the News April 11, 2015 Volume 6, Issue 52 by The Covington News

the NEWS April 11, 2015 Volume 6, Issue 52

THE MASTER’S LIFE: Behind the scenes at Augusta

See Page 3

Serving Rockdale County and Conyers

SUPERHUMAN rockdalenews.com

Wheelchair athlete attempts world-record truck pull for charity By John Ruch & Shakeem Holloway

news@rockdalenews.com

Covington athlete Michael Mills loves challenges that some may think impossible for a man who is paralyzed below the waist. He’s already known locally for competing in extreme obstacle-course races. Now he wants to set a new Guinness World Record by pulling a 5,000-pound SUV the distance of a football field—while in his wheelchair. Mills has been practicing for the April 18 feat in a Rockdale County parking lot, among other places. He tells the News that he not only got Guinness to give him a shot—he actually convinced them to create the “heaviest SUV pulled by a wheelchair” category itself. “I don’t take no for an answer. I always find a way,” Mills said, explaining that Guinness at first declined because it had no solo wheelchair records. “I said, ‘You make the rule, I’ll prove you wrong.’” Mills, 38, will attempt the truck-pulling record at the Festivus Games—an amateur sports competition—at CrossFit Etowah in Woodstock. Just as important to Mills, a husband and father of three, is that the feat doubles as a fundraiser for Bert’s Big Adventure, which provides Disney World trips to children with chronic or terminal illnesses. When Mills was paralyzed, the town he’s from helped raise money for his mom and dad so they could keep their home. Mills says he would’ve been in a nursing home if it weren’t for them. Their kindness generated something within Mills and he’s always tried to find something to give back to ever since. He found a solution in Bert’s Big Adventure. “I can’t imagine for the life of me what it would be like if one of my kids were sick or not well and how

See MILLS on PAGE 14

Like us at facebook. com/ rockdalenews

submitted photo/The Rockdale News

The News

2 • Saturday, April 11, 2015

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

Meeting Place

Rockdale Board of Comissioners Tuesday, April 14, 10 a.m., 901 Main Street

Hands Across Rockdale day of service, April 18 By Michelle Kim

mkim@rockdalenews.com

It’s all hands on deck as Hands Across Rockdale gears up for its fourth annual day of community service, April 18, 8 a.m. - noon. Hands Across Rockdale will bring more than 200 volunteers together April 18 to create, empower, and ignite passion for volunteerism on over 12 key projects. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up online at www.handsacrossrockdale.org. Volunteers registered early will receive a team T-shirt and enjoy lunch after the event. The day begins at 8 a.m. until noon. Some volunteer teams include Heritage High School football team, Conyers and Rockdale Rotary Clubs, businesses and more. Leadership Rockdale’s Class of 2015 will be partici-

pating as a team as well in HAR with a legacy project at Rockdale Head Start. Volunteers are asked to sign up for these projects to impact our schools, seniors, and community. “We still need help as we continue to help others and inspire Rockdale to be its very best,” said organizer JaNice Van Ness. Hands Across Rockdale has motivated corporate, civic and political leaders from every sector in our community. Corporate partners have previously included Snapping Shoals EMC, Georgia Power, Bank of North Georgia, BB&T, Evans Tool & Die, Pratt Industries and many more. All proceeds will go towards the cost of project supplies. For additional information, call or email Committee Cochairs Thua Barlay at 770-6029924 or JaNice Van Ness at 770356-7301.

News Briefs

Submitted/The Rockdale News The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners proclaimed March 17, 2015, as Rotary Day in Rockdale at the BOC meeting. The Conyers City Council proclaimed March 18, 2015, as Rotary Day in the City of Conyers at the City Council meeting. In addition, the Rotary clubs of Conyers and Rockdale County participated in the World’s Fastest Growing Saint Patrick’s Day festivities in Olde Town Conyers on March 17 to highlight the good works that the clubs are doing in the Conyers-Rockdale Community. The clubs’ projects include Empty Stocking Fund, Hands Across Rockdale, Handicap Wheelchair Ramps, Light House Village Garden, Read Across America, Read for the Record, and Salvation Bell Ringing. Rotary, a global network of more than 1.2 million community volunteers, is one of the largest and most influential international humanitarian service organizations worldwide. Rotary members, as volunteers, conduct projects to address today’s humanitarian challenges, including illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water, and environmental concerns while encouraging high standards in all vocations.

Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. G reGory & B etty L evett, S r. - o wnerS

Rockdale Chapel

South DeKalb Chapel

Avondale-Scottdale Chapel

1999 Hwy. 138 • Conyers, GA 30013 (770) 285-6673

4247 Flat Shoals Pkwy. • Decatur, GA 30034 (404) 241-5656

351 North Clarendon Ave. • Scottdale, GA 30079 (404) 294-5500

North Gwinnett Chapel

Gwinnett Chapel

201 Morningside Drive • Buford, GA 30518 (770) 945-9999

914 Scenic Highway • Lawrenceville, GA 30045 (770) 338-5558

“A FAMiLy sERViNg FAMiLiEs wORLdwidE”

www.LEVETTFUNERALHOME.com

The News

Saturday, April 11, 2015 • 3

More Milstead improvements in the works By Martin Rand, III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) could spend over $500,000 on the next phase of the Milstead community improvement project. The BOC heard a request to pay $584,625 to Summit Construction & Development of Stone Mountain to complete the construction phase of the Milstead II Drainage Improvement Project, which will include improving Stormwater drain pipes, curbs and gutters, inlets and pavement additions and repairs. To pay for this project, about $333,371 would come from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that was awarded to the county in 2013, and the rest would come from the Rockdale County Stormwater Utility Fund. “We’re excited about this Milstead project,” said Rockdale Chairman and CEO Richard Oden. “This moves this community forward and improves their quality of life.” Last month, the board approved applying for a CDBG that would pave the way for the county to begin a million dollar

sewer project in the Milstead area which would allow h homes in the community to attach to the wastewater system of Rockdale Water Resources (RWR). “When this community is finished, it will be totally restored unlike anything else,” said Oden. In other county business: The Rockdale Department of Transportation (RDOT) presented a resolution that would officially say it supports the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) putting a roundabout at the intersection of Ga. Highway 20 and West Hightower Trail. RDOT had previously wanted to put a traffic light at the intersection to handle traffic, but GDOT did not approve a traffic signal permit, says Director RDOT Miguel Valentin. GDOT hasn’t decided on a final configuration either, but this resolution tells GDOT that RDOT would support a roundabout. “We’ve been arm wrestling with (GDOT) for almost three years with this project,” said Oden. Currently, there wouldn’t be any cost associated with development of the roundabout to the county, other than maintenance cost after the construction is

complete and the entire cost for any lights installed. An additional $60,260 is needed for the Old Covington Widening Project after an unknown water line was discovered east of Ga. Highway 138. The waterline is in conflict with other road developments and needs to be relocated, according to county documents. “It just seems to me we ought to know where all the waterlines are,” said Post 2 County Commissioner Doreen Williams. “I wish that were true,” said RWR Director Dwight Wicks. “Unfortunately we don’t have them all mapped (due to lack of records).” Wicks said that this isn’t the first time this sort of event has occurred because most of the unknown waterlines are around 60 years old, but as RWR continues to upgrade its system, it will map any newly found unmarked waterlines. Oden suggested RWR write a proposal to do an audit to find these unmarked waterlines. The BOC will meet again during its voting session next Tuesday, April 14, at 10 a.m. at the Assembly Hall building, 901 Main Street, Conyers.

