the News June 20, 2015 Volume 7, Issue 10 by The Covington News

the News June 20-26, 2015

Volume 7, Issue 10

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West Ave. sports bar proposal shot down at city council, PAGE 3 GBI investigates Judge Charles Mays By Michelle Kim, Martin Rand, III news@rockdalenews.com

Rockdale County Probate Court Judge Charles Mays, Sr.’s legal issues may not be quite as over as Mays’ team proclaimed it was last month. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations has opened a case and is investigating Mays, a GBI spokesperson confirmed. And on Tuesday, Freya Pearson - the former Probate Court worker suing seeking to sue Mays for alleged backpay - sent an ante-litem notice to the county to warn them about the pending litigation she planned to file against the county unless the county resolves Mays’ alleged $20,000 debt to her. The county is required to be served a notice within a year if they are to be sued. Pearson said this notice was served to preserve her right to sue the county. “Unless this matter can be settled immediate, I will file suit against Rockdale County, its employees and any other people that might be responsible,” Pearson writes in the notice. Pearson then continues by stating the county and its employees may be held responsible for several crimes and immoral acts, including, but not limited to, theft of services, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, slander, intimidation, “creating situations to assist, instead of deter Charles Mays behavior,” and “failure to do your jobs.” She cites Mays specifically for “just being plain stupid & incompetent.” “If you want to discuss this claim and paying me, then I will make myself available to talk with you at my convenience,” Pearson writes. “However, you should know that I will sue Rockdale County unless we can reach a settlement that is agreeable to me.” Pearson confirmed the document had been issued by her and not from the office of her attorney Mike Waldrop, who also serves as the attorney and solicitor for the City of Conyers. Waldrop said no decision had been made whether he would be

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Darrell Everidge/The Rockdale News About 40 elected officials, clergy and community members attended a Friday prayer vigil at Macedonia Baptist for the Charleston Emanuel AME Church shooting this past Tuesday.

Vigil for Charleston

Conyers prayer vigils for Charleston Emanuel AME shooting held Friday, Monday By Martin Rand, III

news@rockdalenews.com

In the wake of the massacre that took place yesterday at a historically black South Carolina Church, church leaders, city and county leaders and the community gathered together for a prayer vigil Friday at Macedonia Baptist to honor the victims. Wednesday evening, 21-year-old Dylan Roof, a white male, walked into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina and fatally shot nine black people. He was arrested this morning in North Carolina, according to reports. Macedonia Baptist Pastor Billie Cox, who organized the

praying vigil for the community, says this event is meant to bring the community together during this moment of sadness. “We’re praying for the lives lost and the families affected by the lost,” she said. “That doesn’t exclude the family of the shooter. They need prayer now as well.” Cox gathered several pastors from other churches in Conyers to attend the vigil as well. “I wanted to pull together churches so we could show a solidarity front,” she said. “We want (people) to know that the church is safe.”

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2 • Saturday, June 20, 2015

The News

VIGIL

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 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 pending at Covington, Ga. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The News, P. O. Box 1249, Covington, Ga. 30015

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Leadership Rockdale Class of 2015 The Leadership Rockdale Class of 2015 celebrated its graduation June 16 at Hawthorne Suites in Conyers. This year’s LR program graduates built a legacy garden and outdoor classroom from the Conyers Head Start program, and spent one day a month for six months learning intensively about Rockdale and Georgia and developing leadership skills. The Leadership Rockdale Program, operated by the ConyersRockdale Chamber of Commerce, is a once-a-month, eight-month long program running October-May that develops leadership skills and networking contacts while intensively educating potential leaders about many things they need to know about Rockdale-Conyers. The Chamber is looking for nominations for the upcoming Class of 2016; contact katy@conyers-rockdale.com. Deadline to nominate is July 1. The graduates are: Constance Abbott, J.P. Alexander, Dr. Antoinette G. Alvarado, Phinia Aten, Teresa Baltzell, Macrae Brennan-Fuller, Billie Boyd-Cox, Latisha Courchaine, Elaine Davis-Nickens, Will Hardy, Timothy P. Hogg, Kaitlyn C. Hooks, Sharon E. Kenerly, Lynn C. Killman, Kathleen King, Jason M. Korzan, Christopher R. Lee, Trayvon D. Leslie, Sharon D. Mathis, Susan C. Morgan, F. Jill Oldham, C. Joy Peppers, Amaris H. Rasheed, Tisa Smart-Washington, Caroline Ingle St. John, Michelle A. Terrell, Chadwick D. Wade, Willie J. Washington, Dr. Shawna Woodruff.

At least six pastors had agreed to attend the vigil as of Thursday evening, including Pastor Al Sadler, Church of New Beginnings, Bishop John and Toni Alavarado, Grace Church International, Pastor Tim Hogg, The Father’s House, Pastor Efrain Poloche, Conyers Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist and Pastor Al Vaughn, Rock Temple AME Church. Vaughn says that after situations like this, it’s important for people to use love to supersede the hateful act. Also, love needs to be extended to Roof too because “it’s the way we’re supposed to be as Christians.” “The thing the church really needs to do now is to let love go abound,” said Vaughn, who may go to Charleston to speak with some of the victim’s families. “This is the time to show the love of Jesus Christ.” Cox says the dress code for the vigil will be casual and people can “just stop by.”

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“We just want to pray with the community,” said Cox. The vigil will begin at 6 p.m. tomorrow night, Friday, at the Macedonia Baptist Church, 1052 Barton Road, Conyers. This event is just to pray and bring the community together, says Cox, but in the future, the pastor wants to have a “real” discussion racial tensions, or the “the white elephant in the room” as she referred to it, in this county which “keeps getting swept under the rug.” “Racism is still alive and well,” she said. “This isn’t the event for that, but we need to talk about.” The pastor brought up how this shooting is similar to the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing that took place in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. Four young girls died and several others were injured in the bombing, which was racially motivated. “This is the 21st century,” said Cox. “This is something that shouldn’t be happening now.” There will be another praying vigil taking place at the Antioch AME Church, 1790 Ebenezer Road, Conyers, on Monday at 6:45 p.m. says Vaughn.

