the NEWS
March 21, 2015
Volume 6, Issue 49
Oden announces reelection bid Page 3
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Serving Rockdale County and Conyers
rockdalenews.com
Missing woman may still be in area By Michelle Kim
mkim@rockdalenews.com
Earl Thomas Shaffer, Sr
James Cofer
George E Mcmullen, III
OUR BOYS ARE COMING HOME Befitting the 40th Anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War, the Moving Wall – a traveling half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. – will be visiting Rockdale
A 19-yearold Conyers woman reported as missing on March 5 may not be in danger and may still be in the local Rockdale – GATTIS Newton area, investigators believe. Savannah Catherine Gattis, 19, was originally reported as missing on March 5. Her parents told Rockdale County Sheriff’s
See MISSING on PAGE 15
Oden new SUV reduced to $40K By Martin Rand III
mrand@rockdalenews.com
There was very little discussed in regards to the new SUV requested by the county chairman during the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) work session Tuesday morning. After two months of appearing on the BOC’s agenda, the vehicle, a 2015 Ford Expedition XLT, has
See full story on PAGE 8 & 9
See SUV on PAGE 3 Like us at facebook.com/ rockdalenews Follow us @rockdalenews
Robert Anthony Piper
Robert Littleton Phillips
James Terry Savage
The News
2 • Saturday, March 21, 2015
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Cleaning up: Meth house arrests made, stolen items recovered .UPDATE: Drug deal robbery led to Tuesday’s shooting . Manufacturer opens Conyers doors
Meeting Place Board of Comissioners voting session, Tuesday, March 24, 10 a.m., Assembly Hall, 901 Main St. Flood Risk Open House, Wed., March 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St
the NEWS 1009 Milstead Ave., Ste 200, Conyers, 30012 www.rockdalenews.com Office 770-787-6397 FAX 678-253-5988 News Tips: 770-728-1437, news@rockdalenews.com Advertising: 770-728-1436 Circulation: 770-728-1414 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
Barnes Honorary Social Workers Vicki Chesney, coordinator of the Conyers First Baptist First Responders program, was honored Thursday with the Laura H. Barnes Honorary Social Worker award, named after a school social worker who died suddenly of heart complications in 2012, for a person in the community who exemplifies the qualities of a school social worker. The CFB First Responders Program began in January 2014 to provide emergency assistance to families in need within 24-48 hours, with assistace such as housing, hotels, clothing and food. Susan Paul Smith, the RCPS Student Support Coordinator and former STARS Program coordinator, was also chosen by RCPS social workers for the Laura H. Barnes award for her contributions behind the scenes. The award was also given in celebration of March as school social worker appreciation month and school social work week in the first week of March. This year’s theme is “Social Work, Leading the Way for Change.” RCPS Director of Community and Student Support April Fallon said, “Social workers, more than any other profession, recognize more must be done to address persistent social problems such as poverty, lack of education and healthcare, homelessness and discrimination... They are fearless advocates who fight to make sure our children are safe.” - Michelle Kim
News Briefs
New grants to aid GPC student veterans
Student veterans, active military and their families at Georgia Perimeter College will receive more personal attention, increased scholarship opportunities and potential help in emergencies, thanks to a Marcus Foundation grant. The three-year grant will employ three military student advocates – one on each of GPC’s Decatur, Dunwoody and Newton campuses. The grant also will provide 10 scholarships per semester for military veterans and provide a Veterans Emergency fund for student veterans who encounter financial emergencies
that could affect their ability to attend college. GPC serves more than 1,100 student veterans and their families. Established in 2010 and funded through a grant from the University System of Georgia, GPC’s Military Outreach Center currently is housed on the Clarkston Campus. The grant will physically extend the center’s programs and assistance to all GPC campuses. The grant will remain active for three years and is not expected to be affected by GPC’s consolidation with Georgia State University. - Staff Reports
Michelle Kim/The Rockdale News
(Left to right) The Laura H. Barnes Honorary Social Worker award winners Vicki Chesney, coordinator of Conyers First Baptist First Responders Program, and Susan Paul Smith, RCPS Student Support Coordinator
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The News
Saturday, March 21, 2015 • 15
ODEN ANNOUNCES REELECTION BID By Michelle Kim
mkim@rockdalenews.com
The party primaries are more than a year away, but campaigning for 2016 began Thursday night. Rockdale County Chairman and CEO Richard Oden, a Democrat, officially announced his intention to seek re-election for the county chair seat in the 2016 election year. Speaking to a group of about 35 supporters Oden spoke about things he accomplished in his six years as chair and things he wanted to bring to fruition with another four years of service. He talked about increasing capacity of wastewater for Rockdale citizens and moving more people off septic tanks. He told the crowd that five years ago, the county bout about 175,000 gallons of wasterwater capacity from DeKalb County with hopes of growing the community. “Their price keeps going up. We’re almost in shape to where
we can bring that in house,” said Oden. “(I’m going to) need another 18 million dollars to build another waste treatment plant to increase capacity.” The crowd seemed intrigued when Oden began talking about a plan to build a performance arts center and other venues that would be used to attract more tourism to county right off interstate-20 near Sigman Road. “What is there to grab (motorists) to stop in our community? We have nothing,” said Oden. “So we envision a performance art center. That’s what we envision. We’re hoping that it will seat at least 3,400 people.” Within the same area of this proposed performance arts center, Oden proposed also having a trade center, 4-star hotel, a conference center for medical professionals and a live-workplay area with affordable housing and shopping centers. “We’re going to hopefully make this dream a reality. That’s were headed folks,” he
said. “What’s wrong with that vision? Go ask Woodstock. They’re doing it. Go ask Kennesaw. Go ask Sandy Springs. Why not Rockdale?” Oden didn’t give any timetable on how soon this venue complex could become a reality. Before ending his speech, Oden attempted to rally his crowd to go out and spread his message. “I need your help folks. I need boots on the ground. My goal, our goal, is $250,000. That’s not a lot of money,” he said. “There are some people vying to unseat me, for whatever reason. So we’re going to beat them on the ground.” The meet-and-greet took place at Abbott Conference Hall, 1955 Sigman Road, Conyers, and ended around 8 p.m. after lasting for about an hour. Oden was first elected to the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners as chairman in 2008. He won re-election as chairman in 2012.
SUV
From FRONT PAGE
drawn opposition from both commissioners and the community for being too expensive of a vehicle for the chairman. After not being approved by the board during last’s weeks meeting, the requested vehicle received a price cut Tuesday. Now, the price of the vehicle is $40,766, exactly $3,416 less than before with optional equipment such as the tow packing, working lights, platinum paint and 4-wheel drive removed. The XLT package is the only remaining optional equipment added to the SUV. The package adds about $13,403 to the standard Expedition price, which includes leather seats and a navigation system. Even though she’s not pleased with the price, Post 1 County Commissioner Doreen Williams, who initially had reservations about the vehicle due to its price tag since it was introduced at a Jan. 20 work session, seemed pleased with the compromise that has been made. “This isn’t exactly what I wanted, but it’s not exactly what the chairman wanted either,” Williams said.