Appreciation

Chamber celebrates Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with luncheon May 15 By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is showing their appreciation for the men and women who work to keep the community safe during National Law Enforcement Appreciation Week, May 11-15, with a free Law Enforcement Appreciation luncheon on May 15. In addition, the Chamber is asking the community and local businesses to do what they can to show their appreciation to law enforcement as well during that week. “Every day, the dedicated law enforcement officers and deputies of Conyers-Rockdale place themselves in harm’s way to ensure that our community remains safe. They also understand that support and involvement from the local citizens is essential to keeping our community safe,” wrote event organizers Terry Massey of the Massey Law Firm and T. Pat Cavanaugh of The News. The May 15 appreciation event will feature a free barbecue lunch for law enforcement as well as prize drawings and giveaways. “Working in law enforcement is not just a job, it’s a calling. Officers take an oath to serve and to protect their communities, no matter the cost. All officers make sacrifices. They sacrifice holidays, weekends, evenings and time with their families,” said Massey and Cavanaugh. “Let’s join together to say thank you to these honorable men and women.” To donate to the Law Enforcement Appreciation luncheon or to find out more information, call 770-483-7049.

East Metro Board of REALTORS Pounding for Paws 5k Run/Walk Saturday, June 27, 2015 Time: 8am Fun Run, 8:30am 5K/WalK Location: Conyers Olde Town Pavilion 949 South Main St ~ Conyers, GA

$25 Per Person until June 19, 2015, $35 afterward and race day

Saturday, June 27, 2015 Saturday, June 27, 2015

Bring a bag of kitty litter or dog food and get $10 off race day registration. Medals for all under 14. Medals for top 3 Male & Female in Time: 8am Fun Run 8:30am 5K/WalK age groups (15-19,20-24,25-29, Time: 8am Fun Run 8:30am 5K/WalK etc.)

Location: Conyers Olde Town Pavilion Location: Conyers Olde Town Pavilion

For more information email EMBORCSC@EMBOR.com 949 South Main St ~Conyers, GA or 949 South Main St ~Conyers, GA 770.787.3763 Proceeds until will Benefit Rockdale & Newton Control and race $25 Per Person June 19, 2015, $35Animal afterward

$25 Per Person until June 19, 2015, $35 afterward and race day Bring a bag of kitty litter or dog food and get $10 off race day registration. Make Bring a bag of kitty litter or dog food and get check $10 offpayable race day registration.

Submitted/The Rockdale News The spring 2015 class of the Conyers Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy recently celebrated their graduation from the seven-week long program on all the essential information to run a successful business. For more, go to www.conyers-rockdale.com/ programs/entrepreneurial-academy. The graduates pictured are (in no particular order): Andrew Arnold, Elizabeth Barnes, Carlton Brannon, Lori Brown, Nicklaus Cartledge, Keisha Cooper, Trenicia Curry, Tyisha Davis, Angela Finley, Kia Johnson, Andrico Lee, Eric Levett, Gloria Mitchell, Deanne Neal, Teresa Payne, Keishia Renae Pittman, Alesha Puckett, Kimberly Sayles, Gregory Speights, Audrey Sullivan, Alethia Sykes, Maxine Watson, Wanda Welch, Carmenza Whitley, Alston Wilds, Zanaida Wilds, Margie Williams, Cheryl Young

Medals for all under 14. Medals for top 3 Male & Female in age groups (15-19,20-24,25 Medals for all under 14. Medals for top 3 Male &to: Female in age groups EMBOR Box 1143 (15-19,20-24,25-29, etc.) Pets brought must beor 770.787.3 For more information email EMBORCSC@EMBOR.com Covington,GA 30015 or 770.787.3763 For more information email EMBORCSC@EMBOR.com There will be pets well behaved, vaccinated Proceeds will Benefit Rockdale & on Newton Animal Con up for adoption at and a leash. Please Proceeds will Benefit Rockdale & Newton Animal Control the event! clean up after your pet.

Pets brought must be Make check payable Pets brought must be well Make check payable behaved, vaccinated an to: EMBOR behaved, vaccinated and on a to: EMBOR leash. Please clean up Box 1143 There will be pets up for leash. Please clean up after Box 1143 There will be pets up for Participants Name_______________________________________________ your pet. Covington,GA 30015 adoption at theCovington,GA event! your pet. 30015 adoption at the event!

MUSICAL DRAMA CAMP Be a Triple Threat!

Address_____________________ City ______________State_____ Zip________ Gender______ Date of Birth____________

Participants Name______________________________________________ Participants Name___________________________________________________

ACTING • SINGING • DANCING

Age _______ Phone _______________

Address_____________________ City ____________ State______ Zip___ Address_____________________ City ____________ State______ T- shirt size: S Zip________ M L XL XXL Email__________________________

2015 SESSION

Gender______ Date of Birth____________ Age _______ Phone __________ Gender______ Date of Sponsorship Birth____________ Age _______ _______________ July 13-24 • 9 am-1 pm Opportunity a Terrier LevelPhone $50 Name on Back of Race Shirt

Classes held at the Rockdale Auditorium

WAIVER RELEASE Email___________________________ T- shirt size: S M L I hereby certify the following: I am physically Email___________________________ T- shirt size: Sfit and M haveLreceived XL medical XXL clearance

XXL

to participate in the Pounding for Paws 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, June 27, 2015. If I do participate, I, on behalf of myself, my heirs and assigns, and my estate, hereby waive and Sponsorship Opportunity Terrieraffiliates, Levelas$50 Name on and Back of Race Sh forever discharge the sponsors, well their agents employOpportunity Terrier Level $50organizers, Name on Back of asRace Shirt WAIVER RELEASE ees, from any and all claims that may occur as a result of my participation. I hereby certify the following: I am physically fit and have received medical clearance to participate in the Pounding for Paws

TUITION $150 FOR Sponsorship WAIVER RELEASE ENTIRE TWO WEEKS! I hereby certify the following: I am physically fit and have received medical clearance to participate in the Pounding for Paws 5K Run/Walk,

Saturday, June 27, 2015. If I do participate, I, on behalf of myself, my heirs and assigns, and my estate, hereby waive and fo Saturday, June 27, 2015. If I dodischarge participate, I,sponsors, on behalforganizers, of myself, my heirs and and my estate, waivefrom and forever the affiliates, as assigns, well as their agents andhereby employees, any and all claims that may occur a Signature___________________________________________ Date___________ discharge the sponsors, organizers, affiliates, as well as their agents and employees, from any and all claims that may occur as a result of my participation. If under 18, Parent or Guardian Signature participation.