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Saturday, June 20, 2015 • 3

City Council shoots down West Ave. sports bar proposal By John Ruch

jruch@rockdalenews.com

A sports bar is not what Conyers City Council had in mind for its West Avenue “gateway” area, councilmen said as they shot down the proposal at their June 17 meeting. Zahid Ashfaq of Norcross sought to create a “sports café” in the struggling West Avenue Plaza shopping center. While pitched as a restaurant, Ashfaq’s application acknowledged that over half the projected sales would come from selling alcohol. That makes it a “drinking place” under the zoning code, and permitting it there would require extensive code changes. The application envisioned a business that would “provide local residents an establishment to commune and enjoy good food and drinks in a friendly, laid-back environment.” But no one, including Ashfaq, showed to speak in its favor. Mean-

while, two nearby business owners attended to slam the idea. “West Avenue is supposed to be the gateway into Olde Town Conyers,” said Dr. Dan Hodges, a neighboring dentist, worrying about litter and crime. “There’ll be more trash on West Ave. in more ways than one” if it were allowed, he said. Danny Lockhart of A Clean & Tidy Carpet Cleaner said he represented some other business owners as well in opposing the sports bar. He said he worried about accidents and crime, and even if the new business was a good neighbor, it could later become a “seedy bar or nightclub.” Councilman John Fountain said that some other area sports bar have created public safety issues. “It’s just not part of what our vision is,” added Councilman Gerald Hinesley. In other council business: -The council approved its fiscal

year 2015 budget, with expected general-fund revenues and expenses balancing out at $14,143,988. -The council chambers hosted the graduation of the “Clergy Police Academy,” a new initiative where religious leaders from the local African American community spend 10 weeks with Conyers Police officers. Rev. Al Sadler, pastor of the Church of New Beginnings, suggested the program to Chief Gene Wilson in the wake of last summer’s Ferguson protests. The idea is to build bridges between the police department and the black community before any type of crisis situation. Wilson said he hopes to keep the group of clergy together to meet with the police at least quarterly as a type of “advisory panel.” He also announced that the Georgia Municipal Association has declared the Clergy Police Academy to be one of its new “best practices” and invited Wilson to discuss it at an upcoming conference.

PASSING THE ROTARY TORCH The Rotary Club of Rockdale County celebrated the installation of its new leaders June 17 and recognized members for their service and steadfast contributions. Outgoing President Alain Bouzoubaa passed the gavel to incoming President Tony Dowdy. Dowdy is pictured with his father Clark Dowdy, who also served as the club president in 1996-1997, the first time since the club was chartered in 1993 that two generations served as president. Rotarian of the Year Cheryl Cooper was also honored as the recipient of the Pat Atkins “Service Above Self” award. The award was named in 2006 after the late National EMS founder, Rockdale Rotary member and community leader Pat Atkins. Cooper is pictured with Pat Atkins’ nephew Huey Atkins and Outgoing President Alain Bouzoubaa.

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Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments Available The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) hosted a block party for the Country Walk Fieldstone View subdivisions June 13. The party is part of the RCSO initiative to address crime in the Salem Road corridor and “to bring neighbors together for the purpose of making the community better.” Residents were able to interact with members of Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett, RCSO deputies and task force members and ask questions about the revitalization initiative. Members of the Rockdale Fire Department, Animal Control, and other elected officials, including Post 2 County Commissioner Doreen Williams, made an appearance at the party. The party was paid for using grant money the RCSO received in October to revitalize the area.

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The News

Repairing the bridges of Rockdale County By Martin Rand III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

The bridges of Rockdale County are in need of several maintenance repairs. According to a recent inspection report performed by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the 21 bridges maintained by the county government need repairs that have a cost range from $5,000 to almost $200,000 depending on the bridge. None of the repairs pose any “imminent danger,” Miguel Valentin, director of the Rockdale County Department of Transportation (RDOT), told The News. “After the inspections are done we have to address everything in the report,” said Valentin. “The bridges are not unsafe or anything. Some of the bridges (repairs) are just cosmetic things.” Almost all the bridges need to have overgrown plant-life and debris removed from around the structures, drains around the bridge swept and cleaned, bridge joints resealed and a new coat of paint. “Usually there’s always something minor (that needs to fixed),” said Valentin. “That’s common.” Most costly bridges The bridge over the Honey Creek Tributary on Honey Creek Road requires some structural maintenance however. More steel needs to be added to stabilize the structure. The “materials” are not present on the bridge and “if added could make things better,” said Valentin. The total cost to fix the issues GDOT for this bridge would about 101, 501, with about $40,000 going to pay for the reinforced steel. This is only the third highest costing bridge the county needs to repair. The most expensive bridge to overhaul will be the bridge on Gees Mills Road that runs over the Yellow River. This bridge will cost $192,601 to repair its deficiencies, with major costs going to encasing the concrete columns to protect them, sway bracing, painting and joint resealing. The second most costly bridge to fix will be the one on Flat Bridge Road that runs over the South River. It will cost about 131,451 to restore, with $100,000 going to the paint job. “These reports are not unusual,” said Valentin. What’s the total cost? The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) was presented with the list of bridge defi-

ciencies at its work session meeting Tuesday morning at the Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street. On the table for the board’s decision, is whether to allow Marietta-based Comanche Construction of Georgia to handle the bridge maintenance project. The total contract will be for $750,000, which will be paid for using $550,000 of special local option sales tax (SPLOST) money and $200,000 from a local maintenance and improvement grant (LMIG) from GDOT. If approved Tuesday, Valentin expects all the problems GDOT pointed out to be fixed sometime before the end of this year. There was no discussion from the board when the item was announced. The BOC will vote on this item at its 10 a.m. voting session on Tuesday, June 23, at the Assembly Hall. Bridge replacement Even with the improvements that will more than be done to the bridges, it doesn’t change the fact that some of the bridges need to be replaced entirely. Official county documents proclaim some of the bridges to be “structurally obsolete” and a “future” “infrastructure improvement project” will have to be completed. “It may sound scary, but it’s not,” said Valentin. “(Structurally obsolete is) when (the bridge) no longer serves the purpose it was intended for.” For instance, if a two-lane bridge needs to allow more traffic to flow than what it was originally designed to handle it may be deemed structurally obsolete. A fix to this would be replacing the bridge with one that has more driving lanes. The bridge on Honey Creek that crosses over Snapping Shoals Creek

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NEWS Editor Michelle Kim

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sports Editor Shakeem Holloway