Post 1 County Commissioner Oz Nesbitt didn’t say anything on the matter during the work session, but did tell The News before the meeting that the price reduction hasn’t swayed his opinion of the vehicle. Even though Nesbitt “fully supported” the new vehicle in January, he now thinks that Rockdale County Chairman and CEO Richard Oden should request a 2015 Ford Explorer, which cost $29, 947. Nesbitt also says that Oden requesting a vehicle when a cheaper, “but just as good,” one is available sends the wrong message to the people. “The message it sends… adds to the perception to the people about King Oden,” he said. The City of Conyers has two officials that have take-home vehicles, according to city spokesperson Jennifer Edwards. Chief of Police Gene Wilson drives a 2013 Dodge Charger that cost, with lights, about $26,550, and Public Works and Transportation Director Brad Sutton drives a 2006 F-150 truck that cost about $26,000 when it was purchased. Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent Richard Autry has a 2008 Chevy Tahoe as a takehome vehicle. The Tahoe cost the school system about $29,200 when it was purchased.
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The News The News
4 • Saturday, March 21, 2015 4 • Saturday, March 21, 2015
Out of the Flood: County brings sewer, home repairs to neglected Milstead corner
The Milstead community could be getting more sewer and home improvements by way of state grant money. During the Rockdale County Board of Commissioner’s (BOC) work session Tuesday morning, the board discussed an application that would allow homes in the community to attach to the wastewater system of Rockdale Water Resources and receive any other general home improvements as needed. This Community Development Block Grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs will allow the county to move into Phase 2 of its project, called the Milstead 2015 Sewer Improvements and Housing Rehabilitation. Phase 1, which is still being completed, went towards stormwater drainage improvement in the area. The $1 million sewer project will benefit 51 residents of the Yellow Street/Grimes Street area of Milstead who are in homes off a septic tank system. It will only affect these properties because they were part of the first phase of the project, says Tanesha Lanier, project coordinator, and that makes for a “stronger” application when applying to DCA. “This is a needs based grant. Phase 1 was for Yellow and Grimes Street infrastructure improvements, so in order to receive more points on the application, if we target those funds towards the same area we will (more like it receive funds),”
Distinguished Service Award
said Lanier. It’s a competitive application. It’s not an entitlement. We won’t automatically receive the funds, but the stronger the application the better.” In order for the county to proceed, they will need to require the county to acquire easements in the area. Post 1 County Commissioner Oz Nesbitt felt the improvement project
was a big step for the Milstead area. “As the chairman would say, this is huge. This is a big deal,” he said. “I mean for those residents in that particular community to come off the septic system and to be able to tie into Rockdale resources in terms of wastewater, that is a major accomplishment in terms of infrastructure in that particular area.” On top of that, six properties, located at Yellow and Grimes Street right of Ga. Highway 20, will receive any other major improvements to the property. One or two of the homes may need to undergo demolition and reconstruction, says Lanier. Renovation costs could range from 50 to 126 thousand dollars. The deadline to apply for the grant is next month. The board will take a vote on the application during its voting session next Tuesday, Mar. 24, at 10 a.m. at the Assembly Hall building, 901 Main Street, Conyers. - Martin Rand
The National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Council of School Attorneys (COSA) honored Forrest Jack Lance, a veteran school board attorney who has provided exemplary service to the Rockdale County Public Schools school board and the school law community at the 2015 Annual School Law Seminar on Friday in Nashville. Lance received COSA’s Submitted photo Award for Distinguished Service in recognition of over 30 years of outstanding service to public schools, the profession, and the mission of COSA to “improve the practice of school law…by providing leadership in legal advocacy for public schools.” “We are proud to honor Jack Lance for his years of service to our organization, and the school law community at large.” said Gregory J. Guercio, COSA’s Chair.
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Opinion NEWS
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
aellington@covnews.com
dthompson@covnews.com
Our Thoughts Elections
There has begun a stirring of potential political candidates for the 2016 election. We know this because already there are stirrings of smearing mud being mixed. Unfortunately this has become the standard in recent elections and what this type of politicking does is blur what the real issues are. We urge anyone that runs for local office to refrain from running a campaign that concentrates on throwing mud at their opponent and instead make every effort to communicate their beliefs and visions to the voters who vote. To the voters you have an even bigger obligation – and that is to take time and first meet the person you are going to vote for and then to make sure you make every effort to understand the candidate’s vision and history before you fill out the ballot on voting day. We ask you for the sake of our city and county to not just go and vote for someone because of their color or their party affiliation. Do their actions match their words? How do they conduct themselves when they think no one’s watching? Are they accessible to all segments of the community? Do they show up more than just in campaign season? Do they try and make decisions that are in the best interest of the community? Do yourself, and all of us, a favor and take the time to be informed before voting. We promise you that we will make every effort to see that you are.
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
Even playing field for school sports Dear Editor: For decades, students at the traditional public schools in Georgia have been denied the chance to win a state championship because the system overseen by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) ignores the fact that there is no parity among traditional public schools, private schools, and city schools. Whether you are in south Georgia or north Georgia, coaches from traditional public schools talk about the disadvantage of having to play against city schools and private schools. Traditional public high schools have a defined border or service area. Private schools do not. For city schools, that defined border or service area is vague, at best. Some city schools have open enrollment. In my statistics and comparisons below, “public schools” refer to traditional public schools and “private schools” to private, independent, and parochial schools. On January 20, 2015, the GHSA held a meeting on reclassification. At issue was a debate
that has been brewing for many years: whether private and city high schools should be judged differently than public schools during this reclassification process. 2A public schools are saying the GHSA needs to do what
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multiplier rule in place during 2001–2008. This approach to parity failed. During this period, private school wins continued to rise. The following private school statistics are for the years 1995–
Coaches from traditional public schools talk about the disadvantages of having to play against city schools and private schools.
it did with 1A schools a couple of years back: split the state playoffs between public and private schools. Private schools are asking for a student enrollment multiplier rule. Ten private schools won 26% of the 1,826 sports championships that took place during 1995–2014 (excludes sports that split). What was the GHSA doing while this was occurring? Well, they did have a 1.5
2014. In 2A and 3A boys’ and girls’ cross country combined, private schools won 67 of the last 79 championships (85%). In 2A and 3A boys’ and girls’ soccer combined, private schools won 35 of the last 44 championships (80%). In 2A and 3A boys’ and girls’ tennis combined, private schools won 73 of the last 80 championships (91%). In A/AA and 3A volleyball combined, private schools won 26
of the last 29 championships (90%). During 2012–2014, in 2A, 3A, and 4A boys’ and girls’ soccer combined, there were 207 playoff games in which private schools played public or city schools. Private schools outscored public and city schools by a combined total of 793 to 65. I encourage those interested in competitive balance in GHSA sports to go to the GHSA website at https://www.ghsa. net/champions and look at the various sports that have been dominated by private schools for decades. Send an email to the GHSA and let them know that public and private schools do not need to be competing in regional play, nor do they need to be competing against each other in the state playoffs. Contact information for the GHSA Executive Director and Associate Directors can be found at https:// www.ghsa.net/office-staff. Alan Henderson Parent of a public school
Would You Vote For This Person? Dear Editor: Would you vote for this person? Mostly recently (he was) arrested for domestic violence; also accused of “groping” a student while working on an unauthorized shift; charged with sexual battery and making false statements while working as a Deputy Marshal in Augusta; performing duties for which one has no authority; “sloppy performance” in authorized duties such as not keeping his pistol clean and not having patrol car serviced as required and notarizing data without notary authority. During this employment this person received a total of 22 days on suspension during 10 years of service as a public servant, although there were many infractions which led to the “firing” of this person, but another worth noting is his receiving a five-day suspension in March 1995 after a supervi-
sor found him at home asleep on duty. On two occasions, he received written warnings for
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a government matter carries a prison term of up to five years. This person did NOT serve
Do you want to elect this person to the highest office in Rockdale County?
