FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • VOL. 23, NO.

2 • FREE
the DeKalb

Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker • A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM ‘BEST ONE YET’

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

A
s the event ended
and participants
began to exit the
DeKalb History
Center building, several
people said the history
center’s recent Black
History Month Celebration
was the best one yet.
The DeKalb History
Center hosted its 10th
annual Black History
Month Celebration Feb.
13 featuring a dramatic
reading, the debut of a
documentary film and a
panel discussion.
The event was created
and coordinated by history
center board member
Tiffany Parks. Parks said
she thoroughly enjoyed the
program. Jayme Alilaw sang during the dramatic reading of the program. Photos Derek Smith
“I felt like it was a great
program. We wanted
people to learn something
on the Civil Rights
Movement from a different
perspective,” Parks said.
“When I started researching
I noticed just how complex
and layered the Civil Rights
Movement really was. It
was so well organized.”
The program, titled
“Rural Civil Rights: Voices
Across Georgia and DeKalb
Inspiring Dialogue on Race
and Truth,” focused on
the contributions of rural
Deborah Jones Tatum part of dramatic reading cast.
areas to the Civil Rights
Movement.
Parks said DeKalb
County was once
considered a rural area.
“In these rural towns
people were fighting just
as hard,” Parks said. “I think
people learned from it and
learned from these stories.
We have so much to learn
from these rural towns and
rural communities.”

SEE PROGRAM ON PAGE 5

Elizabeth Wilson, former mayor of Decatur. Amber Thomas performs a dance routine during intermission.

Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.

LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Local faith leaders hold prayer rally
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
While attending a church
service, Rev. Caroline Magee’s
daughter asked her if David
Dobrik, her favorite YouTuber
and vlogger who’s originally
born in Kosice in Slovakia
and immigrated to Chicago
with his parents, would be in
danger of deportation.
Through his YouTube
channel Dobrik has made
millions and in a Twitter post
stated, “I paid $400,000 in
taxes last year and all I got was
a free trip back to Slovakia.”
Magee responded
that Dobrik, along with
other Tucker residents and
community members, would
face deportation if changes
to the Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
rules are not made.
On Feb. 7, faith leaders
and young immigrants held a
prayer vigil to call on Senators
Johnny Isakson and David
Perdue to pass a “clean”
dream act without further
delay.
According to supporters,
a clean dream act means
the legislation would not
fund a border wall, targeted
raid operations, detention
centers or mandatory web-
based employment eligibility
verification programs.
The vigil, held at the
Cathedral of St. Philip,
featured guest speakers such
SILLY BILLY
Local faith leaders held a rally Feb. 7 requesting state senators consider passing a “clean” Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals bill.
as Rev. Tom Hagood from
Columbia Presbyterian Church
in Decatur and Magee from
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
which serves the Tucker area.
“We are aware that prayer
is not going to provide a
legislative answer. That is
the work of Senator Isakson
and Senator Perdue. We are
pleading with you to please
pass a clean dream act and
provide a path for our young
leaders,” Magee said.
On Feb. 12, a group of
Republican senators—
including Perdue—
Silly Billy (ID# 37497317) is a
part-time comedian who thinks
his job is making employees and
shelter volunteers laugh. This
goofy guy loves to snuggle with
humans and play with toys. Are
you in the market for a pup with
tons of personality and affinity
for snuggling? Silly Billy is your
guy! Meet him at LifeLine's DeKalb
Animal Services!
If you would like to expand your
family by 4 furry little feet; ask to
meet this great pup and have a
loving friend forever. All adoptions
include spay/neuter, vaccinations
and microchip! If you would like
more information about Silly Billy
please call (404) 294-2165 or email
adoption@dekalbanimalservices.
com. All potential adopters will be
screened to ensure Silly Billy goes
to a good home. Hours: Mon-Fri;
11am-7pm / Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 2
introduced a bill that would
help approximately 1.8 million
illegal immigrants possibly
attain citizenship while also
funding border security. The
bill would protect immigrants
and their children but would
attempt to limit extended
family immigration.
Perdue was quoted in
the Washington Examiner
saying, “President Trump has
you
ank A SPECIAL
The deadline for the
current DACA protection is
March 5.
“Why on Earth would we
send them away? In my heart,
I believe that we’re not going
to do this. I believe we will
find a legislative solution,”
Magee said. “My entire church
community is anxious about
this. We spend a lot of time in
fellowship and we have a lot
of concern for these people
who are our friends.”
The prayer vigil also
featured a moment of silence
for Yulio Castro-Garrido, an
immigrant who died while in
custody of the Immigration
Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Garrido died of pneumonia
Jan. 30 at 33. ICE released a
statement following Garrido’s
death stating he initially
refused treatment, which
exacerbated his condition.
“Since 2003, 172 people
have died while under the
been very clear on what he
will sign into law, and this custody of [ICE]. Help us to
remember that when we
is it. This is a great deal and