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Our Thoughts Father’s Day Tomorrow we celebrate the person in our lives who can evoke many feelings, good or bad, depending on your relationship. There’s no question that the spiritual connection mothers share with their children is a gift from God. Dads have to work a little harder to recreate that same God-given bond. A good deal of us grew up in an age where our iconic vision of a Dad was what we saw every week on the Father Knows Best television series. Actually the father character in Father Knows Best was more myth than truth. Many of us had dads as we grew up who went to work every day — some working at least two jobs — while mom stayed home and took care of the house and the kids. That was tradition. If you were fortunate to have a dad who took the time to play catch with you or take you fishing, that was a major blessing. As we grew older, most of us began to understand and respect our dads for instilling in us a work ethic, a sense of stability and an appreciation of the strength that he brought to the family structure. Unfortunately because of economic and social pressures of everyday life, that’s not the case in many homes today and many single parents struggle to play both roles. But there are still many fathers who step up to the plate and do a wonderful job to be there for their kids, whatever else might be going on. And many father figures didn’t start out raising a child, who may not biologically be their own but they now call their son or daughter. But with time and love, they became the rock and counselor that every child so desperately needs. If you are fortunate enough to have a dad who took the time to counsel, play and support you through the good times and the bad, you indeed have a dad who deserves to be honored on this special day. To all the fathers and father-figures, Happy Father’s Day. Thank you for bringing stability and a special strong love to our lives.

Saturday, June 20, 2015 Page 5 rockdalenews.com

Reflections on the Charleston Church Massacre the values of the old south. Historical awareness has This renaissance is a culture served me well as a leader. that teaches the Pledge of AlI do not think that you can legiance but then celebrates be an effective public servant the secession and treason that without intentional historprecipitated our nation’s deadical reflection with regard liest war. We live in a society to our social, economic and where Confederate monupolitical context. Therein lies Eric W. Lee ments populate virtually every the questions and answers as to how we have arrived at our Columnist town center in the south and Confederate General Robert current impasse as a nation and a community. The current south- E. Lee’s birthday is an official holiday ern racial divide is the place where in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georso much of our public discourse and gia and Mississippi. The larger probmany of our public policy decisions lem is that South Carolina still raises are made against the backdrop of the the rebel flag daily, a symbol of hatred, Civil War conflict. The Civil War be- intimidation and segregation; the gan on April 12, 1861 and the final larger problem is an education system shots were fired on June 22, 1865, in our southern states that is consiswhich means that America’s bloodiest tently the worst in the nation accordconflict lasted 1,532 consecutive days. ing to KidsCount publications from Yet and still, the unfortunate legacy of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The the Civil War continues to linger 150 renaissance of race hatred in America is fueled by a morally bankrupt famyears later and counting! Dylann Storm Roof is a 21 year old ily who legally purchased but illegalson of the “old south,” born almost 133 ly gifted a .45 caliber handgun to a years to the date after the Civil War felon in spite of his possible insanity began. On Wednesday, June 17, 2015, and widely known penchant for seghe cowardly exercised his God given regation and hatred of African Amerfree will to commit domestic terror- icans. The larger problem is a growing ism inside the historic Emanuel AME populace that has NO consciousness Church in downtown Charleston, of God and therefore NO fear of God South Carolina claiming the lives of and NO respect for God’s church. The Charleston Massacre is not likenine American Christians. The terrorist is viewed by most as “the problem” ly to resolve our 150 year old antebel- an isolated deranged agent during a lum stalemate, especially as the 2016 regrettable moment in time. Howev- election approaches. Nothing stirs our er, I submit to you that he is not “the retreat to antiquated Civil War platiproblem,” he is the symptom of a larger tudes like an election. After all, it approblem - the renaissance of race ha- pears that the post 2008 election lantred in America. In the hours follow- guage of “Winning our country back!” ing the perpetrators arrest, a profile impacted the psyche of this homehas emerged with relation to his nefar- grown terrorist. This massacre will not ious, sordid thoughts leading up to the likely change the reckless rhetoric of massacre. He intentionally targeted those political candidates who court black people in church because “they the votes of bigotry and intolerance at rape our women,” “they’re taking over all cost. As the Civil War wages on, tragithe world,” “we’re taking our country back” and “I’ve got to do this.” He is cally, so does its casualties. Even 150 a segregationist who embraces sym- years later, it appears that we are still bols of the now defunct South African in search of the elusive Civil War cease apartheid regime. Friends have added fire. To the Dylann Storm Roofs of that he told “racist jokes” and want- the world and the communities that ed to ignite a “race war.” How does a produce them, you don’t have to read Dylann Storm Roof, born on April 2, thousands of volumes of history to be 1994, think about humanity with an a good American. You don’t have to ignorance and bigotry that is akin to memorize every book of the Bible to be a good Christian. There is one Bible the ethos of 1865 rather than 2015? Dylann Storm Roof envisioned verse, however, that should you live by himself as a contemporary Confeder- it, you will be both a great Christian ate soldier on assignment to preserve and a great American. It is a quotation

“

The Charleston Massacre is not likely to resolve our 150 year old antebellum stalemate, especially as the 2016 election approaches. Nothing stirs our retreat to antiquated Civil War platitudes like an election. After all, it appears that the post 2008 election language of “Winning our country back!” impacted the psyche of this homegrown terrorist. ”

from the world’s most famous victim of violence and hatred. Jesus of Nazareth declared, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) That’s enough about the terrorist. Join me in celebrating the nine great Christians and Americans whose names are most worthy of remembrance: Pastor and South Carolina State Sen. Clementa Pinckney, 41; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45; Myra Thompson, 59; Ethel Lance, 70; Rev. Daniel Simmons, 74; Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49; and Susie Jackson, 87. May all who believe take comfort in the Biblical Christ that they studied with the waning minutes of their lives. Eric W. Lee is the Senior Pastor of Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers.

FAREWELL 6 • Saturday, June 20, 2015

After 50 years in newspaper industry, publisher retires from The News After several successful years leading The Covington News and The Rockdale News, T. Pat Cavanaugh has announced his retirement from The News Company. T. Pat Cavanaugh, publisher of The Covington News, The Rockdale News, and their respective digital products, has announced his retirement from The News Company. A veteran of 50 years in the newspaper business, Cavanaugh started as a delivery person while in his teens and worked his way up the career ladder. He has served as publisher of multiple publications in various locations, and at one time owned his own newspaper. He’s worked with newspapers in Maryland, the Carolinas, Georgia, California, West Virginia, DC, Arizona, and more. He came to The Covington News as general manager in 2008 and subsequently was promoted to publisher. The Rockdale News started publication in 2011 and Cavanaugh has been its only publisher. Cavanaugh also has overseen the expansion of digital efforts and online sites for both publications, as well as the introduction of various new print products. Cavanaugh helped guide The Covington News through the economic downturn the community saw in 2008 and the pending arrival of Baxter. “We thank Pat Cavanaugh for all his efforts with both The Covington News and The Rockdale News,” said Morris Multimedia Regional Manager Charles Hill Morris. “We wish him the best of luck, and know he will have success in his future endeavors.” Cavanaugh has also been extremely involved in the communities of both Newton and Rockdale counties. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Covington and the Rockdale Rotary Club, served on Covington’s Main Street Board, was Rockdale County’s Chamber of Commerce President for