not reporting to work or calling. He was given a chance to resign but declined. This person was turned over to the police and was immediately released on $7,500 bail. The charges were “sexual battery and making false statements in a government matter.” Sexual battery, a misdemeanor, carries a prison term of up to two years. False statements in
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Publisher T. Pat Cavanaugh
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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the
Saturday, March 21, 2015 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5
time for ANYTHING Not only did this person shirk responsibilities but he also “thumbed his nose at authority” providing the rules while working at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department. A full report can be found by going to Augusta Chronicle, October 7, 1998 written by Meghan Gourley, staff writer for the Augusta Chronicle. This person is planning to
run for Chairman of the Board of Commissioners in Rockdale County as soon as the time comes up. Do you want to elect this person to the highest office in Rockdale County? This position, the Chairman, has many privileges and responsibilities — appointments to jobs, and many other things; check duties of Chairman of Commission in Rockdale County. Will you vote, ignoring that it is a privilege allowed us in this country, or will you make a thoughtful vote by considering this information and all information that you can gather. This person’s name is Oz Nesbitt; he is serving on the Board of Commissioners in Rockdale County presently. Vote responsibly! Carole Nailen Rockdale County
The News
6 • Saturday, March 21, 2015
St. Patrick’s in Conyers It was the world's happiest, greenest day on Tuesday St. Patrick's Day! And The Rockdale News team had live streaming coverage, emceed by T. Pat Cavanaugh and Marty Jones, of all the festivities before, during and after the World's Fastest Growing Parade in Olde Town Conyers and the 0.1 Mile World's Shortest Endurance Run afterwards. See video highlights at rockdalenews.com
Photos by Martin Rand/The News
Luck of the Irish Rockdale Cares celebrated the “Luck of the Irish” with their 37th Annual Fundraiser show and silent auction on Saturday, March 14, at Epiphany Lutheran Church to benefit Haven House Respite Home, which provides respite services for developmentally challenged individuals and families. The event featured a catered dinner, live entertainment from clients and the reliably solid stable of items for silent auction. Here are a few scenes from the festivities. For more photos, go to rockdalenews.com
Photos by Michelle Kim/The News
The News
Thoughts of a baby boomer
Saturday, March 21, 2015 • 7
An Irish Philosophy of Life
By T. Pat Cavanaugh
pcavanaugh@rockdalenews.com
Tuesday was St. Patrick’s Day, a day celebrated throughout the land with parades and merriment and music. In Conyers there was a parade and the world’s shortest endurance run. You can see photos of the parade and run in today’s paper and video at rockdalenews. com or in the digital edition rockdalenewsdigital.com Celebrating this day is the right thing to do in this country because the Irish have contributed so much to the might and culture of America. You are probably thinking as you read this that I will be off celebrating this grand day at the closest Irish bar. Not necessarily true. The News will be live streaming the afternoon’s activities in Conyers; it is a complete coincidence that we will be located across from the Celtic Tavern. Joking aside, years ago I stopped celebrating this day in that manner. When I sat down to try to write about my favorite memories of celebrating St. Pat’s day, I knew full well that I did have a good time, but the truth of the matter is I just couldn’t remember what those good times were. We still celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at our house. The Leprechaun always came in the middle of the night to visit the kids and grandchildren and even now Ms. Molly expects a visit also. Some of the kids at my oldest grandchild’s school years ago scoffed at her when she told them that she believed in leprechauns. It’s too bad, because The Leprechaun only visits boys and girls who believe, and our granddaughter, who was a very smart 7-year-old, told them that, as she opened up her treats from the
wily Leprechaun. The Irish can take great pride in being Americans because, after all, in the 6th Century this land was first discovered by an Irish monk named St. Brendan. Those of you who would scoff, especially my Italian friends, need to know evidence of the Saint’s visit was recently discovered in caves of the West Virginia Mountains. In fact, to this very day some people refer to that state in talking about it by calling it West “By God” Virginia, further evidence of the Saint’s visit. Speaking of the Italians, there always has been a little jealousy involving them. St. Patrick was actually a Roman citizen before he got the calling and learned that he could charm snakes. Once he saw Ireland, he became an Irishman in his heart forever. There has always been unhappiness in the Italian community that more people celebrate St. Pat’s day than Columbus Day. I don’t know why I enjoy eating pizza and a good bottle of Boones Farm on Columbus Day. In fact, there was so much jealousy that the College of Cardinals, which has been dominated by Italian cardinals over the centuries, actually tried to have St. Patrick kicked out of the sainthood some years ago. Actually, the Italians have been smarter than the Irish in this country. They managed to have Columbus Day declared a federal holiday, even though it is a dubious holiday. Celebrating St. Pat’s day has cost many a Paddy his job, because it is not an official holiday in this country, only in the minds of those who celebrate it. The Irish people always have been and are to this day a brave, smart and independent people, and they are also very prolific and have
multiplied faster than bunnies. The famous psychologist Sigmund Freud once said about the Irish, “This is one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever.” There were eight Irish signers of the Declaration of Independence. Half of all of the troops who fought in the Revolutionary War were Irish, including 1,492 officers and 26 generals. In fact, many of the British soldiers were Irish. Just before the Civil War, millions of Irish, my own great-great-grandfather included, came to our shore to try and escape the great potato famine that killed millions in the 1840s and ’50s. When most arrived, they were treated as if they were the scum of the Earth. In fact, there were signs on people’s lawns all the way up to WWII that stated “No Dogs or Irish Allowed on Lawn.” Many signed on with the military, where they were promised citizenship. Many of those were sent to the American plains to fight the Indian wars, and there, many were beaten and scourged by some officers who hated them because they were considered Papists, and there was a fear that because of the Irish Catholic influx, the Pope would soon be ruling the country. Some of the Irish deserted and went to Mexico, where they were treated with respect. In fact, during the war with Mexico, the Irish formed a battalion in the Mexican Army called the San Patreicio’s, who fought valiantly against the American troops, which ironically contained many of their Irish cousins. The battalion was finally decimated and the survivors were tortured and hung by General Winfield Scott in spite of the protests
of the Mexican government and the world. These men were never citizens of the U.S. The San Patricio’s today are honored in Mexico and in Ireland for their courage and gallantry. You can rent a great movie on this subject. It is called “One Man’s Hero.” During the Civil War, seven Union generals were Irish born and 150,000 Irish Americans fought for the north. Six Confederate generals were born in Ireland. In fact, the first two casualties of the Civil War were Irish. In the history of this country, more than 300 Irish Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor; 21 of them are double Medal of Honor winners. The culture and arts of this country has been forever affected by the writings of F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Joyce, Eugene O’Neal, George M. Cohan, Stephen Foster, Tom Brady, Edgar Allan Poe and, of course, T. Pat Cavanaugh. There have been 18 presidents
of our country who were of Irish ancestry, including Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Chester A. Arthur, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, James Monroe, Richard Nixon, and John F. Kennedy and, heaven forbid, Bill Clinton. There are numerous folks of Irish decent that have made this country into what it is today, including John Barry, who was the father of the American Navy; Daniel Boone; Davy Crockett; James Hogan, who designed the White House; Matthew Brady, the Civil War photographer; Henry Ford, who started the Ford Motor Company; Dr. Thaddeus Cahill, who developed the electric typewriter in 1901; Henry McCarty, aka Billy the Kid, who was one of our notorious outlaws; and John Wayne, a great American actor.
