiscount. ment Department. ees sided with Van Ness. Discount. Discount. The town hall lasted from 6 to “This is a very complex issue as you can see,” said Van Ness. 7:30 p.m.

A town hall focused on Rockdale County’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program proved informative for the citizens who showed up Thursday night. About 20 people attended the town hall, hosted by Post 2 Commissioner JaNice Van Ness, to get some clarity about whether the county should alter the current structure of its federally funded NSP program to include demolishing blighted homes and rebuilding new homes. Under the current format, the county can only use NSP funds to purchase, renovate and repopulate foreclosed homes. Rockdale NSP Coordinator Tanesha Lanier began the meeting by explaining what the NSP is and some of the differences between the two formats. The two main concerns of the audience was which format was more cost effective and which format would take less time to complete from start to finish. “With the demolition process you’re talking about establishing a whole different procedure,” said Lanier to the group. “I would say it would add on several months to the process.” Discount. She then stated by using NSP Wally Taylor, Agent Wally Taylor, Agent Discount. funds to demolish and rebuild a Get them Get all withthem all with 885 Honey Creek 885 Honey CreekRoad Road Discount Discount Double Check. Double Check. Conyers, GA GA 30094 Conyers, 30094 home, it could prove more costBus: 770-483-4134 Bus: 770-483-4134 Discount. It’s a quickIt’ and way seasy a quick and easy way wally@wallytaylor.com wally@wallytaylor.com ly in the end compared to the to make sure savingsure you’re saving toyou’re make all you can.all Andyou it’s free. can. And it’s free. current format. Like a good neighbor, Like a good neighbor, “Every option has pros and State Farm is there. State Farm is there. CALL ME CALL TODAY. ME TODAY. cons,” said Lanier. “I would Wally Taylor, Agent Get them all with 885 Honey Creek Road have to defer to (the Rockdale Wally Taylor, Agent Discount Double Check. Conyers, GA 30094 Get them all with Bus: 770-483-4134 County Board of Commission- 885 Honey Creek Road It’s a quick and easy way wally@wallytaylor.com Discount Double Check. Conyers, GA 30094 to make sure you’re saving ers) to make that determinaBus: 770-483-4134 all you can. And it’s free. It’s a quick and easy way tion.” Like a good neighbor, wally@wallytaylor.com State Farm is there. to make sure you’re saving Chairman Richard Oden CALL ME TODAY. Wally Taylor, Agent Get them with all you can. Andall it’s free. joined Van Ness at885 the Honey town hall. Creek Road

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Unlike 112 years ago, when the Conyers Civic League was founded, the written word has fierce competition for winning the hearts and attention spans of today’s kiddos. With a unique roster of inter-active author presentations, the League aims to engage youth with a book’s possibilities during The Irene Irwin Children’s Literary Day on Sunday, Sept. 28, 12:30 –3:30 p.m. at the Olde Town Pavilion. “We are excited about our slate of accomplished authors,” said Event Chair Julie Rogers. “We’ve planned for it to be an engaging afternoon activity for families.” 12:45-1:30 p.m. Chris Rumble, artist, musician and author of “The Adventures of Uncle Stinky” series 1:30-1:45 p.m. Susan Rosson Spain, author of “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Georgia,” as well as “Deep Cut,” a historical fiction work for middle-schoolers set against the back drop of the Civil War 1:45-2:30 p.m. Michael P. White, illustrator of many award-winning books including, “The Library Dragon,” involves audiences in the illustration

2:30-2:45 p.m. Mary Cunningham, author of the award-winning five-book ‘tween series, “Cynthia’s Attic” 2:45-3:30 p.m. Danny Schnitzlein, author of “The Monster Who Ate My Peas” and “The Monster Who Did My Math” The event is free, and there will be a selection of gently-used books complimentary of a book drive through Beasley Drug Co., Eastminster School and Peachtree Academy. Authors will have books on hand to sell and sign, cash or checks only accepted. Mellow Mushroom pizza will be available for $1 per slice. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please visit the Facebook page “Irene Irwin Children’s Literary Day.”

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Opinion the

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5

NEWS

Publisher T. Pat Cavanaugh

Editor Michelle Kim

pcavanaugh@rockdalenews.com

mkim@rockdalenews.com

Design Editor Sabastian Wee

Sales Director Annette Godwin

swee@rockdalenews.com

agodwin@rockdalenews.com

Circulation Dir. Amanda Ellington

Comptroller Debbie Thompson

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Our Thoughts United Way BBQ

You know fall is in the air when it’s time to celebrate the annual United Way/Family Promise BBQ fundraiser, in partnership with Jim N’ Nick’s and Rockdale Career Academy’s Culinary Arts program. For only $10 you can order a barbecue plate complete with all the fixings from Jim and Nicks, prepared by RCA students. The money raised from this event goes to help folks in so many ways that it would make your head spin. To order online, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/unitedwaybbq. Whether you order one plate or buy a special treat for your whole staff (that’s what we are going to do at The News) it’s a great chance to support your community. And eat well, too.

Cheating

The county of Rockdale received a black eye because of the bone-headed decision made by a few Sheriff’s deputies. The deputies decided they were going to take the lazy approach to their required testing. This could have been an issue that played out in the Atlanta media for some time, but because of the quick and decisive action taken by Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levitt and his department, a PR crisis was averted. We are taught to look up to and respect our law enforcement agencies; cheating on tests or doing anything that reflects adversely on our protectors is not acceptable. Again, quick action helped preserve our respect.