Learn musical theater and finish the week with a Signature_________________________________________Date_____________ Signature_________________________________________Date_____________ If under 18, Parent or Guardian Signature performance at The Rockdale Auditorium! If under 18, Parent or Guardian Signature Everyone will receive training in singing, acting and dance! Revised 1.29.15 efma

To register call Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts at

770-922-3143 • www.conyersarts.org

242071-1

Revised 1.29.15 efma

The News

4 • Saturday, April 11, 2015

Credit worthy

Conyers Police Department

Police get overdose emergency treatment injectors By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Submitted/The Rockdale News The Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. of Newton and Rockdale counties hosted a Fiscal Responsibility workshop March 28 at St. Paul AME Church in Covington, taught by Joyce Broadwater (Walden), a 20-year business professional. She spoke about everyday areas where credit affects a person’s life. Examples given revolved around career, life and auto insurance, purchasing a house and acquiring a car. Other topics included Wills & Trust, Power of Attorney, Life insurance and securing important papers in a secure place like a virtual lockbox. For more information and upcoming CTO AKA events, go to www.chitauomega.com

POLICE RELEASE ARREST DATA Both blacks and whites see higher arrests and citations By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Conyers Police recently released arrest data for the first quarter of 2015, in an effort to get ahead of anticipated federal reporting requirements in the wake of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) report on the Ferguson Police Department. That report found wide-spread racial discrimination and injustices were present in the Ferguson department. Conyers Police Chief Wilson has previously said he expects new federal policing standards to emerge from Ferguson, and he wants Conyers to be ahead of them. Both white and black people were arrested at rates a bit higher than their percentage of the population. Latino people had disproportionately lower arrest rates. The City of Conyers’ 2010 Census populations showed 56.6 percent African American, 24.3 percent white, 16.3 percent Hispanic or Latino, and about 1.8 percent

other racial categories. Among the 407 arrests in the first quarter of 2015, 62.65 percent were black, 28.01 percent were white, 8.85 percent Hispanic, and 0.49 percent other races. Citations totaled 1,258. Among those, 59.22 percent were black, 30.37 percent white, 5.01 Hispanic, 0.53 percent other races.

There were five complaints submitted wto internal affairs for investigation; three were from black residents and two were from white residents. There were two use of force complaints submitted to internal affairs; both were black residents. CPD plans to release similar data categories quarterly.

The Conyers Police Department is the latest of agencies to receive a donation of opioid overdose emergency treatment injectors. Kaléo, a privately held pharmaceutical company headquartered in Richmond, has a donation program that will allow qualifying local law enforcement agencies to receive EVZIO naloxone auto-injectors without charge as part of the Kaléo Cares program. “Patrol officers are typically the first responder to arrive at an overdose emergency call and with the increase of such deaths occurring nationwide; equipping our officers with this device could potentially save lives,” said Chief of Police Gene Wilson in a press release. EVZIO auto-injectors are a handheld, single-use device for the emergency treatment

of known or suspected opioid, medications that relieve pain, overdose. EVZIO should be administered as quickly as possible when an opioid overdose, such as Vicodin or OxyContin, is suspected because prolonged respiratory depression may result in damage to the central nervous system or death. “It is also important to inform our citizens, especially teens, of the amnesty law that was passed here in Georgia just last year,” said Wilson. In 2014, Georgia became the 15th state to enact a 911 Medical Amnesty law granting limited legal immunity to the 911 caller and the patient experiencing the drug or alcohol overdose. This bill passed in the wake of many examples of overdose deaths where those with them did not call 911 to seek medical assistance for fear of prosecution for the possession and use of illegal drugs or underage alcohol consumption.

WORK NOW! MAKE EXTRA MONEY! DELIVERING PHONE BOOKS

IN THE AREA OF CONYERS & COVINGTON GREAT PAY AND FLEXIBLE HOURS. MUST HAVE: DRIVERS LICENSE AUTO INSURANCE • OWN TRANSPORTATION

CALL NOW! 888-547-1643 OR APPLY ON LINE WWW.DDA-SE-SW.COM

Lucy Cherry Same Great Service New Location

lithonia pawn 2574 old covington hwy., conyers, ga 30012

Located Directly Behind Chowdog Restaurant (Next to Rockdale Flea Market)

770-483-8200

pawn - buy - sell - since 1977

we custom order Firearms accessories

• top Dollar paid For Firearms • title pawns on 1998 & newer Vehicles (includes Motocycles)

top dollar for scrap gold, silver, platinum diamonds and gold & silver coins

new Guns starting at

129

• shot Guns & Rifles $95 • Ruger Rifles (30/06) & 270 $349.99 • 9mm pistols $179.99 • Ruger lc 380 $359.99 • Ammo Available 7.62x39 • 5.56 (223) while supplies last! Must bring in ad to get these prices

www.lithoniapawn.com

Give her a call, she’s well qualified to put you in a new or used vehicle. She has put hundreds in cars, and backed up by a company that has been in business for over 90 years. We are better than all the rest! Challenging Credit, O.K, B.K and Good Credit. We have a program for everyone. With over 26 years of experience! Give her a call at 404-960-4121

3198 Salem Road, Conyers, GA • Office: 770-784-7042 lucy_cherry@getginn.com • www.ginnsuperstore.com

Opinion the

NEWS

Publisher T. Pat Cavanaugh

pcavanaugh@rockdalenews.com

Design Editor Sabastian Wee

A word from the Sheriff

Questions regarding body cameras

Editor Michelle Kim

mkim@rockdalenews.com

Sales Director Annette Godwin

swee@rockdalenews.com

agodwin@rockdalenews.com

Circulation Dir. Amanda Ellington

Comptroller Debbie Thompson

aellington@covnews.com

Saturday, April 11, 2015 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5

dthompson@covnews.com

Our Thoughts Rotary Volunteerism A group of us were talking the other day on how you motivate people to volunteer again like the some of the old timers did and still do. That is an issue that can be the subject of much discussion and debate; we do know we still in Conyers-Rockdale have volunteer civic groups like the Rotary Clubs and Kiwanis, Lions Club, Progressive Citizens Club, Shriners and the Pilot Club. We are fortunate to have these groups because without their community efforts and giving, our taxes would be much higher as people would have to be paid to perform the duties that these good folks provide for free. You have a chance to support one of those groups right now. On May 1 the Conyers Rotary will be holding their annual Golf Tournament at the Cherokee Run Golf Course here in the city. The Rotarians use the money raised by this tournament to support almost every worthwhile charitable project that there is in Conyers-Rockdale – aiding homeless families and domestic violence victims, feeding hungry families, bringing Christmas smiles to children in need, helping homebound senior citizens and so much more. If you or your family has ever been touched in anyway by the Conyers Rotary here is your chance to pay back the kindness. You can put together a golf team for the day. The total cost is $500; that includes all fees and food, you can be the sponsor of a hole for $150; for our larger companies whose people live in our community and enjoy the benefits, here is your chance to sign up to help sponsor the tournament. You can find the form on page 10. For more information, call 404-915-6810.

n February, Chief without the conDeputy Scott Freesent of all perman and I was insons observed, vited to the Rockdale to observe, County chapter of the p h ot o g r ap h , NAACP to give a preor record the sentation. The presenactivities of tation was to address another which questions and conoccur in any cerns from participants private place in regards to the new and out of pubRockdale lic view.” Current body cameras. The folCounty law does not prolowing are some of the great questions posed Sheriff vide an exception at the presentation and for law enforcethe RCSO would like ment officers in share the answers with everyone. their official duties. Until such time that Georgia law 1. Are the body cameras be can be changed, deputies purchased - can they be turned will initially ask for permisoff? Yes. The body cameras will sion to record inside private allow the deputy to turn off the residences in order to comply camera at his/her discretion. with the law. This will be governed by RCSO policy, and will follow recom6. When a deputy’s tour mendations on best practice. of duty ends, where will the items be stored? At the end of 2. Is there an option to not use a deputy’s tour, the deputy will the body camera? At present, the take the body camera and “dock” RCSO will make it mandatory for it into the network of the RCSO. deputies to use the body camera The body camera, which can on all class for service and any hold four hours of video, will contact with a citizen. take about 10 minutes to upload all the video. The video will be 3. Could there be a light on stored on the current system that them so citizens will know it is the RCSO utilizes for in-car vidon? Anything with a light on it eo. The body camera video and could present a safety issue for the in-car video will be stored on the deputy, especially at night. the same system. There is very much a need to ensure deputies do not have any7. Once stored, who has acthing (i.e., a flashing light) that cess to video data? The RCSO makes them a target at night or currently utilizes a video eviat any other time. Ultimately, the dence management system for safety of deputies will never be all in-car video, and that same compromised. system will be used to store body camera video. Only authorized 4. Can someone from the of- personnel are allowed to access fice see what is going on “live” and view the video. More strinand in real-time? No. At pres- gent access and viewing restricent, live feed is not an option tions apply to which personnel for the body cameras or the can download the video. in-cameras. 8. If deputies go bad and use 5. When you go inside a the systems wrong or try to get home will the body camera fall around it, what standards will under the Fourth Amendment? be used as discipline? The RCSO While the RCSO will work to en- currently has a policy on in-car sure that we protect citizens un- video and is developing a policy der the Fourth Amendment, the for the body cameras utilizing a main issue is the current state model policy from the Internalaw in Georgia O.C.G.A. 16- tional Association of Chiefs of 11-62 currently reads, “It shall Police. Training will be provided be unlawful for … Any person, to the deputies on the use of the through the use of any device, system and the requirements of