For full column, visit rockdalenews.com
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The News
8 • Saturday, March 21, 2015
OUR BOYS ARE COMING HOME
Eleven heroes from Rockdale for the fallen. Before honoring our returning County and twelve of their brothers from Newton County are heroes, a brief explanation concoming home. Befitting the 40th cerning research is apropos. The internet Virtual Wall Anniversary of the offers a “full profile” ending of the Vietnam on every veteran on War, the Moving Wall The Wall in Wash– a traveling half-sized ington, DC, yet that replica of the Vietnam information is basic Veterans Memorial and offers little about Wall in Washington, the human being beD.C. – will be on dishind the name. A few play at the Walk of veterans have lonHeroes War Memorial ger profiles including in Rockdale County, comments by loved May 6-12. And thanks PETE MECCA ones and/or a brother to one man, Bud SoseCOLUMNIST from southeast Asia. bee, our heroes will have a noble venue for their Further research indicated that the war memorial on Covington homecoming. Bud Sosebee is the most rec- Square in Newton County and the one in front of ognized vetthe Rockdale eran in RockCounty Courtdale County. NSDAR Honors house may Folks may not both be misshave known Vietnam Veterans The Col. John McIntosh ing one vethis name, but Chapter of the National eran’s name untold thouaccording to sands have Society Daughters of the the Georgia seen Bud in American Revolution, of Registry. This his World War Conyers, will present a prois not unusual II uniform at gram honoring Vietnam various events. Veterans and commemorating nor due to negligence. VeterAlways smil- the 40th Anniversary of the ans may have ing, always end of the war, Wednesday, moved, been w e l c o m i n g . March 25, 2 p.m., at Epiphany recognized Bud’s easygo- Lutheran, 2375 Ga. Hwy elsewhere, or ing disposition 20 South, Conyers. Local their was sorely Vietnam veterans will be invit- given point of entry tested when he ed as guests. Rockdale News witnessed the Columnist Pete Mecca, author into the military as their treatment Viet- of “A Veteran’s Story” series, home town. nam veterans will be the guest speaker. Photos are received when limited. The they returned home from an unpopular war. He names of two veterans appear on decided to do something about it. both monuments. I respectfully His vision was to honor Viet- offer the following tributes. nam veterans by honoring all veterans with the Walk of Heroes ROCKDALE COUNTY Harlow Gary Clark, Jr. – US War Memorial. The memorial is his baby, his vision, and now, Army, chopper pilot, Lieutenant because of this great man and pa- Colonel. Lt. Col. Clark lost his triot, we all have a memorial to life in a helicopter crash due to be proud of, a place to honor the hostile fire on March 7, 1966. The brave; a place to show our respect province in Vietnam was not re-
ported. He was 44 years old. Donald Wayne Garrett – US Army, infantryman, Private First Class. On May 12, 1969, Pfc. Garrett died from multiple fragmentation wounds in Binh Long Province. He was 23 years old. Robert Wayne Hamlin – US Army, 82nd Airborne, Sergeant. Sgt. Hamlin died from enemy small arms fire near Hua Nghia on February 5, 1969. He was 20 years old. A note from the Virtual Wall: “I remember you being a quiet easy-going person. I looked
at the signatures in the book at Danny McGee’s funeral and there was your name where you paid your respects for a fallen brother. Months later you lost your life in Nam also. I know you did your best and I thank you. You are missed still and will always be missed. Thank you, my brother.” Melvin Douglas Holcomb - US Marine Corps, radio operator, Staff Sgt. SSgt. Holcomb perished from enemy artillery, rocket, or mortar fire in Quang Tri Province. He was 28 years old.
William McCaskill - US Marine Corps, rifleman, Private First Class. On April 26, 1967, William was hit by enemy small arms fire in Quang Tri Province. He died immediately. William was 23 years old. Danny Dean McGee (appears on both monuments) – US Marine Corps, combat engineer, Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal McGee died from hostile small arms fire on January 23, 1967 near Thua
See WALL on PAGE 9
The News
Saturday, March 21, 2015 • 9
“
WALL
Jacksons listed on Virtual Wall) – both US Army, both infantryAll we wanted men, both Private First Class. From PAGE 8 was to do our jobs, Pfc. Raymond Columbus Jackson perished in a helicopter crash on come home to our Thien. He was 21 years old. A January 15, 1967 in Phong Dinh note from the Virtual Wall: “You Province. He was 21 years old. white houses on our are missed by all, Danny. Your Raymond Lee Jackson died from tree-lined streets, laughter, your kindness, and love enemy small arms fire on August of life were not taken in the jun- 25, 1968 in Quang Ngai Province. and take up where gles of Vietnam. Those who love He was 20 years old. we left off. Who you have not allowed that to hapJerry Johnson – US Army, inpen. You live on in our hearts and fantryman, Private First Class. would have known minds. You left behind a mother, Pfc. Johnson lost his life to small the hand of fate father, sister, three half-sisters, arms fire on March 6, 1969 in Tay and a fiancé. When you went Ninh Province. He was 22 years would take you and away you had plans like the rest old. leave me?” of us grunts. All we wanted was George E. McMullen, III – US to do our jobs, come home to our Air Force, helicopter crewman, white houses on our tree-lined Technical Serstreets, and geant. Tech ince. He was 20 years old. take up where James Terry Savage – US Sgt. McMulwe left off. Vietnam Moving Wall len perished Army, Aerial Sensor Specialist, Who would comes to Rockdale in a helicopter Sergeant. Sgt. Savage lost his life have known crash on May on October 14, 1969 in an airThe Moving Wall – a half the hand of sized replica of the Vietnam 13, 1975 in plane crash in Khanh Hoa Provfate would take Veterans Memorial Wall in Thailand. He ince. He was 20 years old. you and leave Washington, D.C. – will be Earl Thomas Shaffer, Sr. (on was 31 years me? Perhaps on display May 6-12 at The old. Note: Tech both monuments) – US Army, heaven need- Walk of Heroes Veterans Sgt. McMullen infantry senior sergeant, First ed you. Those War