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

Facebook Feedback

Your thoughts on “Kids violate curfew, Police issue 14 citations to parents” on facebook.com/ rockdalenews Gabrielle ‘thegab’ Irvin said: Good! I hate coming out a movie and seeing literally 50 preteens moseying around the theater. i’ve seen them playing in shopping carts from WalMart. You know they all text each other to meet up there ... especially when a fight is brewing. It’s 12 AM and you’re 12 years old. GO HOME!!! Cheryl Mallory said: ry for the Unfortunately, it’s necessa ildren ch r ou police to watch out for n’t. are y arl cle since their parents

Susan Parks Co op Parents don’t care er said: . How dare the city tell them how to pa **eyeroll** From fir rent st EVERY ONE OF TH hand experience... these kids that ar their child. EM are a pain in th e dropped off, e neck. Yes, even you mom, think do precious junior that es nothing wrong. He’s up to somethi also. Doesn’t matte ng destructive r th a R rated movie. YO at you are 40, and buy your 14 ye ar old a ticket to UR CHILD IS UNDE R they cannot see th e movie. You’re no AGE, therefore, unless you stay, t special, your child ordinances/rules se is not above laws/ t by the county/cit y/bu your spawn. I work ed at the theater fo sinesses just because they are r times by the kids, then by their pare a while. I was cussed out numerous nts (Apple doesn’t because I wouldn’t fall fa br your kids to not let eak the rules for them. NO means NO r from the tree) anyone “disrespect . and breaking things them” while they go Quit telling and stealing. Teac ou t cussing, h example. Quit teac hing them their cr them the respect, by setting the ap doesn’t stink. It does. I assure you.

ck Christopher Ja : id sa Wheeler out We used to hang a m at the old Cine it in Conyers when to e ac pl ce was a ni ver ne as w e er Th live. e w d any trouble an t bu s ar ye cruised for st ju ys da a kids now sters want to be gang t!!! l.i ea and rob and st

They are rutheless

“They are ruthless, single-minded and totally committed.” — British security adviser; Source: “The Times of London,” Aug. 16, 2006. This single quote succinctly sums up the essence and intent of Islamists’ manic obsession to dominate the world. It’s one thing to be fanatical about one’s religion; it is another to be consumed by the evil that embodies it and exudes from it. Mychal “Fanatical,” Massie by definition, Columnist relates to excessive enthusiasm often marked by intense devotion to something. If devotion to Islam stopped there, who would care? The fact that it transcends same is as plain as the sun in the sky. This is what those politicians — who would retain (or regain) power at any cost, and Kumbaya the crowd — either don’t get or refuse to acknowledge. There are about 400 recognized terrorist groups in the world. Over 90 percent of these are Islamist groups. Over 90 percent of the current world fighting involves Islamist terror movements. Nearly all of the world’s terrorism is religiously motivated by Islam. This involves terrorist acts in 26 countries worldwide. These people cannot be reasoned with. Their hatred is an anathema to

all rational consideration. They have but one goal: to subdue the world under the rule of Islam. We have witnessed them carrying signs that read: “Behead those who insult Islam,” “Kill those who insult Islam,” “Exterminate those who insult Islam,” and “massacre those who insult Islam” — of course, the definition of these insults is wide open to whatever interpretation they deem appropriate at the moment. I submit in evidence Daniel Pearl, Nick Berg, James Foley, and Steven Sotloff. Beheadings, suicide bombings and ritual mutilation are not just strategies of war but time-honored traditions that are theologically sanctioned. To relegate these acts to mere terrorist tactics is not only strategically unwise but diminishes the true nature of the threat. Similarly, to designate enemies as religious fanatics, Islamic extremists, insurgents or radical militants who have corrupted the peaceful religion of Islam is a politically correct fallacy that is undermining every aspect of the war on terrorism and resulting in the death of [Americans]. [The] apparently inexplicable violent acts committed … [are] the sacred blood rituals of Mujahideen warriors. … They are theologically prescribed and communally sanctioned. … To analyze the violence from a Western perspective, sugarcoating by the media of violent aspects of the Islamic religion, and failing to recognize that we are in the midst of a century-old

holy war, will only serve to perpetrate a never-ending cycle of reciprocal violence. (See: “Mujahideen Blood Rituals: The Religious and Forensic Symbolism of Al Qaeda Beheading” by Dawn Perlmutter; Institute for the Research of Organized and Ritual Violence LLC; Fall 2005/Winter2006) In fairness, I must respect that not every Muslim is a maniacal killer. However, that same respect demands I point out that every Muslim follows a religion founded on the perverse dictates of one who exhorted the committing of such atrocities. There is no value for life or family as defined in civilized cultures. For example, Cossor Ali, the wife and alleged participant in the 2006, UK midair terror bomb plot, while in custody, sat in the police station seemingly lovingly breastfeeding her 6-month-old baby boy she had planned to murder for her false god. The infant was to be used as a decoy as she went about murdering hundreds of innocent, unsuspecting air-travelers. Innocent and unsuspecting travelers Islam defined as infidels. America, and every corner of the world not controlled by their evil heterodoxy, is hated by Muslims. This may be a hard truth to grasp, but that makes it no less true. To strip our government of the tools needed to protect us is tantamount to believing a poisonous snake will not bite and kill the one who nurses it back to health. To believe this evil can be