systems and body cameras should be fully deployed by June 2015. 11. What is the clarity of the camera? The body cameras being deployed by the RCSO are manufactured by L3 Mobile Vision and will be the latest, most advanced body camera on the market today. The video resolution will be 1280 x 720 HD (High Definition).

Eric Levett

p o l i c y. As with all policy violations, an attempt to understand the violation will be made so we can re-train and correct the behavior to ensure standards are met. As with all policies, discipline, up to and including termination could result depending on the violation of the policy and the intent of the deputy (i.e., conceal something illegal or wrong). 9. How long do we keep video footage? The RCSO complies with the state law on records retention, which includes in-car and body camera footage. The Records Retention Law provides, “Video Tapes, Mobile Video tapes taken from patrol car video cameras of police actions - Retain tapes containing arrests for: five years; retain all other tapes until no longer useful.” 10. Do all of our cars currently have in car cameras? No, not all cars have in-car cameras. As of today, only half of marked patrol units have an in-car camera system. In January 2015, the RCSO ordered enough in-car cameras to outfit the remainder of the RCSO marked unit fleet. This order also included the body cameras. At present, estimations for delivery and installation of all of the in-car camera

12. What funds were used to pay for the cameras and how will they be maintained? These in-car camera systems and body cameras were paid for with seized drug funds – not taxpayer dollars. As with all technology, the system will require upkeep to remain operational and up-to-date. Failure to expend monies for upkeep could ultimately result in system failures when we need it most. Keeping this system up and running is not expected to increase the burden on the taxpayer. Additional expansions and major repairs will continue to be paid for with seized drug funds. Routine maintenance and upkeep will be taken out of the operating budget as has been with the in-car camera system. Thank you to the Rockdale County chapter of the NAACP for allowing the RCSO the opportunity to address the concerns of the participants.

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

The News

6 • Saturday, April 11, 2015

OVER 400

TO CHOOSE FROM $5,995

GET TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR TRADE

We Will Buy Your Car Even If You Don’t Buy From Us!

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

2009 GMC Sierra 2500 Diesel 4x4 Crew

2007 Ford Ranger

Stock #FC7752A

Stock #FS1792P

Stock #J5802P

$9,595 $9,995 $37,981 GET HELP WITH THE CREDIT PROCESS 9,999 & Under

2008 JEEP LIBERTY SPORT

2004 CADILLAC DEVILLE

$9,981 STOCK # FC7666A .................. $8,695 $21,999 & Under

STOCK # J5700A ....................

2013 FORD FUSION HYBRID

$19,495

STOCK #FS1835P .................

2011 KIA SORENTO SX

$19,484

STOCK #J5781P ...................

2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN LIMITED

$15,991

STOCK #J5833A ..................

2010 CHRYSLER 300C HEMI

$17,999

STOCK #J5618P ...................

2015 SONIC LTZ

$17,598

STOCK #FS1820P .................

2011 DODGE DAKOTA

$17,995

STOCK #FC7534P .................

2011 CHEVROLET HHR LT

2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE 2LT AUTO

$12,900

$17,895

STOCK #FC7328A .................

2008 CHEVROLET HHR LT

STOCK #FC7762P .................

$11,900

STOCK #FC6987A .................

2012 NISSAN ROGUE

2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE SUV

2008 HONDA ODYSSEY EX-L

STOCK #FC7279B .................

$13,998

2008 LEXUS IS 250

STOCK #FC7756A .................

2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA LTZ

$17,671

STOCK #J5786P ...................

$14,899

STOCK #FC7775P .................

2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT

$10,995

$16,998

STOCK #FC7713A .................

$12,988 LUXURY VEHICLES

2007 TOYOTA TACOMA PRE RUNNER

$18,991

STOCK #FC7769P .................

STOCK #J5830P ...................

2008 GMC YUKON XL DENALI

2010 ACURA TL 3.5

2014 BUICK REGAL

2009 BMW 335I COUPE

2009 LEXUS IS 250

STOCK #FC7590P .................$22,900

$19,996

STOCK #J5330A ...................

$17,995

STOCK #J5686P ...................

$21,595

STOCK #FS1822P .................

$18,495

STOCK #FS1827P ................

PHOTOS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. PRICES PLUS TAX, TAG AND GA LEMON LAW WITH APPROVED CREDIT.

BIG SAVINGS BEGIN at 4 Ginn LOCATIONS IN COVINGTON

GETGINN.COM

770-786-2271

The News

Saturday, April 11, 2015 • 7

community calendar SATURDAY, APRIL 11

CovCheeriosChal

East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers 10 a.m.- noon; at Ga Piedmont Technical College’s Newton Campus, Bldg. D, 8100 Bob Williams Parkway, Covington; 404-444-7514 or 770-784-0079

Hands Across Rockdale 8 a.m. - noon; County-wide day of service; calling all volunteers to help out with dozens of projects in schools, churches, streets, senior citizens homes and more; www.handsacrossrockdale.org

Great American Cleanup 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., starts at Pine Log Park Pavilion, 1500 Ga. Highway 138; Keep Conyers Rockdale Beautiful; kcrb@rockdalecounty.org

Ga. Renaissance Festival’s 30th Year 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 18 to June 7 on Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day; Located just south of Atlanta’s Airport at I-85, Exit #61 (Peachtree City/Fairburn); General Admission at the gate: Adult $22, Child ages 6 to 12 $10, Senior, 60+ $20, children under 5 are always free.; Discount tickets online at GArenfest.com: Adult $19, Child $8, Senior $18; Free parking; www.garenfest.com, 770-964-8575

MONDAY, APRIL 13 Library Board meeting 4 p.m.; The Conyers-Rockdale Library System Board of Trustees meets at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St SW; 770-388-5040

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Submitted/The Rockdale News Oratorical contest First Place winner Joi Nobles (middle).