the only solution that fully speak of immigrants and
refugees, we speak of Christ.
addresses the four pillars in
the president’s framework.” We pray that his death is not
in vain and all that seek justice
According to local faith
leaders, young immigrants and peace find it,” Hagood
said.
are in limbo regarding their
status in the United States if
“clean” DACA legislation is not
passed.
To our customers and associates
for donating $6.4 million to
Food For All in 2017, which
helped alleviate hunger and food
insecurity in our communities.
To learn more about how Publix supports our
communities, visit publix.com/community.
LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
CLARKSTON
Knit and crochet club to meet
Knitters and crocheters can bring their
current projects to Clarkston Library Feb. 24
for an afternoon of knitting and crocheting
from 3 to 5 p.m. Beginners who would like
to learn can call (404) 508-7175 or visit the
branch to sign up. The library is located at
951 N. Indian Creek Drive.
LITHONIA
Park Pride’s final presentation set
Park Pride will hold its fourth meeting
for the final plan presentation on Lithonia
Park March 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Lithonia City
Hall. Lithonia, DeKalb County and Friends of
Lithonia Park are working with Park Pride to
enhance Lithonia Park. City hall is located at
6920 Main Street. For more information, visit
www.cityoflithoniaga.org.
TUCKER
Chili cook-off announced
The Old Town Tucker Merchants
Association and The Local No. 7 host the
seventh annual Tucker Chili Cook-Off March
10, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Main Street. The
event is $5 for entry and access to taste all
the chili prepared by event contestants and
gives attendees one vote to help award the
coveted People’s Choice prize. Proceeds will
benefit Day League, formerly DeKalb Rape
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 3
Crisis Center. For more information, e-mail public safety issues and needs in their
Jamey Wilson at jameywilson@gmail.com or communities.
call (404) 556-7666. The town hall meeting is scheduled for
Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at Bob Mathis Elementary
School in Decatur.
COUNTYWIDE The keynote speaker for the event will
be Joseph Lumpkin, DeKalb County’s new
Registration open for DeKalb returning deputy chief operating officer for public
residents career readiness expo safety.
Attendees also will have the opportunity
WorkSource DeKalb and Georgia to meet representatives from various
Piedmont Technical College are partnering county departments, including the Sheriff’s
to host the annual Returning Citizens Career Office, Marshal’s Office, Solicitor-General’s
Readiness Expo on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 Office, Juvenile Court, District Attorney’s
p.m. at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Office, DeKalb Community Service Board,
Conference Center in Clarkston. Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural
The expo will provide citizens who have Affairs, Fire Rescue Department, Police
recorded arrests or served prison time with Department, Department of Community
information and resources to help overcome Development, Department of Human
barriers to employment, education and Services and the CEO’s office.
economic development. For more information, contact Johnson’s
This event will feature a series of office at (404)-371-2425.
workshops including the following topics:
expungements and pardons; The Offender
Parolee Probationer State Training Program Toilet paper drive to benefit the homeless
(TOPPSTEP); The Federal Bonding Program;
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC); DeKalb County is holding a toilet paper
résumé writing; dressing for success; drive to benefit the metro Atlanta homeless
interview skills; networking; overcoming community.
barriers for youth, female and veteran
ex-offenders; and transition and re-entry
Sponsored by the office of DeKalb County
CEO Michael Thurmond, the toilet paper
resources. drive is in partnership with Love Rolls Inc.,
After completing the job-readiness a local nonprofit organization that has
workshops, candidates will be referred to the collected approximately 225,000 rolls of
DeKalb County 2018 Job Fair and Records toilet paper and distributed 125,000 rolls to
Restriction Summit to pursue employment homeless individuals, people in need and
opportunities. those impacted by natural disasters.
The event is free and open to the public. DeKalb County has a goal of collecting
Registration is required due to limited 3,000 rolls of toilet paper during this drive.
seating. Donations of toilet paper can be brought
Returning citizens may register online to the following locations from Feb. 12 to
at www.conta.cc/2CPTunA; employers and Feb. 23: Maloof Building, 1300 Commerce
community agencies may request a booth at Drive, Decatur; DeKalb County Fire Rescue
www.conta.cc/2nnXZPO. Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place,
For more information about WorkSource Tucker; DeKalb County Police Headquarters,
DeKalb visit www.worksourcedekalb.org or 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker;
call (404)-687-3400. Watershed Department, Memorial Drive,
4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur; DeKalb
DECATUR County Police, South Precinct, 2842 H. F.
Shepherd Dr., Decatur; DeKalb County
Solicitor-General, 556 N. McDonough St. #
Commissioner to host public safety town 500, Decatur; District Attorney’s Office, 556 N
hall McDonough St. #700, Decatur.
DeKalb County Commissioner Larry
Johnson is hosting a public safety town hall
meeting to allow residents to discuss various
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 4