reasoned or negotiated with is indicative of those absent of reality. To believe that America has in some way caused this hatred is puerile and representative of those who refuse to accept the truth that evil does exist. To refuse utilizing proven methods of national security is either ignorance or supportive of that which threatens us. That specifically applies to the Council on American Islamic Relations, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Obama White House. As a friend wrote me: “Every politician [and American] who does not put aside their political agendas and personal ambitions to unite against this threat must be exposed for the dangers they present and turned away from our Congress. Listening to them is pure insanity. Voting for them is inviting disaster.” His e-mail was accompanied by a photo of beheaded Indonesian girls and another of an Islamic protestor brandishing a sign that read, “Islam will dominate the world.” The question not enough are asking is — “at what price?” Mychal S. Massie is the former National Chairman of the conservative black think tank, Project 21-The National Leadership Network of Black Conservatives; and a member of its parent think tank, the National Center for Public Policy Research. You can find more at mychal-massie.com.

6 • Saturday, September 20, 2014

The News

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Religion

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 Page 7 rockdalenews.com

Shining under the bright lights By Martin Rand III mrand@rockdalenews.com

Dana Hughes had big city dreams as teenager. She wanted to be part of a featured act in New York City and see her name light up the night. “I wanted to be on Broadway,” she said. Hughes, 58, never made it to Broadway. In fact, she hasn’t strayed far from her Tucker. roots. But she’s been putting her acting skills to use on a different type of stage. For nearly 30 years, Hughes has delivered sermons from the pulpit of churches. She uses her acting background to enhance the experience for her listeners. “I’m very comfortable with preaching in a way that is inviting,” Hughes said. “I use my experience with theater for that. I love to take the scriptures and bring them to life. The way you do that is with narrative and storytelling.” Hughes now looks to bring that same enthusiasm to the 130 member congregation at the Smyrna Presbyterian Church, 2920 Ga. Highway 212, Conyers. She was hired to be the new pastor two weeks ago. “I love bringing those characters out of the flat words on the page but letting people know who they were as humans beings,” she said. “There

are some schools of thought that that whole worship experience is a performance for God. We’re singing and speaking. All that is being offered to God.”

Life After 30 It’s never too late to start a new career and Hughes is proof of that. After getting a bachelor’s degree in theater from Georgia State University and doing jobs not related to her degree, she discovered her calling to become a pastor at the age of 31 and applied to Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga. Her inspiration came from seeing a female seminary student pastor eight years prior. Her pastor at the time had selected Hughes and other people of the church to be a listening community for a couple of senior seminary students. They were supposed to give the student feedback after they pastored for them. But, Hughes probably learned the most that day. “In that group of students was the first woman pastor I had ever heard in my entire life and it blew me away,” said Hughes. “I remember going home from that after hearing her and just thinking, ‘Oh my gosh. Maybe

Rev. Dana Hughes

I should do that. So, I thought about it for about eight years, and then I thought, ‘I think you’re done thinking about it. It’s time to get moving.”

It was meant to be From the moment she stepped foot inside Smyrna Presbyterian, Hughes knew she belonged there. “When I walked in the door, I just felt like ‘I feel the call,’” she said. “It was really an electric kind of feeling.” Her emotions were running high that day. The first time she preached at Smyrna Presbyterian Church was Mother’s Day earlier this year. It was the first time she was without her children on the annual holiday since her youngest of three went off to college. When she received the call from the church to preach, Hughes, who had been out of work for five months, instantly accepted the offer, but didn’t expect much else to come from the situation. “As a new empty-nester, the last place I wanted to be on Mother’s Day was at home with no children,” she said. But, Hughes fell in love with church after that first encounter. “I went back to the Presbyterian office and said, ‘I’m interested in that church,’” she said.

“They had an interim at the time and he was coming on the end of his tenure, so I knew they’d be looking. I told them, ‘I don’t even know what they’re looking for, but if they’ll consider me I’d love to be on the short list.’” The church hired Hughes as a contract-call pastor, meaning she’s on a one year contract and, if everything is still in working order a year from now, she’ll be hired to another contract.

Revitalizing kids in Rockdale Over the next year, Hughes wants to focus on growing the congregation of the church after inner turmoil caused the church to lose nearly half of its members. The best way to do that is to work with the children mem-

bers of the church and the children around the county. “My expertise is revitalization,” she said. “What I focus on in revitalization is children, evangelism and who’s not here yet.” Several community programs will be in the works to draw interest in the church and will help the teenagers and smaller children learn more about the church’s history so, as they get older, they’ll want to be a part of the present and future of the church. But, adult members of the church must also help in the recruitment of the church members. “We all have to do this work together,” said Hughes. “It doesn’t mean you have to go out of the town, out of the county or out of the country to bring people in. You really just need to go next door.”