Memorial at 3001 Black was assigned Sergeant. First Sergeant Shaffer of us who Shoals Rd in Conyers, GA to a special op- was killed by enemy small arms came home 30012. Open 24 hours; free erations wing, fire on December 9, 1968 in Binh were forever admission; daily ceremonies classified mis- Long Province. He was 45 years changed. The honoring various Vietnam old. sions. houses were veterans; May 6 baseball Roy Lee Singletary (not on Robert Litnot as white, game Braves vs. Phillies; May tleton Phillips the Covington Monument) – US and the trees 9 parade; www.themoving– US Army, Army, light air defense artillery didn’t look the wall.org, www.walkofheroes. infantry unit crewmember, Private First Class. same. Taking org, 770-273-7003 c o m m a n d e r, Pfc. Singletary died instantly up where we Captain. Cap- from an explosive device on July left off was not tain Phillips 8, 1969 in Binh Dinh Province. an option. Sometimes, I thought died from multiple fragmentation He was 21 years old. you were the lucky one. I guess wounds on May 6, 1970 in CamIsaac Thomas, Jr – US Marine heaven will need me eventually, bodia. Province not reported. He Corps, rifleman, Private First and when it does, we will meet was 23 years old. Class. Pfc. Thomas died from again and talk of old times (I hope Robert Anthony Piper – US hostile fragmentation wounds on heaven has footballs). One day, Army, infantryman, Corporal. June 7, 1969 in Quang Nam Provboth of us, along with Galen, will Corporal Piper died from enemy ince. He was 21 years old. stand at the gate and pull duty to- small arms fire on July 31, 1971 Millard L. Treadwell – US gether, welcoming our brethren in Quang Nam Province. He was Army, Operations and Traininto the fold. Semper Fi.” ing Staff Officer, Major. Major 20 years old. Thomas Ronnie Range, Jr. (not Danny Joe Richardson – US Treadwell perished in a helicopon the Rockdale Monument) – Army, Tactical Wire Operations ter crash on June 6, 1967 in Bien US Marine Corps, antitank as- Specialist, Specialist Four. Spec Hoa Province. He was 34 years sault man, Private First Class. four Richardson suffered mul- old. A note on the Virtual Wall: Pfc. Range lost his life in Quang tiple fragmentation wounds on “Oh Daddy, how your little girl Nam Province on September 17, April 3, 1968 in Binh Dinh Prov- misses you.” 1968 from enemy small arms fire. He was 19 years old. James Earl Skipper – US Army, infantryman, specialist four. Spec four Skipper died instantly from an explosive device in Quang Tri Province on February 3, 1969. He was 20 years old. Thomas Clinton Smith, Jr. – US Army, infantryman, Corporal. O Corporal Smith perished from an F F explosive device in Quang Ngai Free Pickup & Delivery to Ink Jet Cartridge Province on April 8, 1970. He Qualified Businesses! Refills was 20 years old.
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The News
10 • Saturday, March 21, 2015
Full STEAM Ahead Shoal Creek Elementary celebrates Career Day
Shoal Creek Elementary celebrated all things STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics – with STEAM Career Day on Monday, March 16. Students heard from dozens of professionals in engineering, education, wildlife, music, journalism, medicine, law enforcement and more. Students became geologists for a day with the Big Canyon Balloon. Fifth graders made presentations on iPads about career fields and presented it to fourth graders in a job-fair atmosphere. The day culminated with “STEAM, The Musical” with original career-related lyrics were put to pop tunes of the day. Here are a few scenes. - Michelle Kim
Community Calendar Please note the Calendar deadline for Saturday’s paper is noon Thursday. Email events to news@rockdalenews. com.
Saturday, March 21
Parent Academy 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.; Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr; free classes ranging from automotive to Excel 101 to Zumba for RCPS parents, free childcare ages 3-10, registration required, free lunch by Zaxby’s; www.rockdale.k12.ga.us
Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., March 21-22; Ga. Int’l Horse Park; Conyers 34th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival; (Rain or Shine); more than 300 vendor and craft booths; continuous entertainment, children’s activities; Ultimate Air Dog Show; Atlanta Puppet Show; Pink Out! contest prizes for those wearing cherry blossom colors pink and green or decorating stroller or wagon; Scavenger Hunt; free admission, $5 one day parking or $8 two day parking; No pets; www.conyerscherryblossomfest. com
Family Fun Day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284 Old Covington Road, Conyers; Family Fun Day kicks off Pastor Christopher Shipp’s 18th Anniversary at Bald Rock Baptist; great food and fun; 770-929-3421.
Freedom Fund banquet 6 p.m. ; Carriage room of Ga. Int’l Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers; fundraiser gala for Rockdale NAACP chapter to provide a scholarship to one college-bound senior from each of Rockdale’s three high schools; tickets $40 each; contact Gladys Brown at 404-3768526 or Allene Eatman at 770-715-4836.
Sunday, March 22 Conyers Cherry Blossom Fest 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., March 21-22; Ga. Int’l Horse Park; Conyers 34th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival; (Rain or Shine); more than 300 vendor booths; entertainment, children’s activities; Ultimate Air Dog Show; Atlanta Puppet Show; Pink Out! prizes for those wearing pink and green;
Scavenger Hunt; free admission, $5 one day parking or $8 two day parking; No pets; www.conyerscherryblossomfest. com
Bald Rock Pastor Anniversary 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284 Old Covington Road, Conyers; Pastor Christopher Shipp’s 18th Anniversary; 770-929-3421.
Emmanuel Community Church 10th Anniversary Celebration 11 a.m.; Emmanuel Community Church, 1400 Ga. Highway 212, Conyers; celebrating 10 years in community; Lead Pastor Eric Suddith; dinner at 12:30 p.m.; 678413-3603, www.emmanuelconyers.com
Taste of Salem Event 6 p.m.; Family Life Center at Salem UMC, 3962 Salem Rd, Covington; community invited to sample entrees, side dishes, desserts by Salem`s finest chefs; Tickets $10, children under 12 eat free; Proceeds for local and global missions; 770-786-6027.