ELLENWOOD DECATUR

A website ranked Decatur the third best city to retire in Georgia.

Website ranks Decatur

Cedar Grove graduate Desi
top spot for retirement
Banks has developed into a
social media celebrity in recent BY HORACE HOLLOMAN third.
years. Cheryl Burnette, assistant
horace@dekalbchamp.com director of Decatur’s Active
Living Division, said it’s all
If you’re looking for a place

Cedar Grove grad becomes to retire in Georgia, Decatur

might be the most viable
option according to one
about location.
“I actually plan on retiring
here,” Burnette said. “I think a

social media sensation website.

Recently, SmartAsset,
a financial technology
lot of people like to retire here
because of our location and
[proximity] to MARTA. It’s also
a very walkable and bikeable
be something positive and company, ranked the top
that’s when I took everything city.”
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN seriously. My humor and add value to a person,” Banks cities to retire in Georgia.
According to SmartAsset,
horace@dekalbchamp.com personality became my gift said. “You have to help other Considering factors such
Decatur’s social and
people chase their dreams as doctor offices per 1,000
for the world. I started getting recreational index is rated
Comedian Desi Banks said into acting classes,” Banks said. and bring people closer to people and recreation and
at a 32.17, ahead of Stone
while attending Cedar Grove God. If your work can do social index Decatur ranked
The acting classes Mountain (29.91) and behind
High School, his focus was eventually led to a role in that, that’s one of the biggest
never comedy. Banks said he the movie Love by Chance, accomplishments in life.” SEE DECATUR ON PAGE 8
aspired to make it big in the starring Terri Vaughn and
NFL. Carl Anthony Payne. The NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
But a few years after role allowed Banks to travel
graduating from Cedar Grove to South Africa for 10 days The Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee, Georgia will hold a public hearing on
in 2011, Banks developed a promoting the film. Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA
skill for making people laugh 30341 at 6:00 p.m. to receive public comments regarding the following matters:
Lil’ Johnny and Grandma •PZ2017-166: Applicant: Julie Sellers, substituting for Mark S. LeCraw; Owner:
through various social media Nana serve as Banks’ alter Chamblee Center, LLC requests approval of multiple variances, for the development of a gas
platforms. egos online. His popularity station with convenient store, from the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A,
Now the former Cedar continues to grow as he Unified Development Ordinance (prior to the 12/19/17 amendments), Section 230-5 to vary the
Grove Saint has more appeared in the inaugural streetscape requirements; Section 250-2 to reduce the minimum number of required parking
than 500,000 followers on spaces; Section 260-6(b) to increase the number of allowed wall signs from 2 signs to 3 signs;
Social Media Awards Section 260-6(b) to increase the number of allowed principal free standing signs from 2 signs to
Facebook, more than 180,000 ceremony and is currently 3 signs; Section 260-8(c) to increase the size of miscellaneous building signs; Section 260-7(b)
subscribers on YouTube touring with fellow comedian (5) to locate a principal free standing sign more than 20 feet from a driveway/curb cut; Section
and 982,000 followers on B. Simone. 260-7(e) to increase the signage allowed on a fuel pump canopy; and Section 260-12 to allow
Instagram. “I’m just really motivated for each canopy sign to exceed the maximum of 16 square feet. The property is located at
“In high school I didn’t 2431, 2437, 2443 Chamblee Tucker Rd and 4888, 4872, 4862, 4856, 4850 Buford Highway,
right now. Once I started being DeKalb County tax parcels 18-281-01-010, 001, 002, 003, 006, 007, 008, 009, and zoned
take [comedy] as serious as seeing people leave me Corridor Commercial.
sports, but I was always the messages like ‘You make my •PZ2018-230: Applicant and Owner: Richard Seaman requests the approval of
one making people laugh. I day’ and ‘God has so many a variance, for a carport addition to the front of a single-family structure, from the City of
won ‘most humorous.’ People Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance Section 230-3(b)
things in store for you’ that to reduce the contextual front yard setback. The property is located at 2972 Villa Esta Dr, being
would say if I didn’t make it started to really get in my DeKalb County tax parcel 18-269-02-019 and zoned Neighborhood Residential-1.
to the NFL I could make it in system and made me work •PZ2018-233: Applicant and Owner: Kevin Little requests the approval of a variance, for
comedy,” Banks said. harder,” Banks said. an accessory carport structure in the front of a single family structure from the City of Chamblee
Banks’ big break came on On Feb. 16, Banks and Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Section 230-8 (a)(2) to allow
the social media platform for an accessory structure to be located in front of the front wall of the primary structure. The
Simone appeared in the Love property is located at 4175 Commodore Dr being DeKalb County tax parcel 18-333-11-008 and
Vine—a site that allowed its and Laughter Valentine’s zoned Neighborhood Residential-1.
users to post six-second video comedy show in the Bahamas. •PZ2018-235: Applicant and Owner: Barbour Real Estate Holdings, LLC requests the
clips. The first video Banks Banks said his belief in God approval of multiple variances, to allow for the renovation of a medical and surgery center,
posted to Vine went viral, he has helped him throughout from the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance,
said. Section 230-26 to not install the minimum required streetscape; Section 230-9(f) from the
his career and hopes he sustainability measures; Section 230-27(d) to not install a heat reflective roof; Section 230-31
Banks said he began inspires people to follow their from the outdoor lighting regulations; Section 250-2 to reduce the minimum number of required
to approach his comedy passion. parking spaces; Section 250-7(a)(1) to allow parking in a front yard; and Section 250-20(a)(6)
seriously after graduating “You have to find yourself to not provide a loading space. The property is located at 3240 Northeast Expressway, being
from Georgia State University DeKalb County tax parcel 18-267-02-011, and zoned Corridor Commercial.
first and find out what you •TA2018-002: The City of Chamblee Georgia proposed to amend the Official City Code
in 2015. really enjoy doing that will of Ordinance, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Title 2 Land Use and Zoning to
“Once I finished college address development on corner lots.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 5

PROGRAM Continued From Page 1

According to the history center, areas such
as southwest DeKalb, Flat Rock and Lithonia
still had unpaved roads, cow pastures and
farmlands in the 1960s and 1970s.
During the program, panelists shared
their thoughts on politics, rural life, race, law
enforcement, racial reconciliation and current
racial issues facing the Black community.
Panelists included Marcia Hunter, Lithonia’s
first Black mayor and Elizabeth Wilson,
Decatur’s first Black mayor.
LaGrange Police Chief Louis Dekmar was
also a panelist. In 2017 Dekmar, on behalf of the
police department, apologized for the lynching
of Austin Callaway. Callaway, 16, while in
police custody was abducted at gunpoint by a
mob. Hours later, Callaway was discovered with
five bullet wounds to his head.
“I thought it was an excellent program. It
was really touching and heartwarming and
gave you a lot of food for thought,” said history
center Executive Director Melissa Forgey.
“What really needs to be done in the United
States to help racial equality is to get a dialogue
started.”
During the program, a dramatic reading
featured the story of Charles Sherrod,
a member and organizer of the Student
Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)
during the Civil Rights Movement. He recruited
White as well as Black members to assist with
voter registration efforts.
“We’re really trying to write all parts of
history, Black and White. On my end, I’m trying
to tell a fuller story of the African-American
experience in DeKalb County. We’re trying to
teach how this place was built by both Blacks
and Whites,” Parks said.

BEFORE

AFTER Each street before and after the sidewalk sections were completed. Photos courtesy of the city of Brookhaven.

Brookhaven expands sidewalk network

BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
The city of Brookhaven kicked
off 2018 by completing a 3,317-foot
sidewalk expansion designed to make
the city more pedestrian friendly.
Several projects combined to
complete the expansion, which
includes sections along Thompson
Road, Skyland Drive, Woodrow Way
and Lanier Drive.
The sidewalk along Woodrow Way
and Lanier Drive were completed in
three sections. The first section on
Lanier Drive measures 850 feet and
begins at Peachtree Road, ending at
Woodrow Way. The second section
on Lanier Drive measures 320 feet,
starting at Woodrow Way and ending
at 3027 Lanier Drive. The third and
final section runs along Woodrow
Way, starting at Lanier Drive and
ending at the Oglethorpe Church
entrance.
A 1,000-foot section along
Thompson Road extends from
Dresden Drive to Grant Drive which
will connect Drew Valley residents
to existing sidewalks along Dresden
Drive.
An additional 750-foot section was
added along Skyland Drive, running
from Duke Road to South Bamby
Lane. City officials said this segment
of the project enhances Ashford Park
connectivity to Dresden Drive. This
section also includes a three-way
stop sign and a cross walk at the
intersection of South Bamby Lane and
Skyland Drive.
“The completion of these four
projects and the additional sidewalks
demonstrate the city’s continued
dedication and stalwart commitment
to advancing the Brookhaven mission
to make our city a more pedestrian
friendly and greener place to live,”
Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst said.
Public Works Director Hari
Karikaran said the project was
completed under budget and
on schedule. Karikaran said his
department is also working on
designs for a segment along Lanier
Drive that will end at Hearst Drive. A
timeline for that project has not been
established.