HARVEST JUBILEE

Smyrna Campground & Presbyterian Church 2920 Highway 212, SW - Conyers September 20, 2014 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Antique Car Show • Quilts • Books • Clothes Closet Holiday House • Plant Sale • Yard Sale • Children’s Activities Face Painting • Hay Ride • Moon Walk • Games • Boutique Breakfast Coffee & Biscuits - Barbeque & Grilled Foods Vietnamese Egg Rolls, and BAKE SALE

COME RAIN OR SHINE

Education PROBE College Fair at Stonecrest Mall, Oct. 22 More than 100 colleges and universities will visit the Mall at Stonecrest on Monday, Sept. 22, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. for the 12th annual PROBE College Fair. High school juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend this free annual event for the opportunity to speak with representatives from various institution all in one place. Schools/groups scheduled to attend include: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Agnes Scott College Alabama A&M University Alabama State University Albany State University Andrew College Armstrong State University Atlanta Metropolitan State College Berry College Brewton-Parker College Clark Atlanta University Clayton State University Clemson University College of Coastal Georgia Columbia College Columbus State University Converse College Darton State College Davidson College Davidson College East Georgia State College Emmanuel College Emory & Henry College Emory University - Emory College & Oxford College Florida Institute of Technology Fort Valley State University Georgia College Georgia Gwinnett College Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Military College Georgia Perimeter College Georgia Regents University Georgia Southern University Georgia Southwestern State University Georgia State University Gordon State College Grady Health System - School of Radiologic Technology Gwinnett Technical College Jacksonville State University Johnson C. Smith University Kennesaw State University LaGrange College Lander University Lenoir-Rhyne University Liberty University Life University Maryville College Mercer University Middle Georgia State College

Mississippi State University North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina State University Paine College Path2College 529 Plan Piedmont College Point University Purdue University Reinhardt University Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah State University Sewanee: The University of the South Shorter University South Carolina State University South Georgia State College Southern Polytechnic State University Spelman College State University of New York College at Cortland Sweet Briar College Temple University The Art Institutes The Ohio State University Troy University Truett-McConnell College Tusculum College Tuskegee University University of Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) University of Cincinnati University of Florida University of Georgia University of Missouri University of North Florida University of North Georgia University of South Carolina Aiken University of Tennessee University of West Georgia Valdosta State University Vanderbilt University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech Western Carolina University Young Harris College For more information, go to www. mallatstonecrest.com or www. facebook.com/mallatstonecrest.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 Page 8 rockdalenews.com

future Leaders

Interact Club students sponsored by the Conyers Rotary Club lit up the club's Wednesday celebration of National Interact Week by showcasing new service and events this year. Students are launching a host of new community local and international projects. One of the main projects is the Water Pasteurization Indicator (WAPI), which will be mass produced and shipped to Jamaica and other countries. Students will fundraise and donate hundreds of hours to improve lives. For more, adoma.diane@gmail.com (Top) Left to right: Guest speakers Bayleigh Smith 8th grade (CMS), Crystal Sipp 12th grade (HHS), Kemaya Tucker 12th grade (RHS), Conyers Rotary President Thua Barlay, Conyers Rotary Youth Director Diane Adoma, Carly Moon 12th grade (RCHS) (Bottom) The CMS Interact Club

Michelle Kim /The News

Super Buccaneers

Michelle Kim /The News

Barksdale Elementary's first quarter "Super Buccaneers" were honored at a recent PTO meeting and received a medal and certificate. They are: Sophie Mauran, Brayden Adams, Caleb Forbes, Alyssa Green, Jack Hill, Maddie Teyner, Khloe Joseph, Tai Crocker, Emilie Covington, Isaiah Lewis, Lucy Sollars, Jacob Lott, Dalton Dye, Cassidy Tinsley, Allison Huynh, Anthony Gunpot, Christopher Peck, Sophia Kelly, Imani Beaufils, Shamar Henry, Tikiyu Buckingham, Victoria King, Ryan Rakestraw, Noah Osuji, Matthew McCoy, Laila Evans, Adrianne Martin, Jordan Pyron, Chance Appling, Skylar Chandler, Shiilynn Sloan, Elijah Robinson, Kameron Stevens, Kaleigh England, Chaste Appling, Dallas Maddox, Jessica Rhee, Troy James, Courtney Tinsley, JR Insular, Damion Serrato, Payton Torbush, Barrett Hunt, Dinah Blakely, Nevaeh Smith, Erik Merriweather, Journey Cartledge, Charlie Boyd, Gianna Osuji, Dylan Evans, Tionne James, Ethan Baza, Sydnee Hairston, John Boddie, Jacoby Bryant, Nikaliah Young. 3.5” x 3.5” 2.5”x|2.5” Maximum Font Size: 30 | Maximum Font Size: 30pt pt

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The News

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 • 9

Community Calendar The Community Calendar deadline is noon Thursday. Email a description, place, time, phone number to news@rockdalenews. com.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Parent Academy

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr; free classes for Rockdale County Public Schools parents; 770-918-6174

Harvest Jubilee 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Smyrna Campground and Presbyterian Church, 2920 Hwy 212 SW; antique car show; plant sale, yard sale, holiday sale, crafts, children’s activities, rides, egg rolls, barbecue, and more; rain or shine.