The News Deborah Armstrong, Rockdale Medical Center CEO: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pat over the last several years, both in his role at the paper and with the Chamber. I have the upmost respect for him, his work ethic, and strong values. I wish him the best in the things to come through his retirement.” Mo Talley, attorney: “He is my Irish kindred spirit. There’s nothing that I know about Pat other than his demonstration of his love and concern for this community.” Fred Boscarino, Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Director: “Pat Cavanaugh was the Chairman of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors during 2014. During his term in office as a Board Member and as Chairman, Pat left a ‘high water mark’ in terms of expenditure of interest, energy, and involvement. He leaves a legacy of gentle but effective persuasion in his involvement with all of the Chamber activities. Pat will be missed as member of the Chamber Board, we wish Pat the most comfortable of retirements, and continued success in all of the activities in which he engages henceforward.”

Danny Stone, Chamber board member and Snapping Shoals EMC VP: “You have truly been an asset to the communities you have been a part of recently. I have been involved with the Rockdale Chamber for many years and appreciate the opportunity I had to be part of your team during your year as Chairman. I wish you the best as you move on to the next phase of your life and hope you have many years to enjoy retirement.” Thua Barlay, Conyers Rotary President, former ConyersRockdale Chamber of Commerce Chairman: “Pat took over for me as Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Chamber. I knew his level of competence and ability to lead a group at the Chamber, I knew the Chamber was going to be in good hands… We all know Pat’s sense of humor. That added to the excitement of Chamber chairmanships… Pat has been a figure in the community for several years. We’re very excited about his continued participation in the future.”

2014-15, was a board member of the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club and served on the Rockdale County Superintendent’s Advisory Council. No new publisher has been named for The News. Rockdale News Editor Michelle Kim and Covington News Editor Bryan Fazio will continue to represent the newspaper in their communities pending the naming of a publisher.

Lorraine Harrison, former Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Chairman, and About Conyers Magazine: “I genuinely enjoyed working with Pat in a number of avenues. In his time at the Chamber, we were both on the executive board at the same time. I found him funny, confident, and an out-of-the-box thinker. Someone who didn’t take himself too seriously but got things done. I have enjoyed his friendship during his time he’s been here in Conyers. He will be missed. I hope we’ll still have the advantage of his participation in community affairs.”

The News

Saturday, June 20, 2015 • 7

Rubber Ducky Roundup The 11th Annual Rubber Ducky Race was held Thursday, June 18, at the beautiful Costley Mill Park. The event, sponsored by the Rockdale Senior Site Council, was attended by 170 people and raised more than $15,000 for senior programs including Meals-on-Wheels, congregate meals, transportation vouchers, Kinship Care and wellness programs. About 1,075 ducks raced down the river at Costley Mill toward the finish line. Gala Tray’s duck crossed the line first and won Ms. Tray a mega entertainment package including a flat screen TV, blu-ray player, sound system and more. Other prizes went to Brittany Johnson, Joy Wright, Fannie Fambro, Dallas Greene, Anthony Norton, Dr. David Brassell, Lilliar Lester, Ella Mosley, Cary Burgess, Frank Zahm, Qader Baig, Bobby Morgan, Susan Hicks, and Dotti Bala. The last duck award was won by Hilary Maloy. Special prizes were awarded at the event including: Senior Center member door prize drawing - Diane Brown, Cowboy Hat contest People’s Choice award – Frances Easley, Most Authentic Cowboy Hat – Dorothea Cox, Most Creative Cowboy Hat – Diane Brown, Most Spirited Cowboy/Cowgirl – Gloria McGiboney.

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Photos by Darrell Everidge/The Rockdale News

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8 • Saturday, June 20, 2015

The News

Community Calendar SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Run for the Women 8 a.m.; Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr; 2-mile run/walk; women participants only; proceeds benefit Phoenix Pass transitional housing program for homeless women and children; Registration $20 until June 1; $25 after; 770-760-1020 or director@phoenixpass.org to register Man Talk II Black Males and the Criminal Justice System – June 20 - 9:30 am – 12 noon at Springfield Baptist Church Cruisin’ to the Cross 9 a.m. -3 p.m.; First Baptist Church in Conyers will be holding its annual car show, “Cruisin’ to the Cross” car show; local business owner Tim Thompson, whose business, Atlanta Picture Cars, has rented cars to production companies for some of the recently filmed movies in Conyers, metro Atlanta and beyond, will be on hand with some of his autos. Proceeds from the 8th annual show will benefit 4Sarahv[http://4sarah. net/], a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower change in the life of women and girls working in the sex trade by providing a holistic approach which includes residential program assistance, scholarships, STD/HIV resources, suicide intervention, addiction, domestic violence resources Dark Nite Series Zombie Mountain Bike Endurance Ride Ga Int’l Horse Park; 5:45 p.m., start ride for either six or 12 hours; $70 for solo riders on the 6-hour course; $100

MAYS

From FRONT PAGE involved in any lawsuit against the county. He represented Pearson in a warrant application case that had been filed and dropped in Rockdale County Superior Court. He said they did anticipate filing for

for two-person teams on the 6-hour course; (678) 7587206 or Kenny@chainbusterracing.com MONDAY, JUNE 22 Prayer Vigil for Charleston 6:45 p.m.; at Antioch AME Church, 1790 Ebenezer Rd (across from Johnson Park), held by Rock Temple AME; all invited Vacation Bible School at Springfield Baptist Church 6:30 pm – 8 pm, June 22-26; Springfield Baptist Church,1877 Iris Drive; action packed week of creative Bible Teaching, Singing, Activities, Crafts, Games, Food, Fellowship, fun; Children (must be at least age 4), All Youth, Teens, Young Adults & Adults invited to participate; Volunteers are still needed; www. sbclive.org or 770-929-1111. TUESDAY,JUNE 23 Rockdale Retired Educators Association Rockdale Retired Educators Association will meet on Tuesday, June 23 at 11:30 AM. The meeting will be held at Rockdale Baptist Church at 1295 Smyrna Road, Conyers. The program will be Installation of Officers. Reservations are required for lunch - call Helen 770-483-6808. SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Macedonia Baptist End of School Blowout 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Earl O’Neal Park, 2709 Old Covington Rd; Macedonia Baptist hosts its End of School Blowout and new members celebration; all invited; fun, food, fellowship SUNDAY, JUNE 28

the warrant application in Rockdale County Magistrate Court. Waldrop said a warrant application for criminal charges and a civil lawsuit would be two separate cases. “I anticipate at some point they will both be pursued.” The back-and-forth between Mays and Pearson and began eight months ago when Pearson, through Waldrop, had applied