#ItsInTheChampion • TheChampionNewspaper.com
OPINION
to the Editor Letter
Red Cross answers too many fires in DeKalb–start at your home to help
BY BRYAN PAYNE
In DeKalb County, in the three
months after we last changed
our clocks, the Red Cross
answered the call to 186 home
fires and helped 570 people. That
averages two fires and six
residents every day—the most of
any county in metro Atlanta.
But DeKalb is not alone.
Here and across America, far
more people are hurt by home
fires than all other disasters
combined. Every day seven
people die in home fires in our
country. Last year, fires killed 124
Georgians.
The good news? Most home
fires are preventable. And
working smoke alarms can cut
the risk of dying in half.
So, on the weekend of March
11 the Red Cross will again urge
everyone to “turn and test”—
when you turn your clocks
forward, test your smoke alarms.
But we’re doing a lot more.  the time change. Even better,
Between April 28 and May
12, during our Sound the Alarm
campaign, Red Cross volunteers
and partners will install 100,000
smoke alarms in vulnerable
neighborhoods in DeKalb and
across the country. We’ll share
fire safety information, help
families make fire escape plans
and stress the importance of
home fire drills. Why? Because
a family has just two minutes to
escape a burning home before
it’s too late.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 6
Now here’s where you come • Join us! Spread the word about
in. As a DeKalb resident and our Red Cross Sound the Alarm
board member of the Metro campaign. If you don’t have
Atlanta Red Cross, I’m asking you time to volunteer, please make
to be a hero for your family: a donation to help us reduce
• Check your smoke alarms with fire deaths and injuries.
test them once a month. Last year the Red Cross helped
• Create your own home escape 1,267 DeKalb residents hurt by
plan. Practice it until everyone home fires. That’s a quarter of
in the house can get out in two the astounding 4,700 people
minutes or less.  we helped across metro Atlanta. 
• Deputize family members to Across America, the Red Cross
help. What a great learning responded to 50,000 home fires.
experience for a teenager!  You can make a difference in
• Find out more by going to DeKalb County. Start with your
www.soundthealarm.org.  own family today.
Search “fire safety tips” for
the details on home escape
plans—and on preventing fires
altogether.
OPINION
“Yoga is light, which once lit,
will never dim. The better your
practice, the brighter the flame,”
B.K.S. Iyengar (1918-2014), author,
Yogi and one of the foremost yoga
teachers in modern history.
Nearly 15 years ago, and
for nearly five years, I regularly
practiced yoga. When I was
getting in at least three classes
a week, my overall fitness was
almost as good as it had ever
been. I wasn’t sure anything could
take me back to that year 40, in
terms of fitness or even general
mobility, but I recently decided I
had to try. So, I put some rigor to
that New Year’s resolution and I
resumed my yoga practice. Now
less than two months into the
year, practicing almost daily, I feel
nearly 20 years better.
Anyone can practice yoga. Any
age, weight, gender, body size
or type can benefit. Over time
and with repeat practice, one
may begin to master a series of
health and life-changing skills.
Some sound simple and easy, but
aren’t; others seem implausible,
and possibly impossible, but often
reveal themselves over time. It is
an inexpensive sport or hobby,
or as some view it, a lifestyle
choice. Equipment needs are very
minimal.  teachers are alike. Some push
The basics and core of
yoga are its most essential
elements. Breathe, concentrate
on the practice, and on each
position. Release other thoughts,
cleanse the mind, release stress
and other cares of the day. Those
who practice at least three times
per week will almost immediately
begin to notice a series of
differences.
The best part: Though much
of the yoga world is ‘new agey’
and includes philosophy, Sanskrit
quotes and a softer, gentler
approach to life; maintaining a
daily or near daily practice also
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from
its readers. Please write to us and express your views.
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the
writer’s name, address and telephone number for verifi-
cation. All letters will be considered for publication.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
Namaste y’all
‘One Man’s
Opinion’
Bill Crane
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
requires being a bit selfish. One
may need to carve out at least
one hour per day or per practice
completely for one's self. Add in
parking/driving to class, cleaning
up after, etc., and one is really
capturing nearly two hours of that
day.   Years ago, as I sought short cuts,
Besides lowering my blood
pressure, I have found that the
yoga breathing, and occasional
meditation has improved my
ability to relax and even to sleep
better. I’ve lost weight, regained
muscle tone, regained full range
of motion in every limb, increased
flexibility and eliminated almost
all recurring pain. As with nearly
any other athletic endeavor, the
more and longer you consistently
practice, the better you get. You
will never see me on the cover of
Yoga Journal, but several of my
poses are coming along quite
nicely, particularly for an old guy
with formerly zero flexibility in my
lower back. 
Not all yoga studios and
too hard, a few are a bit prone
to proselytize, but those
instructors are generally far
between. Ask around, try out the
local Y. Many churches, businesses
and recreation centers regularly
offer free or inexpensive sessions.
Choose the studio and teachers
who feel the best for you.
The worst part: Though the
percentages are different, and
more men now practice yoga,
including professional athletes
and pretty much the entire
entertainment industry, I still
receive odd looks or incredulous
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR,
The DeKalb Free Press,
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347;
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779.
Deadline for news releases and advertising:
Thursday, one week prior to publication date.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 7
reaction when I tell people, “I
have plans, practicing yoga again
tonight.” Or when I share that
other than my kids, the frequent
best parts of my weekends these
days are the Saturday and Sunday
yoga practices. It doesn’t bother
me anymore, and as I regained my
college waist line about a week
ago, I stopped feeling any need to
explain. I still wish though that I
could do a better job of explaining
these benefits so that more people
I know would simply just give one
practice a try.   Bill Crane also serves as a political
and a bit more direction on which
type of yoga was most effective,
one of my wisest instructors said
simply, “Just do the yoga.” The rest
will take care of itself.  is a DeKalb native and business owner,
 Chances are good that most
anywhere one may live, there
is a yoga studio, or class being
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker
Horace Holloman
Chief Financial Officer: Derek Smith
Dr. Earl D. Glenn
Social Media Manager:
Production Manager: Donna Seay
Kemesha Wadley
The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday
by ACE III Communications, Inc.,
114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030
Phone (404) 373-7779.
www.championnewspaper.com
DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110
taught within a few miles of your
home. Practice stateside is no
longer rare, exotic or confined to
big cities or our left coast. One of
course does not have to try, and I’m
sure a few regular readers left this
column right from the top. But the
more thoughtful and open-minded
lingered, and hopefully read some.
Give it a try, it’s never too late. 
Namaste y’all.
analyst and commentator for Channel
2’s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk
750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
columnist for The Champion, DeKalb
Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
living in Scottdale. You can reach
him or comment on a column at bill.
csicrane@gmail.com.
STATEMENT FROM THE
PUBLISHER
We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
issue of interest to DeKalb County.
The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
discourse for all community residents
on all sides of an issue. We have no
desire to make the news only to
report news and opinions to effect
a more educated citizenry that will
ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
ideas for discussion; however,
we make every effort to avoid
printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 8

LITHONIA

A 19-year-old man was shot to death in the Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church parking lot. Photos by
Carla Parker

Teen fatally shot in church parking lot

Baptist Church in Lithonia not know if the suspect and
BY CARLA PARKER when he was gunned down. the victim knew each other.