CMS shines at first Clerk of Courts Oratorical Contest By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Conyers Middle School’s Joi Nobles was named the winner of the inaugural Oratorical Competition held March 28 by Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson’s Office and Rockdale County Public Schools. Eighth graders prepared an original persuasive/ motivational speech on the topic of “I am responsible for good government” that was 3-5 minutes in length. Criteria for selection include speech development, effectiveness, speech value, physical demeanor, voice, manner, appropriateness, and correctness (adapted from ToastMasters International). A panel of 11 judges – including Maria von Dickerson, Rockdale Commissioner Doreen Williams, Wilson, Kysa Daniels, State Court Judge Nancy Bills, Teresa Gordy, Candice Jones, CMS Assistant Principal Anterro Graham, attorney Gary Washington, Ga. Piedmont Technical College representative Joel Alvarado, educator Maria Brown, Lonnie Edwards, CMS Principal Allison Barbour – heard and evaluated the entries. Nobles won the $500 first place prize for having

the most effective, impressive speech. Second place went to Davis Middle’s Dexter Holmes Jr., who won $350. Another Davis Middle student, Chelsea Casteal, took third place and won $150. Finalists included Enya McDaniels (Memorial Middle School), Naomi Pinnock (MMS), Amanni Oda (Edwards Middle School), Aryanna Brown (DMS), Lalia Boyd (CMS), Kylie Butler (CMS). Like many attending the event, Clerk Wilson expressed delight at the level of performance delivered by the young speakers. “I found myself with a tear in my eye at one point, chuckling the next and later shaking my head in agreement as the students took their turns at the microphone. It was a very uplifting experience,” said Wilson. The event included a presentation by Georgia’s Path2College 529 college savings plan. Plans are underway to expand the Oratorical Competition in the 2015-2016 school year to include all middle school students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. This is the first year of this innovative partnership between the Clerk of Courts Office and Rockdale County Public Schools.

Phoenix Pass Golf Tournament 7:45 am breakfast with a shot gun start at 8:45 am; at Honey Creek Golf Club, 635 Clubhouse Drive, Conyers; Breakfast by McDonald’s; BBQ lunch during 2 p.m. Awards Ceremony; raffle items including golf equipment, gift cards, lawn care items, home maintenance packages, jewelry, more; register at www. phoenixpass.org/events/ or call 770-760-1020.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Covington Cheerios Challenge Packet pickup April 17, 10a.m. - 7 p.m.; 7:30 a.m. 10K, 9 a.m. 1 mile, 9:30 a.m. 5K; at Covington Family YMCA, 2140 Newton Dr., Covington; Registration $1520, $55 family pack; www.active. com or www.facebook.com/

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb 1 p.m.; Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge; explore the canopy above using rope and harness, moderately strenuous activity; Register in advance; $15 and $5 parking; 770-389-7801.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale fundraiser 5:30 p.m.; Amici’s, Corner Market, Flat Shoals Rd and Parker Rd, Conyers; food, trivia, live music, silent auction, corn hole on the lawn; tickets $50 each or $90 for two; 678-890-2005 Earth Day at GPC Newton 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. Newton Campus, Building 2N, Lobby; see Chevy Volt electric car, crafts using plastic grocery bags; Newton Campus Earth Club and Sustainablity committee; free; sarah.paschal@ gpc.edu or leila.lawlor@gpc.edu

So You Think You Can Dance?!?!? As seen at The Fox Theater, Rockdale news channels and various newspapers!

Jenae’s Dance Experience lls where h you need d to bbe....

We teach ages 4 years - 18 years old, we also offer Drama classes, Beginners Gymnastics and Private coaching for Dance competitions, Performing Arts Schools, etc. Our 4th annual recital will be held at Conyers Middle School in Rockdale County Saturday, May 16th, 2015 at 6PM! We will showcase routines that include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, African and Hip Hop Dance.

Registration for the JDE 2015-2016 school year begins online 5/16/15. Visit www.jenaesdanceexperience.com for more details!!!

The News

8 • Saturday, April 11, 2015

Red Cross Donut Dollies bring a touch of home By Pete Mecca

news@rockdalenews.com

ue to the ingenuity and can-do attitude of Yanks in World War II, the British witnessed their London Lorries remodeled into odd-looking clubmobiles that smelled of coffee and donuts. In July and August of 1944, brand-new clubmobiles crossed the stormy English Channel as remodeled two-and-a-half ton Army trucks. These vehicles also smacked of hot Joe and circular pastry. Eventually 80 clubmobiles and 320 females known as “clubmobile girls” braved the hazards of war to provide our soldiers with familiar tastes and a touch of home. Fifty-two of the ladies would die in the line of duty. “Clubmobile girls” had to meet certain criteria: some college, a pleasant personality, and attractiveness. Their requirements toughened during the Korean and Vietnam Wars: a college degree was a must, high moral standards, attractiveness, the gift of gab, and a knack for smiling when you wanted to weep. Most GIs in all three wars called these dedicated Red Cross workers Donut Dollies. This is one of their stories. Mary Atkinson Robeck grew up in Cajun Country a few feet below sea level in a city called New Orleans, better known as Nawlins’. Her B.A. degree was attained at William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Miss., then Mary continued her studies at the University of Southern Mississippi to earn a Master’s Degree in Sociology. “I always wanted an unusual life, a life of service,” Mary said. “In grad school I saw an ad for the Red Cross. They needed workers in military hospitals and for service in Vietnam. In the fall of 1970 I flew to Atlanta for an interview. I qualified and asked for the first opening in a military hospital as a social or recreation worker in the Southeast. I went home and told my parents the furthest posting would be North Carolina. So I waited; waited for months, and was in the middle of tests and finishing my thesis for a Master’s. I asked God, ‘Lord, make something happen.’” Ask, and ye shall receive. Three days later Mary received a phone call from the Red Cross. Instead

of a posting to a stateside military hospital, the Red Cross asked if Vietnam was an option for consideration. Mary recalled, “I agreed immediately. Since I had asked God to do something it seemed like the right thing to do.” She had two weeks to get things in order, finish and turn in her thesis, get all her shots and a passport, say goodbye to friends and family. “I am not a courageous person and have a deadly fear of heights,” Mary stated. “So the people in my hometown were stunned at my decision, but my parents were absolutely horrified. My mother was so desperate to talk me out of it, she said, ‘You know there’s not going to be enough water; you’re not going to be able to wash your hair every day like you love to do.’ They thought I’d lost my mind.” Her salary: $7,000 a year. First stop, Atlanta: “So, I’m sitting in a hotel room in Atlanta waiting to travel to Washington, DC, for training, and thinking, ‘What have I done?’ Then I’m in Washington at the Red Cross National Headquarters, snow, walking to class every day, learning military protocol, ranks, Red Cross history, proper conduct… it was exciting. Drug enforcement folks came to our class and actually burned marijuana so we’d recognize the smell. We had the reputation of the Red Cross on our shoulders so we didn’t want to be in a situation to embarrass the organization or ourselves.” January 1971 – “We landed at Tan Son Nhut AFB in Saigon at three or four o’clock in the morning. Dark, hot, steamy, welcome to Vietnam. I was amazed during the drive to the hotel to see refugees living in boxes or tin sheds. Inside our hotel I saw South Vietnamese soldiers sleeping in the lobby. After we got into a room I told my roommate, Ilene, how nice it was of the hotel to let the soldiers sleep in the lobby. Ilene said, ‘Mary, you’re an idiot. Those soldiers are supposed to be guarding the hotel.’” “The next morning a lady came in from the field to train us for a week about what to do or not to do, the ins and outs of Vietnam. Then we were on our way to Qui Nhon on a C-130. Problem was, Qui Nhon was aflame in riots. Apparently a kid had been hit by an Army truck and the people turned

Submitted/The Rockdale News Counter-clockwise from top: Former Donut Dolly Mary Robeck at the Atlanta HQ for the American Red Cross; Mary boarding another chopper for another mission; Mary making the boys feel at home; Mary in front of the Happy Hooch.