#BragOnDad contest winner! Holly Foster: He taught me to treat others with kindness, keep God in your heart and always do your best. He was an example with his words and his actions Honorable mentions: MARY VONNER: My Dad is the best because he took in the fatherly duties for kids that’s not his and he has always been there for us I love u Patrick A Davenport GARCIA MRSGARCIA: My Dad is the best because... He will help anyone in need even if he has a dollar im his pocket... JUNE SNEED: My Dad is the best because... he loves everyone!

Bald Rock Gospel Choir Anniversary 3 p.m.; Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284 Old Covington Road, Conyers; Gospel Choir is celebrating their Anniversary; 770-929-3421.

ELIZABETH HWANG: My father taught me the value of hard work and kindness. Despite working long hours, he always made time to play with me and help me finish my homework. He taught me how to fish, install floors, cook, but more importantly, he showed me the value of dedication. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him and the sacrifices he’s made for me. I’m incredibly fortunate and proud to be his daughter. Thanks dad for loving me even after stepping on my Legos and teaching me how to drive.

sects. Bring your lunch and learn about gardening from Rockdale Extension Agent Steve Pettis and Master Gardeners; register at 770-2787373, pettis1@uga.edu

9011; emacw.blogspot.com THURSDAY AUGUST 6

Lunch and Learn: Not All Bugs are Bad Noon-1pm; 1400 Parker Rd., Conyers; $5 class, Not All Bugs Are Bad – How to attract pollinators and beneficial in-

East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers 10 a.m. – noon, at Ga. Piedmont Technical College, Covington Campus, 8100 Bob Williams Pkwy; meets monthly second Saturdays; 404-293-

Lunch and Learn: Fall Vegetable Gardening Noon-1pm; 1400 Parker Rd., Conyers; $5 class, Not All Bugs Are Bad – Fall Vegetable Gardening. Bring your lunch and learn about gardening from Rockdale Extension Agent Steve Pettis and Master Gardeners; register at 770-278-7373, pettis1@ uga.edu

for an arrest warrant for Mays for theft of services felony regarding approximately $20,000 of back pay she alleged is due for work on setting up a mental health or veteran’s accountability court. At press conference last month, Gary Washington, Mays’ attorney, announced that Pearson and her attorney filed a motion to dismiss the application for an arrest warrant

against Mays without prejudice. “It is over. It is finished. It is done,” said Washington, during the press conference held at the Hawthorn Suites, 1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. However, Waldrop would later tell The News in a phone interview the reason they filed the motion was because DeKalb County Superior Court Judge

Linda Hunter, who heard the case on April 15 after Rockdale’s judges recused themselves, “made it clear she felt like matters like this should be handled in Magistrate court. They were better positioned to handle cases like this. She felt like it would be a better use of the court’s resources.” “It’s neither over, finished, nor done,” Waldrop said at the time.

SATURDAY, JULY 11 THURSDAY, JULY 9

The News

Saturday, June 20, 2015 • 9

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10 • Saturday, June 20, 2015

The News

Hungry in Rockdale By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Summer vacation is supposed to be a joyful time for kids. But for some, summer is the hungry time. With school out, meals are fewer and farther between for some students in Rockdale, who face empty shelves and growling bellies. But a network of local nonprofits, the school system, ministries, churches, and individual volunteers is working hard to eliminate that in Rockdale. The “Be Bright, Eat Right Rockdale” summer lunch campaign, now in its second year, coordinates three separate efforts to feed more than 3,000 hungry children in Conyers-Rockdale. These three different organizations began coordinating last year to avoid overlap and cover as many children as possible in different areas. They are: - Rockdale County Public Schools (using federal funds) in the CJ Hicks Elementary, Pine Street Elementary and Peeks Chapel Elementary school zones with two bus routes that leave out of PSE and two bus routes that leave out of PCE; also operates free lunch walk-in locations at PSE, PCE, and Rockdale County High School. June 1-July 24, M-F - Rockdale Emergency Relief (using private donations and volunteer labor only) in the Lakeview Drive and Irwin Bridge Road areas in Olde Town Conyers. May 26-July 31, M-F - Bread Of Life Development (BOLD) Ministries, serving in and around the Lakeview Estates neighborhood and throughout the county. May 26-July 31, M-F There is no requirement to participate other than the child be under 18 years old. BOLD Ministries The largest program out of the three partners is BOLD Ministries, which implements the Summer Food Service Program funded by the USDA, administered by Bright from the Start under the Ga. Dept. of Early Care and Learning. This year, RCPS has been contracted to assemble 2,500 of the lunches, which BOLD Ministries distributes and serves. Locations include Macedonia Baptist Church, Agape Fellowship Christian Church, Excell Educational Coaches, Kidspot at Springfield Baptist Church, three locations in

“Be Bright, Eat Right Rockdale” brings together nonprofits, schools, churches, volunteers in ending summer hunger in children

the Lakeview Estates community, the Lett Center on Hardin Street, Spivey Community Center in the Conyers Housing Authority neighborhood, and SNAP of Georgia on Lake Rockaway Road. For more information, go to wwww.boldministries.org or 770929-3019. RCPS Air-conditioned yellow school busses with the bright blue “Be Bright, Eat Right Rockdale” logo on the side depart from Peeks Chapel Elementary and Pine Street Elementary each morning to bring 600-800 sack lunches to more than 20 locations. The busses stay at each location for about 20 minutes each. The lunches must be served and eaten on location to ensure the children are getting the nutrition they need. RCPS also serves lunch to any kids that walk into Peeks Chapel Elementary or Pine Street Elementary or Rockdale County High School, where the meals are prepared. RCPS Food Services Director Peggy Lawrence, said “There is a need in our community. So many people don’t think there’s a need. People don’t understand why we’re doing this.” “But when you go to where they live... I’ve had parents contacting me saying ‘You don’t know what this means to me.’ As a mom myself, I know my grocery bill goes up during the summer. It is a big expense for families. I had a mother who contacted me last week. She said she has two special needs children, two other children, she’s lost her job, she doesn’t have a car. To have food come to her neighborhood is a blessing.” The sack lunches must meet all the same guidelines as food served in schools during the school year and includes the same emphasis on fresh foods and whole grains. They’re served a sandwich, fresh vegetables, a fruit item, and a drink each day with a five day rotating menu. This also means working out details such as how to sneak in a serving of beans. “Kids do not go ‘Yay, legumes.’ They just don’t,” said Lawrence, smiling. That legume serving became a black bean salsa dip with whole grain chip scoops, served on Wednesdays. But the biggest challenge has been getting the right route locations to target exactly where the children in need are. It’s a learning process, said Lawrence. Some locations, such as retail locations, did