Tuesday, March 24 Rockdale Retired Educators 11:30 a.m.; at Rockdale Baptist Church, 1295 Smyrna Rd.; Rockdale Retired Educators Association meeting; speaker Rockdale Extension Agent Steve Pettis; RSVP for lunch; Helen 770-483-6808
Friday, March 27 Salem High Honor Choir Concert 6:30 p.m.; Salem High School Theater, 3551 Underwood Rd SE; first ever Honor Choir Concert, under direction of Lenae Rose; workshops from Roger Waters of Conyers/Covington Choral Guild, Mary Lynn Luke of Oxford Youth Singers, Theresa Hamm-Smith of Bella Musica, Brittany Jaynes from Snellville UMC, and Brandon Rose; free; lrose@rockdale.k12.ga.us
Saturday, March 28 Walk with Angels 8 a.m.; eight mile walk starts/ends at the Olde Town Conyers Pavilion; fundraiser for the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation’s efforts for early breast cancer detection; individuals $300 entry; teams of two to four, $300 each; teams of 10 or
more, $200.; www.walkwithangels.kimatkins.net
Race for Life 5K/1M Refuge Pregnancy fundraiser 8 a.m.; at Refuge Pregnancy Center, 1307 Milstead Ave, Conyers; 5K at 8 a.m., 1 mile at 8:45 a.m., Tot Trot at 9 a.m.; entry Fees: $25 until March 23, $30 after/ race day, $30 phantom runner; Register at www.active.com; pacesetr@bellsouth.net, 678-795-0115 or Anita 770-922-5939
AKA Fiscal Responsibility workshop 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; St. Paul A.M.E. Church,13108 Brown Bridge Road, Covington; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Sessions: Economic development, Budgeting, Marketing, and buying homes; www. aka1908.com
Rockdale County Think Tank Noon - 2 p.m.; Ruby Tuesdays, 1714 Ga. Highway 138, Conyers; back room; hosted by Josie Dean; a State of the Citizens address for Rockdale residents to express their concerns and visions for Rockdale
11 11
Saturday, March 21, 2015 • 11 Saturday, March 21, 2015• 3 Saturday, March 21, 2015• 3
The News The News The News
Barksdale Boys & Girls Club
Welcomes New Director By Martin Rand, III
I
“Probably since I was 18 (years old), I’ve been involved with childcare in some aspect,” she said. “This is pretty much what I’ve been doing in some shape form or fashion since I graduated from high school.” Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Brenau University and received her master’s degree in early childhood education from Grand Canyon University. With that work experience, Harris hopes to breathe new life in to the BAGC. “I was selected to lead this particular club. I’m excited about it,” she said. “I see a lot of good things for the future of Barksdale and I’m excited about that.” Her number one goal is to increase the amount and variety of programs the BBGC can offer to the almost 200 children who attend daily. Opening the children up to the new experiences is extremely important, says Harris, because it allows kids to think about possibilities. Since she took over, the BAGC began
mrand@rockdalenews.com
t’s only been about two months, but Angelique Harris can already see great things happening in the future for Conyers’ A.R. Gus Barksdale Boys & Girls Club (BBGC) located at 1015 O'Kelly Street. DeKalb County resident Harris, 47, was hired as the executive director of the Barksdale Boys & Girls Club Jan. 14. She replaces Terrance Artis, who was let go by the BBGC in August as the full-time director of the club. “I stay pretty busy,” said Harris. “I’m learning a lot. There’s a lot to learn, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.” This is Harris first time taking the reins of an organization to lead it; however, her work with children is extensive. Prior to working with BBGC, Harris worked for the YMCA in Decatur, Georgia to help develop programs for children and worked as pre-kindergarten teacher.
holding an assembly every Friday where different groups of kids can put on shows using different forms of expression for the other kids. “If someone is in the arts, they may showcase their artwork, and that’ll give students, who maybe normally don’t want to do art or have an interest in that, it may peak their interest,” said Harris. “Just to get kids to open up their eyes to things that they may not have known about, been exposed to or want to do. I think it’s fantastic that many see their peers and peak their interest.” Another goal for Harris is to increase student membership and volunteers. Adding new and exciting programs can go a long way to helping that effort. Also, she’s been out-and-about in the community talking and meeting with different civic organizations, businesses and Rockdale County Public Schools officials to get a wide range of community involvement. She does have an idea of what kids want and need at the BAGC. Harris was a club
Rockdale school climate scores released The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) recently released the first School Climate Star Rating Report, which aims to give parents a thumbnail look at the quality and culture of a school. The Star Climate Rating average for Rockdale County Public Schools system is 87.038 (out of 100). RCPS's elementary schools averaged 91.108, middle schools averaged 87.675, and high schools averaged 82.333. Out of Rockdale's three main high schools, Salem received a "4 star" rating, while Heritage and Rockdale County High received a "3 star" rating. Most RCPS elementary schools received a Each school in Georgia received a 1-5 star ratings, with five stars representing an excellent school climate, and one star representing a school climate most in need of improvement. School Climate
Star Ratings are an informational tool for schools, administrators, and parents; they do not affect the school's College & Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) score.
"I am pleased with our Climate Star averages," says RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry. "With this being a brand new measurement calculation, we will take the neces-
member as a child, although she was a part of the girls club before it merged with the boys club and become what is now known as the Samuel L. Jones Boys & Girls Club, 450 East Lake Drive, Decatur, Georgia. Her two kids, a son and a daughter ages 14 and 12, are also members of the Jones Boys & Girls Club. “I’ve come full circle,” she said with a laugh. And Harris doesn’t plan on leaving the BAGC anytime soon. She said she could see herself being rooted in her position for at least the next decade, but in order to accomplish such a lofty goal, Harris needs to be able to communicate and listen effectively. “I think it’s important to be in touch with what the community wants, be in touch with what your members want and the parents what,” she said. “I think that’s very important and that helps you with longevity. You have to be able to evolve and change with the changing times and I think that’s very important.”
sary time to analyze the report and determine areas for improvement." - Staff Reports
Read full story at rockdalenews.com
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Sports
Saturday, Mar. 21, 2015 Page 12 rockdalenews.com
Hometown HEROES
A look at the two men Elbert County created By Shakeem Holloway
sholloway@rockdalenews.com
In the far northeast corner of Georgia, bordering the South Carolina line and more than 80 miles away from Newton/ Rockdale County lies a small place called Elbert County with a of population 20,500 people as of 2012, according to elbertco.net. Elbert is significant to Newton and Rockdale because of the two coaches it birthed – Jonathan Brewer (Rockdale County High School head baseball coach) and Bruce Evans (Eastside High School head baseball coach) – and the men that it made them. Elbert County is a small place, so small that it has just one high school. Similar to that of Newton and Rockdale decades ago. It’s the type of place that forces you to drive 45 minutes just to go to Outback. Evans, who was the head baseball coach at Elbery County High School, says it was so small that he knew all five board members and they would call him after games. He jokingly added that he only knows one
in Newton. If Elbert hadn’t been so small, maybe Evans would have never coached Brewer while he was in high school. Maybe they would’ve never met and developed the close friendship they have now. But Elbert is small and because of it Brewer and Evans developed a close friendship that resembles a big/ little brother bond. A bond that gave them both the courage to leave the place they’d called home for so long. Listening to Evans and Brewer tell their story of coming from a small town over an early dinner Thursday evening at Jim Stalvey’s in Covington and you can see the brotherly love the two share for each other now, but it didn’t start out that way. When Brewer was a senior on the baseball team, Evans became a coach in his first year out of college. “I hated him then,” Brewer said laughing. As an immature young kid, Brewer says he hated how hardnosed Evans was. It was some-