violent. We landed safely then a Red Cross lady came to get us, took us to her room until things calmed down. So, we’re sitting in this room and all of a sudden a women runs in, says ‘Hello, I’m Susan Frankhart your unit leader, there’s a chopper waiting, let’s go,’ and we were gone that quickly.” “We didn’t have time to think or worry. We got on the chopper, took off, dropped off a wounded ARVN soldier at the hospital then flew on to the Quincy Compound across town from Qui Nhon. We

had a rec hooch called the ‘Happy Hooch’ where G.I.s could play pool or ping pong, drink Kool-Aid and eat popcorn. We didn’t have donuts. Too hot and humid. I quickly learned two girls worked the Happy Hooch and the rest went out to fire support bases, landing zones, raid bases, and we flew into Phu Cat to visit MACV teams outside the base. We flew into Pleiku often and into An Khe which by that time was basically a MASH unit.” The Donut Dollies, minus the donuts, called their chopper runs

Missions. Mission 1 to perhaps An Khe, Mission 2 to Phu Cat, Mission 3 to Pleiku, and so forth. Programs for the troops included classes and studies on camping, US Presidents, even cheese. Surprisingly, many of the soldiers studied before their classes on program topics. Mary recalled, “The guys were very involved and looked forward to our visits… of course a woman with round eyes in Vietnam drew a lot of attention. The Army cooks helped

Continued on PAGE 9

The News

Saturday, April 11, 2015 • 9

Continued on PAGE 10 make our refreshments and we loved the dog handlers. They were great guys.” Some soldiers just wanted to talk; others to hear a soft voice, others to gaze upon a blonde-haired lady. Mary said, “Sooner or later they would ask us about our big canvas bags, ‘Hey, what’s in the bag today?’ and in minutes we’d be into one of our programs.” Red Cross recreation in a war zone required planning. Mary recalled, “We’d call the fire support bases or LZs the night before. If they got hit in the mornings, we went there in the afternoons; if they’re hit in the afternoons, we flew in that morning. I guess we were on a Viet Cong timeSubmitted/The Rockdale News table. Explosions would still occur Mary with the G.I.s off base, usually land mines.” Mary was never at a raid camp, recognized. We knew the chopper ued to serve: She helped the Vietfire support base, or LZ that re- was in Cambodia. The pilots had namese boat people by joining the ceived incoming during her visits. been given wrong coordinates. We Peace Corps in the West Indies, Qui Nhon, however, was a different got out of there real fast!” recruited for the Peace Corps in On another mission Mary dozed Philadelphia, ended up in Indostory. Mary said, “The second week at Qui Nhon a unit leader ran in off in the chopper as one of the nesia and Singapore to process and said, ‘We’re on Red Alert, put door gunners cleared his machine thousands of Vietnamese refugees on your flak vests, helmets, and gun. “That sounds a little crazy try- for passage to the U.S., and taught pull a mattress over your heads. ing to sleep with a machine gun go- them English to help their transiShe walked out the door then we ing off, but you get use to the noise tion. She met her future husband heard her yell, ‘Oh, my God!’ Light after being in Nam for so long. in Indonesia, a case worker; they travels faster than sound, so she Well, a spent shell casing struck my flew home, got married, and flew saw the ammo dump go up in a leg and I thought I’d been wound- back to Indonesia. Mary worked at big ball of fire, then the sound hit ed. I nearly jumped out of my skin. a Boston Naval hospital for the Red us. The walls of our hooch moved Scared me to death!” Cross and another military hospiHer final thoughts on the Delta: tal in Michigan, coordinated blood with the shock wave to the ends of the nails. Then mortar rounds start- “I know our soldiers hated the Del- drives, served as a 2nd Lt. in the ed hitting around our hooch. After ta but I loved it. By 1971 we were National Guard, and finally had her the alert one of our drivers told us allowed to go off base into the lo- two children at the age of 40 and 42. he couldn’t believe we were safe, cal economy, to eat, shop. We were “My husband and I have had that the mortar rounds danced all on a boat once, minus one of the a full life,” she said. Asked if they around our hooch but never hit us.” crew because he was on leave. He enjoy retirement, Mary replied, Her posting at Qui Nhon lasted came back a week later and was “We’re not retired. I just took a new five months. During another attack, killed on the same boat. Yeah, the job with Habitat for Humanity as their Red Cross rec room took a di- war still raged, but Ilene and I did programs manager for restores, acrect hit; all personnel had just left, more traveling in the Delta than cumulating building supplies, tubs, anywhere else.” nobody was hurt. things like that. My husband drives On our soldiers: “We quickly a school bus and on the weekends Mary’s next port-of-call was actually a port, the huge anchorage learned that the military had all is an emergency driver for a mental called Cam Ranh Bay. “Cam Ranh kinds of people. Good guys, bad health center in Atlanta.” was very active,” she recalled. “We guys, ones that used drugs, others After a short pause, Mary reflecthad a nice rec center and went on that drank, and boys that stayed in ed on Vietnam: “You know, when missions to places like Tuy Hoa. church. I came home with a lot of the guys left Vietnam they were Plus, we had new recruits coming respect for the people in a country happy. I got on the plane home and in all the time. They couldn’t believe at war. Most Americans haven’t ex- cried. I didn’t want to leave, and I’d the first thing they saw in Vietnam perienced that, gunfire every night go back to do it again.” Discount. was round-eyed women, it made in your neighborhood, explosions, The words on the back of her Dolove nut Dolly T-shirt: A touch of home, them feel good, boosted morale. death all around you. I came toDiscount. in in a combat zone; A smiling face, Those young boys thought ‘Maybe the Vietnamese people; that year Discount. I will make it home.’ By that time I Nam directed the rest of my life.” at a bleak firebase; The illusion of Mary Atkinson Robeck contin- calm, in Vietnam. had come to hate war.” For her last three months in VietDiscount. nam, Mary was in the Mekong DelWallyWally Taylor, Agent Taylor, Agent with Get them all Get with them all Discount. 885 Honey Creek Road 885 Honey Creek Road ta. “My base was Binh Thuy,” she Discount Double Check. Discount Double Check. Conyers, GA 30094 Conyers, GA 30094 Bus: 770-483-4134 Bus: 770-483-4134 Discount. said. “The Mekong Delta witnessed 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 a lot of war but by 1971 most of our all you can. And free. can. And it’s free. allit’syou Like a good Like neighbor, boys were gone. My old roommate, a good neighbor, State Farm is there. State Farm is there. Ilene, met up with me again in the CALL ME TODAY. CALL ME TODAY. Wally Taylor, Agent Delta. One day we flew on a chopGet them all with 885 Honey Creek Road Discount Double Check. Wally Taylor, Agent Conyers, GA 30094 Get them all with per near the Cambodian border. Bus: 770-483-4134 885 Honey Creek Road It’s a quick and easy way wally@wallytaylor.com Discount Double Check. Conyers, GA 30094 Well, Ilene and I had been to the to make sure you’re saving Bus: 770-483-4134 all you can. And it’s free. village in that area before, but our It’s a quick and easy way Like a good neighbor, wally@wallytaylor.com State is there. chopper pilots were new and they to make sure you’re saving CALL Farm ME TODAY. Wally Taylor, Agent Get them with flew right by a mountain that we all you can. Andall it’s free. 885 Honey Creek Road 0901116