Special Needs Carnival 3-5 p.m.; Church of Latter Day Saints, 1275 Flat Shoals Rd; face paiting, food, rpizes, crafts, games, and more for special needs children and families; kimbletaxi@gmail.com

Olde Town Band Party Fundraiser for Phoenix Pass

The yard of the month for September, selected by the Conyers Garden Club, is at the home of Jerry and Betty Cox, 1655 Old Salem Road. This house has beautiful orange marigolds and celosia that form the landscaping basis at the front. A large planting of hosta with white spotting is at the swing on the trellis. Planters with vibrant pink and purple vinca, red geraniums and spike, lilac petunias, white verbena, orange and pink vinca line the porch. A circular flowerbed at the end of the driveway contains statuary, ornamental grass, cannas and iris. Plantings at the back gate have Gerbera daisies, sedum, red geraniums, black-eyed Susan, hosta and petunias. An arbor in the back features swings and baskets of ferns and caladiums.

7-9 p.m.; Olde Town Pavilion, 949 South Main Street; The Eastside Ramblers Band will be covering some favorite Southern rock classics and the Varsity will be there to sell hotdogs; $15 per person lawn seating; 12yo and under free; 770-655-1655, director@ phoenixpass.org

Tuesday, Sept. 23

Rockdale Retired Educators

5:30 p.m.; Rockdale Baptist Church, 1295 Smyrna Rd; Lily Tomlin speaking; RSVP for dinner; 770-483-6808.

Thursday, Sept. 25

A Day in the Life of Refuge Fundraising Gala

6:30-7 p.m.; St. Pius X Banquet Hall, 2621 Highway 20 Conyers, GA 30013; RSVP by Sept. 12; 770-922-5939

Saturday, Sept. 27

Macedonia Baptist Church Community 5K Run/Walk

8 a.m.; Macedonia Baptist Church, 1052 Barton St .Conyers, GA 30012; open to the community

10th Annual Master Gardener

Extension Plant Sale/Festival 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 1400 Parker Road; Plant sale, food, children’s activities, gardening advice and materials, seminars.

Birth Announcement

N. GA Live Steamers Miniature Train Rides 1-4:30 p.m.; Ga. International Horse Park, 1632 Centennial Olympic Pkwy; a 7,200 foot minature railroad track and steam locamotive; rides are $2; www. northgeorgialivesteamers.com

Magnet Connexion 7-10 p.m.; Cherokee Run Golf ClubPalmer Room, 1595 Centennial Olympic Parkway; 8th Annual Magnet Connexion community event with dancing, DJ, silent auction, and more; $25 per person; 770-483-8737

Sunday, Sept. 27

Irene Irwin Children’s Literary Day 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.; Olde Town Pavilion; Children’s authors/illustrators Michael White, Danny Schnitzlein, Chris Rumble, Mary Cunningham,Susan Rosson Spain; Craft Station; Mellow Mushroom pizza; hosted by Conyers Civic League.

September Yard of the Month

Submitted photo

Mason Michael Gregory Mason Michael Gregory was born July 14, 2014 at Rockdale Medical Center in Conyers. He is the son of mother Donna Melissa Gregory and father Michael Eugene Gregory, both of Eatonton, Ga. He was born weighing 9 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. His maternal grandparents are Charlene and Richard Mitchell, of Covington, Ga. His paternal grandparents are Linda Jones and the late Barry Gregory, both of Conyers, Ga.

To print your good news on engagements, weddings, births and anniversaries, email us at news@rockdalenews.com. Announcements are free and printed as space is available. submitted photo /The News

#infinitybiggestfan Photo Contest Think you’re the biggest fan around? Show us in a video or photo and you could win awesome prizes from Infinity Network Solutions. Send your photo to news@covnews.com or post it on your social media with #infinitybiggestfan and tell your friends to vote starting in October.

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10 • Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014

Business

The News

A raffle for Heroes By Logan Bouchillion news@rockdalenews.com

Downtown zoning district approved By John Ruch

news@rockdalenews.com

The “D, Downtown District” rezoning plan for the Olde Town area was approved by Conyers City Council on Sept. 17 after months of meetings and debate. The new district simplifies and strengthens Olde Town’s historic protection rules, while encouraging denser housing and pedestrian-oriented development. One big change is allowing “pocket neighborhoods”-small complexes of single-family homes built around a central green space or urban farm. Another change is restricting the paint colors on buildings to a limited choice of subdued colors. “It’s a good ordinance,” said Mayor Randy Mills, praising the officials who worked on it. City planner J.P. Alexander worked with University of Georgia architecture students-including Conyers native Erik Lauritsen-on the rezoning under the supervision of city planning director Marvin Flanigan. Councilman John Fountain, chairman of the Community Development Committee, said that there “was a lot of work involved and a lot of grief involved...and I certainly appreciate it.” The many new elements of the Downtown District will take some getting used to. Councilman Vince Evans said he’s heard from people wanting to clarify how the paint color restrictions apply to homes in the area. Alexander confirmed that

if a house is currently a color that is not on the new list, the house can still be repainted that same color, as it is considered “maintenance.” Only changing the color would trigger the new restrictions. Councilman Cleveland Stroud noted that the new zoning can always be tweaked.

In other council business: •The council allocated $750,000 in SPLOST funds for a planned multi-use trail that would run between the Nancy Guinn Library and Pine Log Park. Planned in conjunction with the nonprofit PATH Foundation, it would be the second phase of a local trail system that started with the existing Conyers Trail that runs between Olde Town and Johnson Park. PATH is contributing $250,000 to the new trail project, but it still has a $375,000

shortfall and more funding is being sought, according to City Council. The council also renewed its master agreement with PATH that enables the two parties to continue planning the trail system. • A construction contract for a street drainage improvement project on East View Road, totaling $63,516, was approved by the council. Proposed a year ago, the project will be carried out by Peach State Construction Co. of Covington. • City Manager Tony Lucas was recognized for 30 years of service in various city positions, including prior service as police chief. “He is very quick to deflect any credit he may get to his staff,” said Councilman Gerald Hinesley. “We know this city is better because he’s city manager.”

The Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial will be hosting their annual raffle featuring wonderful vacation-getaway prize packages through Sept. 30 to raise funds to continue building this awe-inspiring tribute to our military, located right in our backyard. The Walk of Heroes Memorial, at 3001 Black Shoals Road in Black Shoals Park next to the Randy Poynter Reservoir, is a tribute to the brave men and women that fought and continue to fight for our freedom. Sculptures, quotes, carvings, and statues will provide the visitor with more insight of what went on during the five major wars of the 20th century. Each raffle ticket, costing just $1, can go towards any of the nine prizes. The prizes include: • Atlanta weekend get-away with one room for two people for two nights and two breakfasts at the Sheraton Atlanta hotel

• A room for two for one weekend night and one breakfast for two at Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel • One round of golf for two at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, GA • Certificate for items from Legendary Whitetall Catalog or online • One round of golf for two at Jim Fazio Golf Course in Brasley Resort, in Adairsville, Ga. • Certificate for Nature Seen Gallery and Frame Shop in Conyers • Four $10 dollar coupons for four meals at O’Charley’s in Conyers • Seven coupons, each for one free sandwich at Sonny’s BBQ in Conyers. The proceeds of this raffle will go towards building and adding to the rest of the Veteran’s War Memorial. If interested in entering the raffle, call 770-786-2302 and entry forms will be conveniently sent to you. Checks are to be made out to “WOH RAFFLE” and mailed with one form per entry.

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The News

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 • 11

Honor Flight Conyers

A HERO’S

Martin Rand III/The News

WELCOME

O’Charley’s and RCHS Football/Cheer honor WWII veteran Bud Soesbee submitted photo /The News

Honor Flight Conyers departed from Conyers in the wee hours of Sept. 17, escorted by Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, Conyers Police and American Legion Post 77 Riders, for its 10th day-trip for World War II veterans to Washington D.C. The trips are complimentary for WWII Veterans, but accompanying guardians must pay their way. The trips are open to any Georgia WWII veterans. For more information, go to honorflightconyers.com or call 770483-4049.

Conyers’ O’Charley’s, American Legion Post 77 Color Guard and the Rockdale County High Football team and Cheer team gave a surprise welcome to World War II veteran and former County Commissioner Bud Soesbee and his family on Sept. 2 as they came to dine at the newly renovated restaurant. (Above) Soesbee meets RCHS Coach Vincent Elder. (Top) Students and O’Charley’s employees/patrons wrote messages for Soesbee.

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Sports

Patriots beat Loganville, tie region lead By Phil Manson

news@rockdalenews.com

ometimes, hyped-up games don’t turn out to be as good as advertised; one team or the other wilts under the pressure of what’s at stake, and a rout ensues. But that was not the case Thursday as the Patriot’s Ta’lor Bynum hit a soft pop fly just over the outstretched glove of Loganville shortstop Haley Swords, driving in Jordan Browning to score the winning run as Heritage created a three-way tie atop Region 8-AAAAA in a 2-1 extra-inning thriller at home. With the win, the Patriots improved to 20-3, 7-1 in the region, while the Red Devils dropped to 14-8, and 7-1 in region action. Apalachee is also 7-1 in the region. It was everything one could want in a game: outstanding pitching, slick fielding, heartbreaking mistakes and a pulsating finish.

Heritage Coach Jason McBay was effusive in his praise for his girls and the rugged Red Devils. “When I started in coaching softball, Loganville is one of the teams I wanted us to emulate,” McBay said. “I just told the girls that it used to be that Loganville didn’t (take us seriously); they’d say ‘Oh, if we go to Heritage that’s a win!’ But I (told them) I think we’ve put ourselves on their level in the three years I’ve been here.” Heritage’s version of Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, Kamryn Toney, faced off against Maddie Green, the Red Devils version of soon-to-be HOF pitcher John Smoltz, and they both pitched lights-out for eight taut innings. Loganville mounted the first scoring threat of the game when second baseman Andrea Rosario got a two-out hit off Toney. For some reason, Rosario wandered off first base. Toney smartly threw to the ball to first baseman Destiny Herrera, and Rosario had no choice but to try for second

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 Page 12 rockdalenews.com base. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Herrera double-clutched her throw to shortstop Addy Allegretti, who was covering second, and Rosario slid in safely. But, as she has so many times this season, Toney slammed the door by getting cleanup hitter Sydney McDonald to fly out to right field and end the threat. Heritage got on the scoreboard in the bottom half of the fourth inning, but a costly base-running error blunted what could’ve been a big inning for the Patriots. Catcher Morgan Whiten led off with drive off the right field fence. Normally, it would’ve been a double, but an excellent play by Red Devils center fielder Megan Wooldridge held Whiten to a single. Herrera tried to bunt Whiten to second, but Green struck her out. Toney followed with a grounder to deep short and beat Swords’ throw to first. Freshman courtesy runner Glory Seay replaced Toney at first base. With Whiten on second and Seay at first, Green got a big second out as she fanned second baseman Paige Owens on three straight pitches. Then, third baseman Bynum, who had an excellent day in the field, took a 2-1 Green pitch and hit a double to the right field gap that drove in Whiten and Seay for a sup-