not see great turnout and showed employees that they need to go to where the children live. All the food service employees that worked last year on RCPS’s summer feeding program - about 40 or so employees - returned this year, said Lawrence. “These are their kids,” said Lawrence. “They’re the ones seeking these kids every day” during the school year. And the summer feeding program allows them to see the kids in their own neighborhoods. “I think it speaks to the fact they feel like they’re doing good.” Last year, about 36,000 meals were served in the summer lunch program. Rockdale Emergency Relief Rockdale Emergency Relief depends on volunteer labor and donations, RER organizers emphasize. “This is all volunteers, all donations. We are not federally funded,” said Jeannine Goggans, Summer Lunch Program coordinator. “The thing that is distinctive about RER’s program is the way in which it is grassroots, volunteer-intensive, and hands-on,” said RER Director Andy Peabody. “Volunteers from the community actually produce and deliver the lunches, which creates the opportunity for learning. Parents talk to kids about hunger and food instability. Volunteers get to connect with a part of their community that might otherwise simply pass by unnoticed. Not only are children in need provided with nutritional resources to help them thrive, I genuinely think that this particular way of doing summertime feeding helps the whole community to thrive.”

Because the program is run on private donations, it’s more flexible than the RCPS program. The lunches do not have to be consumed on site. A child can pick up a lunch and take several others for their brothers and sisters as well. There are about 300 meals assembled at Conyers First United Methodist and about 100 out of Salem United Methodist this year. “Of course we could not operate this donation only, volunteer-run, grassroots community based feeding program without the literally hundreds of individuals who give their time one or more days each week to make sandwiches, pack lunches, check lunches and deliver sack lunches on three routes,” said Goggans. RER asks groups to “adopt” a day on the calendar and to donate the materials and assemble the lunches. And many churches and groups have stepped up to the plate.

Conyers Presbyterian, Ebenezer UMC, and Salem UMC have each committed to adopting a day out of the week for each of the 10 weeks of the program. Other churches and groups that have adopted one day include: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Covenant Fellowship Church, Discover Point Church, Smyrna Presbyterian Church, St. Simons Episcopal Church, Crossroads UMC, Philadelphia UMC, Presbyterian Church of the Redeemer, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Union UMC, Kiwanis group, WOWs from Rockdale Magnet School, Rockdale Medical Center, Conyers Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School. But more volunteer groups are needed, especially for the remaining Fridays, said Goggans. To sign up or for more information, contact summerlunch@rockdalerelief.org or 770-922-9210. 2574 OLD COVINGTON HWY., CONYERS, GA 30012

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The News

Saturday, June 20, 2015 • 11

Pet detectives rescue French bulldog By Martin Rand III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

Remember how the classic movie character Ace Ventura, played by the legendary funny-man Jim Carey, would disguise himself as a postal worker or some other character all to retrieve a lost or stolen pet and return it to its rightful owners? Well, the Conyers Police Department (CPD) took a page out of the Ace Ventura movie script when two of its detectives helped to recover a lost puppy, named Rocket, for a family that lives in Buckhead, Georgia. Rocket, a French bulldog, ran away from his Buckhead home last week and was found by “a couple of guys” who live in Conyers, says CPD spokeswoman Kim Lucas. “They thought the dog was a stray,” she said. Rocket’s rightful owners had posted a $500 reward listing on Craigslist if someone returned Rocket to them. The family had

owned the dog for about six months. It wasn’t long before a woman contacted the family and told them “I think someone is trying to sell your dog on Craigslist,” says Lucas. Two days after finding the dog, the guys were selling Rocket for $600. “You could tell by the snout and the coloration it was the same dog,” said Lucas. Rocket had no identification on his dog collar when he ran away. So, the family contacted Atlanta Police Department (APD) which in turn contacted CPD to inform them about the situation. On Monday, the owners drove to CPD headquarters, 1194 Scott St., Conyers, with pictures to prove they were the owners of Rocket. After confirmation was made, Detectives Brad Henderson and Melissa Stanton posed as buyers for the dog and contacted the guys, who told authorities they had just graduated high school. Once at

the agreed upon purchase location the detectives were able to recover Rocket. The “guys,” who had no criminal history weren’t charged in the incident. “They didn’t steal the dog,” said Lucas. “They said they were trying to recoup the amount they spent on the dog.” The dog sellers told authorities they only bought food in the two days they had Rocket in their possession. “I can’t imagine what they spent $600 on in two days,” she said. While this incident was not a case of dog flipping, an act where people steal dogs only to sell them, Lucas says people should take safety precautions to make sure their pet doesn’t become a victim. She recommends getting a pet microchip, which can be used to track the animal, implanted in the dog and making sure the dog has identification on its collar at all times.

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Sports

Saturday, June 20, 2015 Page 12 rockdalenews.com

Samuel joins Sun Chiefs By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

The man of the hour, Austin Samuel, sat anxiously surrounded by a group of family and friends at his home just up street from his former high school, Salem. It was late in the morning on Wednesday and Samuel was signing to attend Faulkner State. Samuel’s new coach Jack Robertson arrived shortly after 11 p.m. and the festivities began. Samuel thanked everyone in attendance and gave a short speech about his plans for the future, telling everyone he plans to major in Biology. Then Robertson spoke on his plans for Samuel, how he won’t play if he doesn’t go to class and how he cares more about teaching Samuel about life than about basketball. “If he can overcome poor coaching, he’ll be alright,” Robertson said jokingly. “I chose Faulkner State because