GA Vietnam veterans to be individually honored By Michelle Kim

mkim@rockdalenews.com

Volunteers with the Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial are stepping up to the plate to make sure every Vietnam veteran in Georgia is personally recognized for his or her service as part of a statewide campaign to individually honor each of Georgia’s 234,000 living Vietnam era veterans. On Monday, March 30, Gov. Nathan Deal, in conjunction Those WOH volunteers with the Georgia Department and veterans honored of Veteran’s Service and the included: nation’s 50th Anniversary Observance of the Vietnam War, WOH Board of Directors kicked off the four-year long members Bob Atkinson, campaign by honoring the Charles King, Pete Mecca, Vietnam-era veterans, includ- Buddy Roebuck ing volunteers with the Walk of Heroes, at the state Capitol. WOH Board of Directors The Walk of Heroes will be President Tommy Clack collecting the name, branch of service, rank, and dates Vietnam Moving Wall sponsor served during the Vietnam Roger Rehorn conflict/war (August 3, 1950 - May 7, 1975) of as many Vietnam-era veterans they State President of the GA can and will submit them to Vietnam Vets Motorcycle the Ga. Dept. of Veterans Ser- Club Jim Bledsoe vices to obtain a personalized Certificate of Honor. Those State and SE Coordinator certificates will then be pre- of the “Wounded Warrior” sented in ceremonies orga- Program for Safari Club nized by the Walk of Heroes International Dick Caillouet and other community groups. Clubs, churches, civic groups, businesses or any other groups are encouraged to collect those four pieces of information for their members who are Vietnam-era veterans and submit it to the Walk of Heroes. “This opportunity will run for four years,” said WOH President Tommy Clack. “The Walk of Heroes wishes to maximize the opportunity of every such Veteran to receive this earned honor.” Community members can submit a veteran’s information along with a phone number and address - this information will not be shared with anyone else or any other groups - to Walk of Heroes Board of Directors member Bob Atkinson, who served in the Marines during Vietnam. Atkinson can be contacted at 404-376-7812 or atkinson2569@gmail.com Due to turnaround time for the certificates, ceremonies may not start until May at the earliest.

Discount. Discount. Discount. Discount.

Discount. Discount. Discount. ™

™

Discount. Discount. ®

™

Free Pickup & Delivery to Qualified Businesses! 100% Guaranteed! Refill and Save

™

0901116

Conyers, GA 30094 Bus: 770-483-4134 wally@wallytaylor.com

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Discount Double Check. Like a good neighbor,

™

State Farm is and there.® easy way It’s a quick ME TODAY. toCALL make sure you’re saving

2.00

770-929-9110

2239 Ga. Hwy. 20 SE, Suite G • Conyers, GA (Target Shopping Center) www.cartridgeworldusa.com/Store686

O F F

Ink Jet Cartridge Refills

$12 or more order. 1 coupon per order. May not be combined with other offers.

10.00

Laser Toner Cartridge Refills

O F F

$50 or more order. 1 coupon per order. May not be combined with other offers.

The News

10 • Saturday, April 11, 2015

Halfway to History How do you stop Jordan Spieth? That’s on the minds of many after the 21-year-old ran through Augusta National for the second day in a row Friday, turning a course known for its intimidation into his personal playground. Spieth carded a bogey-free round of 66, and in doing so, set a Masters 36-hole record of 14-under that was previously set by Raymond Floyd in 1976. That was 39 years ago, 18 years before Jordan Spieth made his way to planet Earth. Now, it’s the all-time tournament record holder asking officials to turn up the heat. “The scoring conditions were there, because the greens were soft,” Tiger Woods said Friday after his good-but-not-enough round of 69, the same Tiger Woods who shot that 18-under tournament record as a 21-year-old in 1997. “I was talking to Thomas Bjorn and (Mark) O’Meara and even Tom Watson earlier today, and we couldn’t believe how slow (the greens) were (Thursday). Again, they were slow (Friday),” Woods said, dropping some names of past champions. Woods continued. “The balls were spinning back. 5-irons were making ball marks, things like that you don’t normally find here.” Then, Tiger dropped the haymaker. “But it’s up to the committee. If they want to make this golf course a little drier, it’s quiet out there, there’s no sub airs going. If they turn the sub airs on, they can suck the moisture out of this thing and get them firm, or they can live with it like it is, and we can go out there and make a bunch of birdies,” Woods said, sitting 12 shots behind Spieth entering Saturday’s play. The sub air system is a series of pipes sitting beneath the course that sucks moisture from the surface. Through vents around walkways, they sound like a giant hair dryer running un-

der the course. When Tiger was asked about the 21-year-old threatening to run away with the tourney, and how it compared to his own win in ’97, he went back to the well once more. “The difference is that he’s separated himself from the rest of the pack. I believe I only had a three shot lead (after 36 holes),” Woods said, as Speith holds a five-shot lead over Charlie Hoffman entering Saturday. “Again, it’s up to what the committee does overnight, whether or not they’re going to make the golf course like it is where we can go get it, or if they’re going to make it hard and firm, where it’s going to be tough to make birdies.” It screams of Phil Jackson pleading for fouls or Bill Belichick looking for holding calls. However, if history tells us anything, Tiger is likely to get his way. Between pin placements and course conditions, Augusta National normally plays tougher on the weekends. “We don’t prepare the course for a specific result, only for a specific test of their capability,” Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne said Wednesday, after it was noted that the past three Masters champions finished between 8-under and 10-under par. “And the factor that would cause extreme variations would be weather-related conditions, in most cases” ‘In most cases’ left room for the 36-hole magic of Spieth, threatening to not only break – but obliterate – Tiger’s tournament record of 18-under on golf ’s truest test. Spieth, to his credit, seems steady. “I got off to great start and had a chance to win last year on Sunday. I’d like to have the same opportunity this year,” Speith said. “But this is only the halfway point, and I’m aware of that.” Halfway to history. Vince Johnson is covering his 7th Masters tournament. You can follow his coverage at rockdalenews.com or Twitter @vincejohnson.

Helping Small Businesses: • Maximize Profit • Increase Revenue • Build Better Cashflow

170 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite 1-A, Covington, GA 30016

1-800-491-7212 info@acctpier.com Acctpier.com

Call or Email For Your Free Consultation

Sports

Saturday, April 11, 2015 Page 11 rockdalenews.com

Rockdale/Newton baseball

POWER RANKINGS

EASTSIDE - The Eagles have been the best baseball team between the two counties this season — it’s not by a mile but it’s also not that close. Eastside boasts a 13-5 record, including a 9-3 mark in Region 4-AAAA. Three of the Eagles’ losses came in succession to teams that were ranked ahead of them by the AJC (Locust Grove twice and Pike County). Eastside lost its two games to Locust Grove by a combined three runs and could have beaten both of them had it not been for an insurmountable number of errors by Eastside’s defense. First year head coach, Bruce Evans has helped boost the Eagles’ offense and they’re finally getting back their pitchers. Evans and co. are a formidable bunch, they have a good offense and when they don’t make errors the defense is equally strong – barring some unforeseen injury or crazy upset the Eagles could make a deep playoff run.

NEWTON - Newton has come on strong in its last six games. The Rams don’t have a strong senior core like they did last year, but they’ve made the best of the team they have. Studs like Alex Johnson, Augustus Murray and Mason Calloway have stood out and played well helping to lift Newton to its stellar record. A thing that has kept Newton behind early in the season was its lack of offense, but that’s changed over the last four games in which the Rams have scored over 40 runs. Newton also met up with the two toughest teams in the region already (Lakeside and Tucker) and managed to steal one game against each team in a three-game series. Newton played Tucker the closes, coming within a play or two of sweeping the Tucker Tigers. After winning the final game against Tucker, Newton swept cross-town rival Alcovy and pretty much locked up a spot in the state playoffs. The Rockdale/Newton series will be a pivotal one in determining which of these teams is the best at the end of the season and which one has the higher seed.