Shakeem Holloway/The News
Jonathan Brewer (left) and Bruce Evans (right) at Jim Stalvey’s on Thursday. thing that, at the time, Brewer and asked Brewer to join him, spoke at his funeral. He says it wasn’t mentally ready to deal while he was still in college. was awful. “I go home and sleep because with. Evans gives Brewer more Brewer was working at a local credit than Brewer gave himself radio station at the time, but he I know I did the right thing,” and says Brewer was ready by couldn’t pass up the chance to Evans said. “I wouldn’t sleep good if I kept a kid that didn’t coach at his alma mater. the end of his senior year. “I’ve been around baseball deserve it because that isn’t fair In the last game of Brewer’s senior season, the head coach my whole life,” Brewer said. “I to that other kid that got cut got thrown out, forcing Evans remember thinking at the time that did deserve to make it.” Evans always stuck to his to take over. Evans says Brewer that I knew everything there was a good bunter and that he was to know about baseball.” guns, kept the best players and always felt the team never used Brewer quickly learned the played the best nine. In such a Brewer right, but when Evans opposite. He says that Evans small town where everybody got the chance to, he used him taught him tons, but what stuck knows everybody else’s name with him the most was learning that became problematic, and perfectly. Evans had Brewer bunt each how to practice everyday, deal- Evans says he lost friends beof his three times at-bat, and ing with parents and cutting cause of decisions he had to make. he executed each one of them – kids. “I was the one that sat around Cutting kids probably doesn’t twice for the squeeze play and once for a sacrifice bunt. Brew- sound like a difficult task to with him and saw the emotioner says that was probably his most people. But it was, espe- al torture of it,” Brewer said. cially for Evans. Evans, lost his “He has to be strong in front of best game all season. The two were reunited when son while he was coaching at everyone else, but I was there Evans took over the head Elbert, and Evans was forced to see once everybody left the coaching position at Elbert to cut his son’s best friend that See Elbert, Page 13
Bulldogs take season series over Alcovy By Javon Dickerson
news@rockdalenews.com
It seems like baseball season just started, but yet most teams are already into the most important part of their schedule, region games. It is one thing to start off your region schedule, and it’s another to start it against a border-county rival. Alcovy and Rockdale led off its Region 2-AAAAAA schedule with a three-game series against each other. With Rockdale taking a commanding 9-1 win at Alcovy on Monday, the Tigers wanted to put up a better fight when they traveled to Rockdale on Wednesday evening. After a tough game, it was the Bulldogs who prevailed after a late-homer to take a 2-1 win over Alcovy. Both starting pitchers Ahmaad O’Neal (Rockdale) and Nathan Purcell (Alcovy) put on an amazing display
of pitches, and seemed to try to get the better of each other every time they hit the mound. They combined to only give up three runs, but it was Purcell that gave up the run to end the game. With the game tied at one in the bottom of the sixth inning, senior Jelani Clarington stepped up and blasted the ball in the left field for a solo jam to win the game. Clarington came in on the mound to close out the game in the final two innings. Rockdale (5-6, 2-0) has a very young team this season with only three seniors on the roster and eight underclassmen. That contributes to the somewhat inconsistent play we’ve seen from Rockdale, but that also comes from playing a tough non-region schedule. There is talent on this team, and the future seems bright for the Bulldogs. But, Head Coach Jonathan Brewer wants his team to keep learning from their mistakes and shorten their errors. Brewer loves the leadership role Clarington
has taken on his team, and praises his play on the diamond. “He (Clarington) has been absolutely incredible for this baseball team,” Brewer said. “Whatever college gets him is going to be getting a special one.” Alcovy (2-11, 0-2) has been hit with adversity this year, and like Rockdale only have four seniors on their team. Even though the Tigers are still trying to come together as a baseball team, their effort and heart cannot be questioned as they played their hearts out to get that win. If the Tigers keep with that same intensity, thing will turn around in the future for them. “Baseball is one of those games where even if you play right you still lose,” Alcovy Head Coach Ryan Denison said. The third game of the series was Friday, check back with the Rockdale News for updates.
The News
Elbert
From Page 12 room how much it hurt him to have to do it. Just because it’s the right decision doesn’t mean it’s the easy decision.” Evans says now, he didn’t really lose any friends, it just weeded out the people in his life that didn’t belong. But it was a valuable lesson for Brewer, as he learned the hardships that nobody sees that comes with the job. “He taught me that there’s no fair treatment. When you do the right thing you’re gonna get fussed at and criticized and that’s a hard thing to accept,” Brewer said. Evans likes to say that “no good deed goes unpunished,” which is something he witnessed up close and personal. Elbert County made the playoffs in four of the six seasons they coached together, and the Evans/Brewer era also resulted in the team breaking the school record for wins in a season with 23. Brewer has a tremendous amount of respect for Evans’ ability to win in their hometown. The pressure was always on because they grew up there and the two couldn’t go anywhere in the county without running into someone they knew.
Saturday, Mar. 21, 2015 • 13 “I felt like we couldn’t ever get a good coach. I felt like all these other good coaches were going to other schools. They’d come to Elbert County, they’d have a good year and they’d go get what they saw as a better job. I hated that. I hated the way that happened,” Evans said. “Everybody used Elbert like a stepping stone and I didn’t want to do that. I wanted somebody there that was stable for those kids – like us – growing up. And they had a stable person. I wanted the kids to see me at the little league field and know they’re gonna play for me one day. That was my dream. That’s why I came back and gave it all I did to make it that way.” Evans wanted to be the best coach in the state of Georgia and he wanted to do it at Elbert County because when Evans played there he went through four different coaches in four years. He felt like nobody wanted to be there. Evans wanted to leave Elbert in better shape than it was when he got there, and he did. “If we could win a state championship at Eastside I’m gonna blow the roof off I’m gonna be so happy. But just what we did at our hometown and to know without a doubt that we did it better than anyone else ever has, that’s a dif-