it’s a family environment, it’s a school on the rise and it’s a school that best fits me and my playing style. I think it’s a school where I can become a better person and it’s a school where I can begin my journey at,” Austin said. In the midst of it all was Samuel, who just wanted everyone in the room to know how much he appreciated them and their support. “I just want to thank everybody,” Austin said. “To see him actually accomplish something that he’s been wanting, that he told me he would do when he entered high school, I think that’s the most amazing thing,” Donna Samuel, Austin’s mother, said. “He told me, ‘If you allow me to [play basketball] you won’t pay for my college,’ and he said that at 13.” At 14, Samuel was told that he probably wouldn’t be able to play basketball anymore because he had exercise-induced asthma. “So to see him be told that he

might have to give the sport up and him tell the doctor, ‘I’m not. We’ll figure it out, but I’m gonna play,’ and now today to see him sign this is a happy, happy moment for me,” Donna said. Growing up, Austin didn’t want people to know he had asthma because he thought it was embarrassing. Austin didn’t want an inhaler while he was on the bench and he didn’t want coaches to know or people to think he was a sick. Now, none of that matters. Austin averaged 17 points per game and seven rebounds last season, suffice to say he may not be sick but his game is. “It’s very difficult,” Austin said when asked what it was like for him playing with asthma, “but I think it’s something that plays in my favor because I don’t ever make that excuse for me. I always fight through it and I don’t ever compare myself to anybody else all because I have asthma so I think it’s a

Austin Samuel officially signed with Faulkner State on Wednesday morning at his home in Rockdale county.

blessing in disguise.” Donna Samuel says that it’s been a pleasure to watch her son accomplish the things he has. She used to be a little flabbergasted when she walked into a local store and people would ask about him. “I have watched him grow as a young man through this sport to be a leader, to open his mouth and actually speak. Austin is really more of an introvert, he’s very shy, basketball has brought that out and made

him a people person,” Donna Samuel said. “I’ve seen him play already with the team and I think to see him actually now as a collegiate player at that level with kids that immediately gravitated toward him it was like, ‘We’re happy you’re here.’ I think that was a big wow,” she added. Austin says that he plans to play D-l basketball after he leaves Faulkner, but he wants to pursue a career beyond the court after college.

Hill hopes to raise money for World Youth Championships

Candace Hill was named Georgia’s Girls Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Candace Hill, literally the fastest girl in the world at the age of 16, is looking to raise $5,000 to allow her to compete in the World Youth Championships which begin July 15 in Cali, Colombia and end July 19. To donate to Hill’s cause you can go to www.youcaring. com/candace-hill-372097. Hill is ranked No. 1 in the world in the 18-and-under world rankings in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. She recently was named the Gatorade Georgia Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year.

The News

Saturday, June 20, 2015 • 13

Davis replaces Harrell at Salem By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

Jarrod Davis has begun his head coaching duties at Salem, taking over for previous boys’ basketball head coach Noah Harrell, who took the same job at Locust Grove. Davis has had head coaching stops at Drew High School and North Atlanta. He built a program at Drew when the school began its athletic program. In the school’s first year in varsity sports, the team managed to secure region runner-up and a spot in the elite eight. The following year, Davis led his team to a Final Four finish, but the team fell short in the state championship game against powerhouse Columbia. “Just looking at his background and once we got his resume we knew he was somebody that was very solid, very thorough that had success at previous places,” Darren Wilkins, Salem athletic director, said about Davis and the inter-

viewing process. “He had a good background and success. In our conversations with him we knew he was very thorough, very disciplined, really focused on the kids’ academics and the way they carry their self. He’s a very solid package. We knew pretty early on this is somebody we wanted.” Wilkins says that he wants to see team continue to contend, as they have been to the state playoffs in four out of their last five years. Wilkins wants to build on that and see Davis working with the kids and helping them be great student-athletes and get to college. “After I started a program at Drew and then took a program at North Atlanta this was a more traditional program,” Davis said about his choice to come to Salem. “Looking at the past success and looking at how close they’ve been it’s just as attractive as all the other jobs that were open,” Davis added. “So you see the potential from the young group even to where they are

the

NEWS

now, that’ll attract anybody. I think it’s something special that can go on here if we just work hard and do the things that we’re supposed to do.” While watching Salem practice, you can see the fire in Davis. He’s looking for his team to execute, make the right decisions and above all, play defense. “I’m more of a defensive-minded person. I’m always looking at taking away your strengths, that is my ultimate goal. Whatever strength you have it’s my goal to try to take that away,” Davis said. Davis says he’s also offensive-minded, in that he wants to get the ball up the floor in transition. However, Davis added that his philosophy on offense depends on the talent he has. Davis compared this team to an unsolved puzzle with a pretty picture. He says the intriguing part will be putting all the pieces together. “They’re very athletic and we’ve got to turn that athleticism into more positive [outcomes] from de-

DIGITAL EDITION Just in time for your morning coffee.

What’s in this week’s edition: — Fighting Summer Hunger – For some kids, summer time is a hungry time, but the Be Bright, Start Right campaign aims to end that.

Jarrod Davis takes over Salem’s boys basketball program from former head coach Noah Harrell.

fense to offense,” Davis said about his young team. “We want to make sure that we transition and turn our defense into easy buckets. That’s gonna come from just working, getting in the weight room, increasing our athleticism, increasing our strength and increasing our knowledge of understanding how to take away people’s strengths.” “This will probably be one of the biggest teams I’ve ever coached from across the board.

News

Newswrap

We have good size for this program, but the thing is turning that around to an advantage,” Davis added. “Our thing is we gotta change some mindsets, change work habits and that’s gonna start in the fall when we come in in our fall training when we start going into the weight room, when we start running and when we start working out. All of that on a consistent basis building up to the start of the season.”

Perspectives

Sidelines

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Serving Rockdale County and Conyers, Ga.

SOME KIDS SEE THIS IN THE SUMMER. But Rockdale residents are trying to fix the problem.

Preventing Theft – The first step? Lock your car doors. Register for free, then visit rockdalenewsdigital.com

Also inside: VICE — Police warn against leaving cars unlocked

Variety

14 • Saturday, June 20, 2015

The News Dr. Howard S. Ellison celebrated his 35th year as an internal medicine doctor in Conyers. He opened his private practice in 1980 and has held many titles at Rockdale Medical Center, such as Chief of Staff, Vice Chief of Staff and he was one of the first doctors to serve in the new ER. Dr. Ellison, 65, served as Medical Director to Traditions and Starcrest nursing homes for many years. He is still currently on staff at RMC and also teaches ACLS and Pals to other staff members. He served as coroner in Rockdale County from 1989-1996. He is very active with the Rockdale Career Academy, allowing students to intern during the school year. He participates in the University of Alabama School of Nursing Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship program. He also runs a very active research facility which is involved in many drug trials for major pharmaceutical companies and has been published many times in the New England Journal of Medicine for his work.