Phil Manson / The News

See Patriots on PAGE 13

Early schedule shakes up conference teams It’s mid-September. Still hot in these parts despite summer’s rumored departure, as autumn’s crisp air has yet to appear. I always thought September was an odd month; fall-ish things happen like football and school, but the weather is usually blah. But I’ll tell you who are big fans of September: you guessed it, the legendary 1970s funk/R&B/jazz band, Earth, Wind & Fire. Their hit single “September” is one of my all-time favorites. I had the band play it three times at our wedding. Not making that up. The song, with its powerful horn section and whimsical lyrics, asks if we remember dancing in September, when there never was

a cloudy day. Whether your SEC team is still dancing in September or has Ben Prevost e n c o u n tered some clouds along the way, the season’s first few weeks have provided some shakeups, and it’s time to tour the nation’s finest football conference, SEC Banter style: Georgia: First and goal from the four and a touchdown secures victory over Sakerlina. UGA had four options in this situation: (1) hand the ball to the best player in

college football, Todd Gurley; (2) hand the ball to the best player in college football, Todd Gurley; (3) hand the ball to the best player in college football, Todd Gurley; or, last but certainly not least, (4) hand the ball to the best player in college football, Todd Gurley. UGA chose differently and walked out of Williams-Brice Stadium winless in the SEC. Missouri: Don’t look now, but the Tigers are quietly becoming the SEC East favorite. What a cute story if Mizzou somehow makes it to Atlanta in just its third year in the league! Sept. 27 will show us more from the Show Me State team when they visit South Carolina. South Carolina: Only a true

moron would’ve predicted the Old Ball Coach would drop two home conference games in a row. M-O-R-O-N. The Gamecocks’ win over Georgia put them right back in the center of the SEC East race. Florida: The Gators needed three overtimes to beat Kentucky. In football. In the Swamp. Will Muschamp’s seat grows hotter by the minute. (I don’t really know if his seat is hot temperature-wise; it’s just an expression.) LSU: I’ve got the Bayou Bengals on mild upset alert Saturday against Mississippi State. LSU hasn’t played tackle football since August and the Starkvegas pups, with their Cousin Eddie-from-Vacation lookalike coach and stingy

run defense, enter Death Valley with confidence. Texas A&M: The Agriculturals may drop 70 points on hapless SMU in Dallas this Saturday. While SEC money and exposure has elevated A&M’s program, SMU sure was better when boosters lavished playerswith oil-soaked cash back in the early 1980s. Alabama: The Tide hasn’t made waves this year. Just gone about its business of winning, Nick Saban style. But oh the drama set to unfold in Tuscaloosa this Saturday for the Bama-Florida game. Muschamp’s golden opportunity for a student-schools-the-master mo-

See SEC on PAGE 13

The News

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 • 13

Patriots From 12

posed 2-0 lead. However, the Red Devils protested that Seay didn’t touch home plate. The umpire agreed, Seay was called out, and instead of a 2-0 lead and a runner on second base, the Patriots were out of the inning with only a slim 1-0 margin. Toney retired Loganville in order in the top of the fifth inning, striking out two and getting left-fielder Korbin Caldwell to fly out to right field. Green struck out Heritage designated player Germecia Joseph for the first out in the home half of the fifth inning. But, left-fielder Lakaitlen Barney followed with a double to left-center field. Centerfielder Jamiya Barker hit a grounder to shortstop Swords, who tried to tag Barney as she ran to third. Swords missed Barney, and threw to first trying to get Barker. But, the throw was late and the Patriots had runners on the corners with one out. Green got Allegretti to strike out, but not before Barker stole second base. Green slammed a door of her own, though, as she got Whiten to ground out weakly to short for the final out of the inning. Both teams were retired in

order in the sixth inning. The lost run in the fourth inning would come back to haunt the Patriots in the top half of the seventh inning. Loganville’s Wooldridge led off with a double. The next batter, Rosario, hit a flare to right field that fell between rightfielder Tori Collins and second baseman Owens. Owens proceeded to kick the ball away, and Wooldridge scored to tie the game 1-1. The Patriots retired the next two batters, but the damage was done. Heritage loaded the bases with two out in the bottom of the seventh when Barney reached first on a dropped third strike, and Green uncharacteristically walked Barker and Allegretti. The next batter, Whiten, hit the ball hard, but Wooldridge made a good catch in centerfield to end threat. And, it was on to extra innings. To speed play in extra-inning softball games, each team starts the inning with a runner on second base. With Robinson on second, Loganville pinch-hitter Harley Aldridge tried to bunt her to third base. Aldridge popped up the bunt, and first baseman Herrera, catcher Whiten and pitcher Toney ran for the ball. Unfortunately, they proved the theory that only one object can occupy the same physical

space at one time by colliding with each other. The ball bounced off Herrera’s mitt, the three Heritage players landed with a thud, and Loganville had runners on the corners with no outs. Aldridge stole second, and Caldwell almost drove both runners in with a hard-hit ball to third base. But Bynum, again, made a fine stabbing grab of the ball. She threw a bullet to Herrera at first, who made a fine grab of her own when Bynum’s throw was slightly off-target. With one out, Coach McBay had Toney intentionally walk Kendall Herring to load the bases. Toney was at her best as she struck out Boothe and Swords to end the inning. In the bottom of the eighth inning, pinch runner Jordan Browning was placed on second base. Herrera popped out to third for the first out. Green then walked Toney to put Patriots runners on first and second. Green struck out Owens for the second time in the game. Then, Bynum came up to bat with two outs. She worked the count to 2-2. Green pitched, Bynum swung and hit the perfect lazy fly ball just over Swords’ glove, driving in Browning, winning the game 2-1, and sending the home crowd into a frenzy of joy. It was as exciting as advertised.