DECATUR Continued From Page 4A

carla@dekalbchamp.com
A 19-year-old male is dead
after he was shot in a church
parking lot Feb. 19.
Shiera Campbell of the
DeKalb Police Department
said the victim was walking
with friends after 9 p.m.
through the parking lot of
Big Miller Grove Missionary
“They were either
coming from or going to the
convenience store [when]
they were approached by
a subject,” Campbell said.
“Right now, it’s not clear what
happened, but he was shot
and killed in the parking lot.”
The victim was shot once
in the chest, according to
Campbell. She said police do
“It’s still very early in the
investigation and hopefully
we’ll be able to talk to
witnesses and get more
information,” she said. “Right
now, it’s too early to say.”
Return to
TheChampionNewspaper.com
for updates.
Skidaway Island (38.59).
Cumming was the top-ranked city in Georgia to retire with
an index of 76.68.
Burnette said Decatur has an active adult and senior
community. Active living provides seniors with monthly walks,
bicycle classes, exercise and walking programs.
“We just have a lot of activities for seniors and many of
them are free,” Burnette said. “We also hired an adult program
supervisor and we brought back our senior field trips
[program].”

Hanson co-sponsors transit legislation
State Rep. Meagan
Hanson (R-Brookhaven) co-
sponsored House Bill 930,
which would create a new
regional governance and
funding structure for transit in
the 13-county metropolitan
Atlanta region.
Hanson was selected
by House Transportation
Committee Chairman Kevin
Tanner (R-Dawsonville)
to serve on a special
transportation subcommittee
to hear the bill.
“With several MARTA
stations in House District
80, transit has been and
continues to be of huge
importance to the mobility
of our community,” Hanson
said. “I am excited to take
part in legislation that takes
a comprehensive, regional
approach to addressing
Georgia’s transportation
and transit challenges and
protecting the investments
our community has made in
MARTA.”
The bill's purpose is to
improve transit in the metro
Atlanta region and promote a
unified transit system for the
13-county area made up of
Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,
Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas,
Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton,
Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding
and Rockdale counties.
The bill would create the
Atlanta-region Transit Link
(the ‘ATL’), a regional transit
governance structure that
would coordinate transit
planning and funding and
would oversee all metro
Atlanta transit activity,
including planning, funding
and operations. This bill is also
expected to improve access
to transit funding for the
region from state and local
sources, and the measure
would preserve the current
operational and funding
autonomy of transit providers
such as MARTA.
Community Coordinator LeeAnn Harvey said Decatur’s
restaurants and activities make the city an ideal spot for older
adults.
“I would say Decatur has a tremendous number of things
HB 930 is a product of the to offer for older adults—or anyone really. We have a wealth of
House Commission on Transit great restaurants and social activities,” Harvey said. “We have
Governance and Funding, a lot of opportunities throughout the year for festivals, events
which was established by and free opportunities to hear concerts on the square.”
House Resolution 848 to According to SmartAsset, 11 percent of Decatur residents
study Georgia’s transit needs are seniors.
and analyze ways for the “What makes Decatur great is the people that live here.
state to adequately plan and They’re just so involved. Our special events couldn’t take place
provide for those needs. without hundreds of volunteers. People come because they
love participating and people of all ages can enjoy the events,”
Harvey said.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CHARTER OF THE CITY
OF CHAMBLEE, GEORGIA
Notice is hereby given that an Ordinance has been introduced to amend the
Charter of the City of Chamblee, Georgia (Ga. L. 1935 p. 976 et. seq., approved
March 28, 1935) so as to amend Article 5. Section 1 of the Charter to delete
the requirement in paragraph (c) that the City Manager file a letter with the
City Clerk designating an employee to perform the duties of the City Manager
in the City Manager’s absence, to amend Article 5. Section 2 of the Charter
to provide for the offices of deputy city manager, planning and development
director, community and economic development director, to provide for appeals
in the event of removal from these offices, to clarify subjects liable for payment
of street tax as provided in Section 18 of Article 1 of the Charter, to repeal
conflicting portions of the Charter and for all other lawful purpose.
A copy of the proposed Ordinance to amend the Charter is on file in the Office
of the City Clerk of the City of Chamblee, Georgia and the Office of the Clerk of
the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia for the purpose of examination
and inspection by the public. This 13th day of February, 2018.
Emmie Niethammer
City Clerk, City of Chamblee, Georgia
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 9

COUNTYWIDE

Raises for firefighters, public

safety personnel urged
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

For a decade, DeKalb

County resident Faye Coffield
said she has advocated for
higher pay for firefighters and
public safety officials in the
county.
During a recent board
of commissioners meeting,
Coffield said commissioners
requesting to be paid $85,000
a year for a part-time job is
“ridiculous.”
“It is ridiculous that you
have the nerve to fix your
mouth and ask someone to
pay you $85,000 for a job
and you say you can’t live off
$40,000 but yet and still you
pay DeKalb County police
[officers] and DeKalb County
fire [fighters] to live off of it as
their main source of income.
That’s totally disgraceful,”
Coffield said.
Last year, commissioners
signed a letter to state
senators asking for their
pay to increase to at least
50 percent of what Superior
Court judges make. Some
residents say the request does
not consider the county’s
safety issues.
“The citizens of DeKalb
have a lot of faith in their
police department, but
obviously, you guys don’t,”
Coffield said. “You’re
losing police, you’re losing
firefighters and you sit up
here like it’s no big deal, but
that’s because they haven’t
had to come to your house.
Dekalb County police [pay]
should start at $50,000 a year,
no ifs and no buts.”
This year, DeKalb
firefighters made national Department needs to fill Presence in the community metro area. shouldn’t be doing all this
headlines after saving approximately 180 officer matters.” “Today, my heart is heavy other stuff,” Williams said.
more than 100 people in an positions. DeKalb resident Ed because we have lost one of Commissioner Larry
apartment fire in January, “Eighty-five thousand Williams, who expressed our dreamers. The dream will Johnson announced he will
including children who were dollars for part-time work? his condolences to the not die, but we have lost one hold a public safety town
thrown from the top balcony I need your job. Our police family of community activist of our dreamers,” Williams hall meeting Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.
and caught by firefighters. officers need to make no Joel Edwards, whose son said. “I’m frustrated at the at Bob Mathis Elementary
During an introduction less than $50,000 coming in,” Justin Edwards was killed in amount of crime going on in School in Decatur.
of the county’s new deputy said DeKalb County resident Atlanta after an unidentified our community.” New deputy chief
chief operating officer for Joscelyn O’Neil. “We need gunman shot him while he Williams said the county’s operating officer for public
public safety, DeKalb County more officers on the streets... was checking on a flat tire. main priority should be safety Joseph Lumpkin is
CEO Michael Thurmond said our police officers, we need Williams said the crime is part protecting its residents. scheduled to be the keynote
the DeKalb County Police them. We need more of them. of a larger problem in the “If you can’t do that, you speaker.