ferent kind of pride,” Evans special education certification er they go. It shows that they says. He added that it helped one Wednesday, he passed the still care about the place from a lot having Brewer along for test immediately and emailed which they came. The place Eastside principal Jeff Cher on that made them. If it weren’t the ride. The size of the county had Thursday. Cher called Evans for their hardships at Elbert, a profound effect on the tal- back later that day and Evans Evans says he wouldn’t have ent that Brewer and Evans went to visit Eastside on Fri- ventured out like he did and Brewer wouldn’t have taken had to work with. Moving to day. a chance like he did to get to He was hired Monday. Conyers and Covington has Within that same week, Rockdale. shown them what you can do It all came full circle earlier when you have multiple mid- Brewer got two job offers and dle schools fueling the talent took Evans with him to see in the season when the two both places and get his advice. met on the field as head coachof your team. “In six years, he never had Brewer was sold on Rockdale es for a double-header. Rocka left-handed pitcher. In six and its potential for growth, dale won the first game (13-7) years, he never had a kid from and the fact that he’d be close and Eastside won the second (10-8). Those two games are the mound consistently ever to his friend. “I thank God every day that non-region and would northrow over 83…and now he has three of them and he has a I’m here, because I love this mally have no significance at left handed pitcher now in his place. Me and my wife love it all, but that day is a day the two first year here,” Brewer said. “I and I know he (Brewer) does. will never forget. “It was about as perfect at it have a left-handed pitcher. I’ve I don’t know that I could’ve Discount. Discount. could be in my eyes. I got my got one throwing 87/88 and a found a better place to be,” Ev- Discount. Discount. first ever career win and he got couple 82/83. It’s Christmas, ans said. his 100th,” Brewer said pas“Absolutely,” Brewer chimedDiscount. in. Discount. man.” They carry the heart of their sionately. “I wouldn’t have had Evans and Brewer love their hometown, but they realized hometown with them wherev- it any other way.” last summer it was time to Discount. move on. As Evans says, evWallyWally Taylor, Agent Taylor, Agent with Get them all Get with them all Discount. 885 Honey Creek Road 885 Honey Creek Road erything happens for a reaDiscount Double Check. Discount Double Check. Conyers, GA 30094 Conyers, GA 30094 Bus: 770-483-4134 Bus: 770-483-4134 Discount. son. They started looking for It’s a quick and easy It’ s away quick and easy way wally@wallytaylor.com wally@wallytaylor.com to make sureto you’re saving sure you’re saving make coaching jobs throughout the all you can. And free. can. And it’s free. allit’syou Like a good Like neighbor, state together. a good neighbor, State Farm is there. State Farm is there. Evans, at that time, only had CALL ME TODAY. CALL ME TODAY. Wally Taylor, Agent a certification to lead physical Get them all with 885 Honey Creek Road Discount Double Check. Wally Taylor, Agent Conyers, GA 30094 Get them all with education (P.E.) classes. He says Bus: 770-483-4134 885 Honey Creek Road It’s a quick and easy way wally@wallytaylor.com Discount Double Check. Conyers, GA 30094 he got a lot of calls, but none of to make sure you’re saving Bus: 770-483-4134 all you can. And it’s free. the schools had P.E. jobs avail- wally@wallytaylor.com It’s a quick and easy way Like a good neighbor, State is there. able. So even if coaching jobs to make sure you’re saving CALL Farm ME TODAY. Wally Taylor, Agent were available, he 885 couldn’t take Get them with all you can. Andall it’s free. Honey Creek Road Discount Double Check. them. Evans decided to get his Conyers, GA 30094 Like a good neighbor,
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The News
Saturday, March 21, 2015• 14
The News
Saturday, March 21, 2015 • 15
MARKETPLACE
B u y • S e l l • Tr a d e • S e r v i c e s Online @ marketplace.rockdalenews.com
Jobs Drivers Wanted WANTED: OTR CDL Driver, home most weekends. Must be over 25 years of age and have over 3 years of experience. Call 770-786-5510 ext. 301 or 317.
pRODUcTiON OpERATORs: Automotive supplier in Covington is seeking Operators for 2nd and 3rd shifts. Attention to detail and quality is a must. Ability to stand on feet for 8 hours and able to lift up to 30 lbs. Background
Help Wanted
check, drug screen, HS diploma required.
ADmiNisTRATivE mA Needed for busy Practice in Conyers. HS diploma, valid MA certificate required. Front and back office experience helpful. Resume must include ALL education AND work experience. Fax to 678-413-3580.
Direct Hire, shift work position with paid
DiE sETTER: Automotive Supplier in Covington is looking for Metal Stamping Die Setters. Mechanical troubleshooting skills are required. Willingness to work around large types of machinery. Forklift experience necessary We are only willing to hire safety minded individuals who operate carefully and mindfully with attention to detail. Direct hire 1st shift position, paid vacation, high level benefits, competitive compensation. Please mail resumes to P.O. Box 427 Covington, GA 30015 DORsEy sERvicEs a family business is looking to hire Lawn Care Technicians & Salesman for our Monticello branch and Griffin branch. We are growing and hiring now. We have immediate full-time openings. Apply if you are experienced or would like to learn. Healthcare. 401k. Vacation benefits. Holiday pay. Requirements: valid Georgia driver’s license and good driving record. Must be 21. Applicant should have dependable transportation. Pay is based on your individual knowledge and skills. Call us for an interview today at 706-468-2413 or email us your resume to wayne@dorseyservices.com FOREvER HOmE Aide Service: Now excepting applications for CNA, LPN, RN and Independent Contractor. For appointment call 678-625-0004. HElp WANTED, Lake Jackson Park Attendant, week-ends and holidays, May through Labor Day, Contact Doug Ellis 404-954-4043 mEcHANic WANTED part time. Apply in person. Bullard’s Total Alignment 4162 Washington Street Covington, 30014.
MISSING From FRONT PAGE
Office investigators that Gattis had a “mindset of a child” and was easily influenced by others. She was still enrolled in Heritage High School under a special education program and technically under the custody of her adoptive parents. She reportedly has multiple diagnosed disorders, but many of those are diagnoses such as ADHD. Her friends de-
vacation, high level benefits, and competitive compensation.
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WEllNEss DiREcTOR for personal care home. Must be LPN, well organized and strong management skills. Excellent starting salary. Email resume to dedwards@oxtonsl.com
Real Estate commercial property For Rent FOR lEAsE- 800 to 2800 sqft. The best value in Covington. Retail or office space across from Walmart right off I-20. Call Vic 678-371-0402. mEDicAl spAcE for rent. 4115 Tate Street, Covington. 2200 sqft. near Newton Medical Center. 404-788-2516
One of the nation’s largest privately owned media companies has a unique job opportunity in the metro Atlanta area for someone with proven sales skills, the ability to manage and train other sales people, and creative new ideas for multimedia sales. The right candidate will help existing legacy media companies to implement new ideas and products in print, digital and mobile media, as well as supervise the training and sales efforts of other staff members. This will be a management position with potential for advancement within an organization whose holdings include newspapers, magazines, websites and broadcast operations. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work with others is a must. We are looking for sales expertise and creative approaches to fit the economic demands of new times in the world of media. This new sales opportunity will require work in a variety of different markets in suburban Atlanta. Please reply with cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: mediaopportunities2015@gmail.com.
scribed her to investigators as a normal functioning adult Initially, investigators believed Gattis may have been headed out of state with an unknown male who allegedly offered a modeling opportunity. However, after tracking down leads, investigators believe the 19-year-old may still be in the Conyers-Covington area. According to RCSO Cpl. Michael Camp, Gattis was spotted by classmates over the weekend at a Conyers eatery. “We believe she’s cut and
colored her hair. We think she’s been staying with family and friends in the Conyers and Covington area. We think she’s left on her own will and not coerced,” said Camp. “We still need to make contact with her. Technically, she’s still listed as a missing and endangered adult. But we don’t really think she’s endangered at this point. It’s almost like a runaway juvenile, but she’s not a juvenile.” “We do not believe she’s in any danger,” Camp reiterated.
Rockdale County Jail Log Sharrell Gelisa George, 24, Conyers, March 9, Theft by Shoplifting Jerry Dean Scott, 56, Conyers, March 9, Cruelty to Children, Simple Battery Johnnie Deon Lee, 36, Atlanta, March 9, Driving Without a Valid License Darius Alexander Johnson, 18, Conyers, March 9, Criminal Trespass Possession of Marijuana Rodrick Montrey White,
17, Conyers, March 9, Criminal Trespass Justin Parks Campbell, 17, Conyers, March 9, Criminal Trespass Roy Sebastian Pitts, 17, Conyers, March 9, Criminal Trespass Rocio Bautista, 17, Monticello, March 9, Theft by Shoplifting Shavonna Lashae Jones, 22, Lithonia, March 10, Driving Without a Valid License
16 • Saturday, March 21, 2015
The News
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