SEC

ment, as the embattled coach, once under Saban’s tutelage, tries to shock the college football world From 12 and pull off a monumental upset. Uh, no. Alabama continues its preseason schedule with an easy win. Arkansas: The Hogs ran the ball 30 times in a row (!!!) against Texas Tech. That’s all I have to say about that. SEC West: Hands down the strongest division in college football. The SEC West is 19-1 this season, with the lone loss an intra-division contest as Auburn beat Arkansas. The division is so strong that 12 SEC West teams appear in the AP poll’s top 10 this week. Kidding aside, and speaking to the depth of the SEC as a whole, seven SEC teams are in the AP poll’s top 15, the most from any conference in the poll’s history, which dates back to 1936. Best of luck to your Southeastern Conference football team this weekend and I hope it’s been a September to remember. In the meantime, I just saw that Earth, Wind & Fire is playing at the Horseshoe Casino in lovely Tunica, Miss. — on my anniversary. My wife will be so thrilled!

Rockdale Athlete of the Week

file photo/The News

Tajuan (TJ) Warren is The Rockdale News’ Athlete of the Week for the week beginning September 5.

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Savage

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“It makes me feel good,” said Henry about the hundreds of dollars generated in one night. “His living, as they would say, was not in vain.” Maria Myler, president of the Lupus Foundation of America Georgia Chapter, accepted the check on behalf of the nonprofit organization. She the donation will be used to help fund programs that educate and provide information to families across the state of Georgia about the disease lupus. “Every penny counts,” she said. Myler met Savage in October during a conference about lupus and says losing him is a terrible

Curfew

From front page

the weekends during the school year as well, says Lucas. Around 11 p.m. Saturday night, Conyers police received a call about a fight in progress near the Applebee’s, 1436 Dogwood Drive, Conyers, parking lot. Approximately 30 juveniles, from the City of Conyers, Rockdale County and city of Covington, were gathered in the area. Officer Cecily Karrantza arrived on the scene first prompting the youths to scatter in the direction toward Wal-Mart, 1436 Dogwood Drive, Conyers. It took “nearly the

The News

ic autoimmune disease, for about three years before dying June 2. He became extremely sick in 2013 and had to stay in Emory University Hospital for five months, including the two months in which he slipped into a coma. But, Savage recovered, eventually being granted the opportunity to go home after rehabilitation. Soon after, he decided he wanted to forgo being home-schooled and get back to his regular Martin Rand, III/The News schooling with his classmates. (Left to right) RCHS Principal Mary Ann Suddeth, RCHS Dugout Club PresSo transitioning from using a ident Antonio Davis, Lupus Foundation Ga. Chapter President Maria Myler, wheelchair to using a walker for Jordan Savage’s mother Claire Henry with the $500 check presented. mobility, Savage made his way lost. who fought so bravely,” she said. back to halls of RCHS. “It’s a sad occasion (with) the “He rose above all that,” said Overcoming Obstacles loss of someone so young just startHenry. “He was a warrior.” Savage battled lupus, a chroning the beginning of his life and But that wasn’t enough for a entire squad” that was on duty to round-up the children, says Lucas. While being questioned in the parking lot in front of the Wal-Mart Garden Center, majority of the juveniles stated their parents dropped them off to see a movie at Crossroads Cinemas, 1536 Dogwood Drive, Conyers, hours prior to the incident. According to a press release from the Conyers Police, it isn’t uncommon for parents to bring their children to the theatre in the evening and leave them unattended for hours on end, but at 9 p.m., any person who does not possess a movie ticket must leave the theatre which pushes them out into the shopping center.

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in one package. To find out more, contact Sales Director Annette Godwin at agodwin@rockdalenews.com or 770-728-1436 To try out this digital edition for free for the next three months, go to www.rockdalenews.com, or contact us at news@rockdalenews.com or 770-728-1437. To download the app, go to rockdalenews.com or the iTunes store or Google Play store. The News wants to hear what you think. Please contact the staff at news@rockdalenews.com or the publisher at pcavanaugh@ rockdalenews.com.

determined Savage. He wanted to stay active within his school community. Unfortunately, he couldn’t re-gain his position of the baseball field, Savage was part of the RCHS baseball team prior to his bout with Lupus, but he stayed active in school athletics and joined the girls’ soccer team as a manager. He also wanted to try out for the golf team but, Henry said, “I told him that would be too much sun because sunlight affects people with lupus.” Still, she loved to see that fight and determination in her only child. “He wanted to stay involved,” she said “He always had the determination. He always had dreams. He always had goals. He was just a great kid.” - MR See rockdalenews.com for full story

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