www.TheChampionNewspaper.com
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
DCSD K-9 officer Joseph Bielicki poses with his K-9 unit,
Rocky. Photos courtesy DeKalb County School District
County school district reintroduces K-9 units
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) welcomed two
new members to its Public
Safety division in January:
K-9 units Rex and Rocky.
According to a press release
from DCSD, the K-9s—tasked
with locating drugs and
weapons—are part of a new
push for public safety at DCSD
schools and facilities.
According to DCSD Public
Safety Director Bradley
Gober, Rex or Rocky will visit
a random school each week to
assure no illegal substances or
weapons are on campus. He
said the K-9s act as a deterrent
and are present to discourage
harmful behavior.
“K-9 units are effective
in several different ways,”
said Gober. “When students,
parents and teachers know
you have a K-9 Unit, they
know the possibility for a K-9
search is always there.”
Rex, a German shepherd
tasked with sniffing out
drugs, possesses a sense of
smell so strong that it can tell
where someone that has used
drugs has traveled, according
to Gober. For example, if
an individual uses drugs
in the morning and travels
throughout a facility over the
course of one day, Rex can
track his or her movements.
Rocky, a labrador that
specializes in weaponry,
DCSD K-9 officer John Brooks poses with his K-9 unit, Rex.
possesses a similar asset. By
singling out the components
found in gunpowder, Rocky
can detect weapons as well
as those who have handled
them.
Gober said the dogs
differ from traditional law
enforcement canines by
'The K-9 is a tool to keep
things out of the school
system—but it’s also like
having a two-year-old
with you every day.'
being non-aggressive. If the
dogs become acclimated well
enough, he said he hopes to
eventually deploy Rex and
Rocky to DCSD gatherings
and sports events.
“Sometimes officers want
patrol dogs who are not
only trained to detect odors,
but trained to defend and
apprehend suspects,” Gober
said. “Being that we’re in a
school setting, we sought
after and acquired dogs who
are more friendly. We’ve made
sure to take our time.”
So far, Rocky has helped
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 10
de-escalate a situation
at Martin Luther King, Jr.
High School. Similarly,
Rex has already made an
unannounced search at
Lakeside High School.
“We didn’t find anything,
which is very positive,” Gober
said.
JOSEPH BIELICKI
DCSD has employed the
use of K-9s before but cut
the program due to budget
restraints. Gober said the
division has looked for ways
avenues to acquire the K-9
units since September 2017
and plans to have two more
by the 2018-2019 school year.
Gober said it takes a
dedicated public safety
officer to handle K-9 units.
In addition to taking dogs to
additional training at city and
countywide law enforcement
agencies, officers typically
must welcome a new member
to their family.
“It’s not like they leave
the dogs at Public Safety
and go home,” Gober said.
“They’re responsible for the
dogs when off-duty and
on weekends. They have to
feed the dogs, care for the
dogs and give them a proper
place to live Wade Bailey,
owner of the Briarcliff Road
store, said most repairs can
be completed in less than an
hour, so a customer can have
lunch or coffee and return
to pick up a cell phone that’s
again in working order.
—little nuances that
people don’t think about. It’s
a big commitment.”
DCSD Public Safety
Officers John Brooks and
Joseph Bielicki, who work
with Rex and Rocky, have
worked with K-9 units
before. The officers said they
appreciate having more tools
to keep students, teachers
and staff safe.
“We’re school resource
officers first and K-9 officers
second,” Bielicki said. “The K-9
is a tool to keep things out of
the school system—but it’s
also like having a two-year-
old with you every day. It has
to be something you really
want to do.”
Bielicki said the dog fits
into his lifestyle at home,
which involves horses and
other farm animals.
“I’m at Lithonia High
School now,” said Brooks.
“The students are making an
adjustment to the dog now,
but most students ask about
the dog and take ownership.
Kids will come into the office
just to see [Rex]. You’ll walk
down the hall and kids will
say, ‘That’s my dog!’ You’re
always going to have a fear
factor, but we’re seeing a
more positive outcome.”
Bielicki said it’s hard to
put into words and quantify
the dogs’ positive impact on
the district in the first month
alone.
“I can’t tell you how many
guns have not come to school
because we have a gun dog
now. I can’t tell you how many
illegal substances are not
coming into school because
there’s a fear of a narcotics
dog coming through,” Bielicki
said.
Gober said DCSD’s
approach to safety must
change to keep up with a
changing social climate.
While DCSD already uses
security cameras, web filters
and stations school resource
officers at every school, more
measures are being included
in new school construction.
“Everything you see in
the schoolhouse is just a
microcosm of what happens
in the community and the
world,” he said. “We want to be
on the cutting edge of that—
to make sure we’re doing
everything we can to keep our
students, parents, faculty and
staff safe while they’re in our
district.”
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 11

WEEK in PICTURES

CEO Michael Thurmond poses for a photo with Saint Philip AME Church Senior Pastor
Rev. William Watley.

Decatur Fire Department helps local children celebrate a birthday by visiting the station.

A Chamblee police officer poses with some of the donated goods the Chamblee Police A second grader at Ashford Park Elementary School writes a “love and appreciation” letter
Department collected for the family of a Locust Grove police officer killed in the line of during “Writing Wednesday” exercises Feb. 14.
duty. Photo courtesy the city of Chamblee.

Have you created programming you’d like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb County’s Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or upload your content via the internet.