BEAUTIFYING THE CITY As a celebration of National Garden Week, garden clubs across the nation do projects in their communities. The Conyers Garden Club project was the creation of many floral arrangements. The Proclamation of National Garden Week in Conyers (June 7-13, 2015) was delivered by the Mayor of Conyers, Randy Mills. The Proclamation and the creation of floral arrangements were open to the public at the Conyers Pavilion located in downtown Conyers on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from 10 am until noon. The floral arrangements were distributed to many public offices and businesses in the Conyers/Rockdale Community for our citizens pleasure and enjoyment. Pictured left to right: Gale Thomas, Linda Rudolph, Mary Jackson, Ann McCoy, Randy Mills, Susan Klem, Kathy Williams, Rose Morrison and Susan Hicks. Not pictured: Susan Turner and Ann Baranik

Restaurant health inspection scores AMERICAN DELI, 1360 DOGWOOD DR STE 203 May 27, 2015 Score: 81, Grade: B 2 GUYS & A GRILL CATERING, LLC, 1035 GREEN ST May 14, 2015 Score: 94, Grade: A SEVEN GABLES RESTAURANT, 1897 GEORGIA HIGHWAY 20 SE, April 16, 2015 Score: 100, Grade: A CAFE MILANOS, 875 FLAT SHOALS RD SUITE 200 April 15, 2015 Score: 100, Grade: A CAPTAIN D’S, 1735 GEORGIA HIGHWAY 138 SW April 17, 2015 Score: 82, Grade: B AMF AMERICAN LANES, 885 FLAT SHOALS RD May 15, 2015 Score: 95, Grade: A CHILI’S, 1570 DOGWOOD DR June 3, 2015 Score: 89, Grade: B O’CHARLEY’S LLC, 1289 DOGWOOD DR SW

May 12, 2015 Score: 97, Grade: A COZUMEL MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 425 SIGMAN RD STE 114-116, April 15, 2015 Score: 81, Grade: B DAILY HAVEN, 1105 N MAIN ST May 19, 2015 Score: 90, Grade: A CULINARY SERVICES INC., 1380 BUSINESS CENTER DR May 7, 2015 Score: 99, Grade: A DUNKIN DONUTS-BASKIN ROBBINS 1890 GEORGIA HIGHWAY 20 May 5, 2015 Score: 98, Grade: A DUNKIN DONUTS-BASKIN ROBBINS 2280 SALEM RD May 1, 2015 Score: 89, Grade: B GOLDEN PALACE RESTAURANT 1119 WEST AVE CONYERS, GA 30012 May 22, 2015 Score: 83, Grade: B

The News

Saturday, June 20, 2015 • 15

Conyers Police make arrest in entered auto theft case By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Conyers Police may have solved two cases with one arrest made last week. The CPD arrested Xavier Rogers, 18, for a robbery charge Thursday, but he may also be responsible for the rash of entered auto thefts that have been occurring in the city, according to CPD spokesperson Kim Lucas. “He and his associates are likely responsible for some of the thefts,” she said. Rodgers, a Conyers resident, contacted CPD Detective Dwayne Jones after hearing the police were looking for him, according to the police report. The two met at the Highland Baptist Church, 1381 Irwin Bridge Rd., Conyers, and Jones took Rodgers into custody for the robbery that occurred at the end of May. On May 23, a pizza delivery person reported $20 in cash and a $65 pizza order being aggressively stolen from him after driving

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to 963 Northridge Drive to make the delivery around 11:30 p.m. The 19-year-old delivery man told Rockdale County Sheriff ’s Office (RCSO) deputies two suspects came out of the house and stated that they were waiting for their uncle to return with the money. Then, the victim told police one suspect got behind him and “wrapped his hand around his neck telling him to give up the pizza,” according to the deputy’s report. One suspect, 17-year-old Marquise Glover, was arrested about an hour after the incident. Deputies found Glover at his mother’s Conyers residence hiding underneath a sheet with a box of the stolen pizza. Rodgers is believed to be the suspect who put the victim in the “chokehold,” according to RCSO Cpl. Michael Camp. Rodgers had another warrant for his arrest out of Newton County for a probation violation as well. The CPD is still investigating to see if they can add theft charges

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to Rodgers’ list of crimes. He is currently being held in Rockdale County Jail with a $10,000 bond. Even with Rodgers being behind bars, the entered auto thefts continued last night, according to Lucas. Several people reported thefts of items inside their vehicles that were parked along Pine Log Road. Lucas says the suspect in those thefts is believed to be a white male in their 30s, and he was flipping door handles to see which ones were opened. “We’re still combating this unlocked car issue,” she said. Atlanta man arrested for having 75 debit cards in her possession

An Atlanta man was arrested after 75 prepaid debit cards were found inside her vehicle, none of which belonged to him. Nosakhare Owie, 32, is being charged with 75 counts of financial transaction card theft, with each count representing one card in his possession that doesn’t belong to

him. Some of the cards, 62 VISAs, nine MasterCards, three gas cards and one Wal-Mart card, had other people’s name etched in the card, says Rockdale County Sheriff ’s Office Cpl. Michael Camp. Under Georgia law, it’s a felony to possess or use another person’s credit or debit card without their consent. “We’re still looking to see if they’re stolen,” said Camp. “They could be tax refund cards. It could be all kinds of stuff.” The cards were discovered Friday afternoon by two people who were working to install an interlock device in Owie’s car. An interlock device is sort of like a breathalyzer and usually gets installed in people’s car because of a court order for a person having a certain amount of driving under the influence charges, says Camp. “They stated that they were getting ready to run wires under the hood when they discovered what appeared to be trash,” RCSO Deputy Jerry Poreba wrote in his incident

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report. “The item, had cardboard around it and had multiple items inside a panty hoe like fabric.” The two Conyers residents then put the item back “exactly where they found” it and called 911. When Poreba arrived at the scene, he “saw the item they described slightly hidden inside the engine block” of the car. He then removed the item and discovered it “there were multiple credit cards with different name on them.” RCSO investigators are still trying to identify how much money in total are on the cards and who the cards belong to. If they are stolen tax refund cards, it could be “thousands and thousands of dollars” Owie took from people, who may live in other parts of the country, says Camp. “These cards could’ve come from anywhere,” said Camp. Owie is currently in Rockdale County Jail. Additional charges could follow pending the investigation.

16 â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, June 20, 2015

The News

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