SALEM - Led by Bobby Link, the Seminoles have established themselves as a formidable force in Region 8-AAAAA, a tough region to be good in. Salem has had quality showings against Gainesville and Winder-Barrow, two of the best teams in the region, splitting the two-game series with both of them. The ‘Noles have yet to play Heritage and beat Newton in both games. With an impressive 11-5 record (5-3 Region 8-AAAAA), Salem is a top-five team in the region and one of the best baseball teams in the Newton/Rockdale area. The Seminoles have some good pitching with Chris Simonds and Kevin Barham and they also can put the bat on the ball, not as well as some of the other teams but well enough to go off against subpar pitching and score enough runs to stay in the game against teams that pitch well.

HERITAGE - Coming off a season that saw the Patriots go 18-18 and 11-5 in region play, this season hasn’t been of equal value as last season for Heritage. The Patriots are 11-7 and 6-5 in Region 8-AAAAA. To finish with the same record they did last year, would require Heritage to go undefeated for the rest of the way – possible, but unlikely. Of its 15-plus players, Heritage has just 10 0r 11 players that are healthy. However, despite the injuries, the Patriots still have a shot at the playoffs as they’re just behind Salem in the region standings. Heritage has some talent on its pitching staff and they’ve dealt with a myriad of injuries to that staff. Making a run in the final games of the season could give Heritage enough to get into the big dance and then, who knows?

By Shakeem Holloway

RCHS - Rockdale started off its non-region schedule just 2-4, but the Bulldogs used a winning streak to push their record to 9-6 and 6-0 in Region 2-AAAAAA play before losing three-straight to Tucker last week. The Bulldogs just fought off Newton for third place, as the Rams are 8-9 while the Bulldogs are 9-9, but the real test to determine which team is better will come in a couple of weeks when the teams face-off in a season series finale. For now, Rockdale is one game ahead of Newton in the region standings and that one simple game has them ahead of the Rams...for now.

ALCOVY - Alcovy has talent but errors and inconsistent offense have kept them from being the team they’re capable of being. The Tigers are 2-18 (0-9 Region 2-AAAAAA) and have been virtually eliminated from the playoffs this year. Alcovy doesn’t have a lot of seniors, but they do have 11 juniors on its 16-man roster. With next year’s stacked class including Hunter Phillips, Quintin Grizzard and Chandler White, the Tigers could find themselves back in the thick of the playoff race.

The News

12 • Saturday, April 11, 2015

Finding a way to win Depleted Heritage High School baseball team continues to win despite injuries By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

Heritage is almost literally limping toward the finish line. Surviving may be a bit of an understatement for this Heritage baseball team. They’re 11-7 (6-5 Region 8-AAAAA) despite being hit with enough injuries to force head coach Jason Borcherding into an early retirement. Heritage started the season with more than 15 players on the varsity roster, now when the Patriots hit the diamond they do it with just one or two players on their bench. A 2-4 start to region play didn’t help either, but Heritage has won four of its last six region games and now they’re in fifth place in the region behind Salem and Flowery Branch, who are tied for fourth. “We put ourselves into a position where games that we play moving forward – they matter,” Borcherding said. The top four teams in the region will make the playoffs, and Heritage has a legitimate chance to be one of those teams. The fact that they were able to fight through this type of adversity is an accomplishment in itself, but a trip to the playoffs would be the icing on the cake. “It says everything about the kids. They find a way. They find a way to persevere,” Borcherding said proudly about the team being in playoff contention. “They’re tough. We wouldn’t be in this position if we weren’t so I’m extremely proud of those guys. They’ve done everything I’ve asked them to do.” Heritage has lost six players – two were dismissed and four to in-

jury – total since the beginning of the season. Heritage has been playing with nine or 10 healthy bodies for the past few weeks. Borcherding says “team ball” has been a major factor for them. He admires them for not quitting when other teams would have with less adversity and says he’s most proud of their perseverance. The Patriots have been winning by committee. With the losses they’ve had, players have had to adjust to new positions than they’re used to playing. Heritage lost its two best players early in the season when the No. 1 left-handed pitcher/first baseman George Mahl dislocated his kneecap in the third game of the season. They lost their catcher, Anthony Williams to broken hand after it was hit by a bat in the first region series. Then Heritage’s No. 2 arm, Josh Parnell, went down and freshmen Jake Beach hasn’t been able to throw either. These events thrusted players like Matt Studdard and Yoiler Guevara to the mound. Studdard has become a true No. 1 pitcher, he’s a beast and when he pitches the Patriots chances of winning increase greatly. Guevara has gone from a No. 3 guy to the No. 2 and Borcherding says he’s been doing really well for them. “I knew early on in the season that we were going to end up developing more arms because every year we deal with something like this. Every year we’ve had some type of crazy situation happen where somebody gets injured,” Borcherding said. “Ever since I’ve been here we’ve had 13 season-ending injuries

in the five years that I’ve been here.” Drew Terrell, who was out last year with a spinal fracture, was the starting second baseman at the beginning of the year. He’s now the starting catcher and a pitcher. Nick Evans has been really flexible for Heritage as well, he went from starting left field to playing second base. Replacing Mahl, Studdard plays first when he’s not pitching. “It’s very interchangeable. That’s the one thing that we’ve developed – a level of flexibility. I usually keep my numbers down from a roster standpoint because I play a lot of guys so what I look for is flexibility in players,” Borcherding said. “When you keep your numbers down, you’ve got to have that flexibility to be able to move guys in and out. Everybody’s engaged. They know that they’re going to have an opportunity to play and so it doesn’t get into one of those situations where you’ve got guys that are just sitting on the bench. It was the same way from a pitching standpoint. All these guys have worked to pitch for us so that if we needed somebody to go into a game they’ve all had enough experience and thrown enough.” “We’ve had a lot of guys that where we’ve had to have some flexibility and those guys have been great about being flexible and doing what the team needs. Ultimately when it’s all said and done that’s the only way we’ve survived is playing team ball,” Borcherding said. Heritage will have to find a way to win again when it faces Salem in a crucial series that could determine which team goes to the playoffs beginning Monday at Salem, 5:55 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Justin Jackson Justin Jackson has been the best offensive player for Heritage this season. He went 3-7 in two games earlier in the week and he had a big homerun against Apalachee that stretched the Patriots’ lead to two runs, eventually giving them the win.

PpU Systems 470-205-3778

Our Services include :IPhones screen repairs

In Shop / On Site Services

Desktop starting @$99.00 Laptop starting @$80.00

We have Slightly Used or Refurbish Quality Laser Printers, Fax Machines and Copiers for Sale

Drop Off Hours Hours : Monday-Friday 9am-6pm • Saturday 10am-3pm

Installation, Upgrades, Virus Removal Repairs :- Printers, Copiers, Fax Machines, and Fuser replacement

3114 Emory Street, Covington GA 30014 • Fax :- 678-658-7324

Www.Ppusystems.com

The News

Saturday, April 11, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 13

A WALK WITH ANGELS More women will be able to have mammograms after 87 walkers came together in the cool morning of March 28 for the annual Walk with Angels fundraiser by the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation. The 8-mile walk though Conyers raised about $32,000 for the foundation. The first place team (TOP), Breastfriends, with 18 members, raised $6619. The second place team (RIGHT), Crossroads United Methodist Church, with 10 members, raised $6324. In third place was the 18 member Rockdale Medical Center team with $5986. Kelly Parker of Breastfriends raised $3,094 on her own. For more information, go to www. kimatkins.net. (Photos courtesy of Marvin Maner)