(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com

BUSINESS
CHAMBLEE
Wade Bailey, owner of the Briarcliff Road store, said most repairs can be completed in less than an hour, so a customer can have lunch or coffee and return to pick up a cell
phone that’s again in working order.
Cell phone repair shop promises fast, reliable service
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
According to industry figures
90 percent of adult Americans and
78 percent of American teens have
cell phones. With these devices in
frequent use, accidents happen.
Screens and keys are broken, water
damage occurs, ports are damaged
and other incidents keep users from
the equipment they have come to
depend on. From this rapidly growing
trend has been born an auxiliary
industry: cellphone repair.
“Initially perceived as throw-
away gadgets, contemporary
mobile devices have increased in
importance, complexity, cost and
functionality, making today’s devices
less disposable and consumers more
likely to have them repaired,” states
the website of CPR Cell Phone Repair,
which Feb. 14 opened its newest
office on Briarcliff Road.
CPR Cell Phone Repair, which
bills itself as “the oldest, largest and
fastest-growing mobile device repair
franchise network in North America”
has more than 420 locations, several
of which are in the Atlanta area. The
website states the cell phone repair
industry produces annual revenue
of approximately $4 billion and cites
a projected annual growth of 3.4
percent.
“It’s great having so many stores
in our franchise in this area; we
support one another and help one
another when necessary. I am excited
for the opportunity to bring a new
location for top-notch tech repair
to the Atlanta community. Our
focus is not only on providing high-
quality, affordable repairs, but also
on building relationships with and
providing assurance to the people we
serve,” said Wade Bailey, owner of the
Briarcliff Road store.
Most repairs can be completed in
less than an hour, according to Bailey.
“That means a customer can go have
lunch or shop at one of the other
stores in this shopping plaza and pick
up the cell phone right after. If we
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 12
have to order a part or there is some
reason the repair takes longer, we do
what we can to have the equipment
ready as quickly as possible,” he said.
“In a day and time when people
depend so heavily on their cell
phones, not being able to use it
can put a serious damper on your
productivity. We understand the
crucial role your electronic devices
play in day-to-day life and want to
help get your life back in order as fast
as we can. We want our customers
to have a great experience. When a
customer is having a bad day, it’s great
to be able to turn that around and
make it a good day,” Bailey continued.
CPR Cell Phone Repair also repairs
game systems, tablets, laptops and
other such equipment. The store
also has a selection of related items
available for sale.
Although he’s not a DeKalb
resident, Bailey said he has long been
involved in the DeKalb business
community and is a member of the
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. He
said he chose the location at Briarcliff
and North Druid Hills roads because
it’s a vibrant area a short distance from
Interstate 85 and Emory University.
“There are several fine restaurants
and shops in this area so it’s becoming
a popular retail area,” Bailey said.
Bailey, whose background is in
the audio-visual industry, said he has
always been interested in technology.
“For as long as I can remember, I have
liked taking things apart to see how
they work. I already knew how to do
most repairs. I got the formal training
to take my knowledge and skill to a
deeper level and become certified.
All of the technicians who work here
are certified so we are able to offer a
limited warranty on all our work,” he
said.
In an announcement of the new
franchise, Josh Sevick, CEO of CPR
Cell Phone Repair, said, “We know
Wade Bailey has what it takes to
operate a successful CPR Cell Phone
Repair shop. Our franchise network is
lucky to have him on our team.”
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 13

ATLANTA BROOKHAVEN

Emory takes steps to prevent,

respond to flu cases on campus
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Emory University’s Student Health
Services has reported treating 193 cases
of influenza and influenza-type illness
since Jan. 1,—a higher number of cases
than recent flu seasons, but consistent
with numbers being reported on
“Although our numbers have
dropped, it doesn’t mean there won’t
be another peak,” he said. “There
very well could be, and it wouldn’t
be unusual. It’s really important for
people to continue staying home
when ill, washing their hands, using
hand sanitizer, wiping down common
surfaces and covering coughs.” 
Every year, Emory Student Health

Cross Keys student

other area campuses and within the Services offers a series of Monday-
community, state and nation. through-Friday drop-in flu vaccine
“We are in no way unique—it’s a clinics for students, which run from the

dies from flu

very aggressive flu season nationally,”
Michael Huey, assistant vice
president and executive director of
Emory’s Student Health and Counseling
Services said. “The cases we’ve seen this
year are significantly higher than our
numbers in the two to three previous
years.”
In comparison, in 2017, Emory’s
Student Health Services saw 27 cases of
flu or flu-like illness from Jan. 1 through
mid-February. In 2016, 20 cases were
seen, and in 2015, 89 cases were seen
from Jan. 1 through mid-February.
“While this is our most common
time for the flu season, it’s not always
like that,” Huey said. “Flu doesn’t always
peak at the same time on the Emory
campus, but it does tend to accelerate
when students return after the holiday
break.”
Traditionally, flu season peaks at
Emory during the first six weeks of
a new calendar year. As of the week
beginning Feb. 11, the number of
reported cases of students seen for
the flu at the Student Health Center
appears to have topped out, Huey
said, noting that students who live off
campus or were seen by other health
care providers are not reflected in his
numbers.
first week of October through the end
of final exams in December. 
“We gave well over 2,500 influenza
vaccine doses to Emory students this
year,” Huey said. “When we came back
after the holiday break, we knew the
flu was ramping up and it looked BY DEREK SMITH
like a serious year. So we offered two derek@dekalbchamp.com
additional flu shot clinics and served
another 150 students.”
“In addition, we know that many A 15-year-old Cross Keys High center. Thank you.”
Emory students also get vaccinated at School student died Feb. 11 of the District officials said this is the
home during breaks or at other local flu, DeKalb County School District first reported death of a student
clinics, pharmacies and urgent care officials confirmed. from the flu in DeKalb County.
centers,” he said.  The student’s name is Miguel “The entire DeKalb County
Although it is not too late to receive Jaimes Martinez. The death was School District is saddened by
a flu shot, Huey said the vaccine is confirmed to Cross Keys High the news that one of our own
becoming harder to come by, as only School students and staff the has passed away due to illness,”
a certain supply is created each year. morning of Feb. 12 through a note Superintendent Stephen Green
Student Health Services is projected to from Principal Jason Heard, WSB- said in a statement to The
run out of its allotment, plus additional TV reported. Champion. “Our thoughts and
borrowed vaccine from Emory “Good morning teachers and prayers are with the student’s
Healthcare soon, he said.  staff members. It is with regret family, loved ones and peers in
However, those who can find the that I have to inform you of the this unfortunate and trying time.
vaccine elsewhere should consider sudden passing of student Miguel Counselors will be made available
getting it, he said.  Jaimes Martinez,” the note read. to students and staff members at
“Some protection is definitely better “The counselors are arranging class Cross Keys High School during this
than none,” he said. “Those vaccinated visits but if you have any students difficult event.”
patients who still get influenza are less who need to be seen before the More than 60 Georgians have
sick and will be less likely to spread the classroom visitation please do not died from the flu so far this season.
virus.”.  hesitate to send them to the media

COUNTYWIDE
DeKalb County School District names new chief human capital management officer
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Dr. Bernice Gregory was
named DeKalb County School
District’s (DCSD) new chief
human capital management
officer Feb. 12.
Gregory comes to
DCSD from Spotsylvania
County Public Schools in
Fredricksburg, Va., where she
served as director of human
resources.
“At every point of
her career, she’s been an
innovative leader that
produces results. We’re
Gregory
fortunate to now have her in
DCSD,” DCSD Superintendent
Stephen Green said.
According to DCSD
officials, Gregory served
more than 24,000 students
and 4,000 employees in her
position at Spotsylvania
County. She filled 246
vacancies, with all but one
being certified or scheduled
to be certified after 30 days
of employment. She also
implemented a minority
recruitment plan to
diversify the workforce and
better mirror the student
population.
Before Spotsylvania
County, Gregory served
Loudoun County Public
Schools in Loudoun, Va., as
a personnel administrator.
Gregory oversaw the hiring
process for 28 elementary
schools, which included all
employees ranging from
administrators to support
staff in a district of 80,000
students. She also helped to
ensure that every elementary
school was fully staffed with
licensed teachers in each
classroom by the first day of
school.
Before working at
Loudoun County Public
Schools, Gregory served as
part of Walden University’s
online faculty.
Gregory has also served
as an administrator at
Young Women Christian
Association, a principal at
the Leavenworth School
District, an online professor
with Strayer University and
a public school teacher in
Stuttgart, Germany.
Gregory is a fellow in the
School Superintendents
Association and Howard
University; holds a doctorate
and certification in education
from the University of
Sarasota; a master’s degree in
business administration from
Webster University; a master’s
degree in education from
Cambridge College; teaching
certification from Georgia
Southwestern University;
and a bachelor’s degree from
Albany State University.
LOCAL
ATLANTA
AUCTIONS
ADVERTISE YOUR
AUCTION in over 100
newspapers for only $350.
Your 25-word classified
ad will reach more than1
million readers. Call Bruce
Washington at the Georgia
Newspaper Service, 770-454-
6776.
EDUCATION
/CAREER
TRAINING
New Year, New Career-
AVIATION Grads work with
JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and
others-Get hands on training
for FAA certification. Financial
aid if qualified. Call Aviation
Institute of Maintenance (866)
564-9634 www.FixJets.com
HELP WANTED
Market Research Analyst
Conduct brand tracking study
and customer satisfaction
surveys to determine
potential imported hair goods
and methods of marketing
and delivery; Research and
analyze factors affecting
hair goods sales to expand
potential markets and
customers; Present critical
insights and strategies
on market development.
Requires Master’s degree
in Business Administration
or related areas; Foreign
equivalent education
The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.
RATES: $30 for up to 40 words, each
additional word $0.60. All ads are
prepaid. All major credit cards accepted.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 14
acceptable, 40 hours a week. taken and been injured by 3785
Attention Viagra users:
Mail resume to Twin Peak the SHINGLES VACCINE,
Int'l, Inc. at 4240 Pleasantdale ZOSTAVAX? If so, you may be Your Medication, Made Easy! Generic 100 mg blue pills or
Rd., Atlanta, GA 30340. entitled to a significant cash PillPack is a full-service Generic 20 mg yellow pills.
award. Call 855-972-8260 to pharmacy that sorts your Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H.
Guaranteed, no prescription
HELP WANTED- learn more. medication by the dose and
delivers to your door. 24/7 necessary. Call 877-625-2013.
DRIVERS A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR Support. Call 877-264-2213.
DocuSign Envelope
FOR BREAST CANCER! ID: C6316225-7F06-4DE3-9376-E175AC414348
(M-F 6am-5pm ET) WE SHOP, YOU SAVE!
DRIVERS WANTED: Help United Breast Call 888-402-3261 today to
Owner Ops & Company. Foundation education, SERIOUSLY INJURED in compare Medicare benefits
Excellent money & benefits. prevention, & support an AUTO ACCIDENT? and costs from up to 20 top-
Home every week. Lots of programs. FAST FREE Let us fight for you! We rated carriers. Receive the
opportunity to advance. PICKUP-24 HR RESPONSE- have recovered millions for best option for you.
Round trip dedicated lanes TAX DEDUCTION 844-506- clients! Call today for a FREE
available now! 888-549-1882.
0455 consultation! 855-399-5797.
MISCELLANEOUS ADDICTION DESTROYS
LIVES & FAMILIES. Get The support you need to find quality
SAWMILLS from only
$4397.00-MAKE & SAVE
the professional treatment
for your unique needs. SENIOR LIVING SOLUTIONS
MONEY with your own Alcohol, drug & more.100% A Place for Mom has helped over one million families find
bandmill-Cut lumber any confidential. Get your life senior living solutions that meet their unique needs.
dimension. In stock ready to back. Call today: 866-412-
ship! FREE Info/DVD: www. 4449.
NorwoodSawmills.com 800-
567-0404 Ext. 300N
There’s no cost to you!
DIRECTV. Call & Switch
CALL (855) 508-8043
KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris
Now- Get NFL Sunday Ticket
for FREE! Every Game.
! We’re paid by our partner communities
Bed Bug Killers/KIT Complete Every Sunday. CHOICE-All-
AUCTION
Treatment System. Available: included Package. Over 185
Hardware Stores, The Home Channels. $60/month (for 12
Depot, homedepot.com Months). CALL 1-888-505-
February 20th & February 21st
250
Have you or a loved one
± Properties in 90 ±
Offerings
The Family Gourmet Buffet
2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons
IN 9 STATES! AL, FL, GA, IN, MS, NC, SC, WV, TN
2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins
Local Property of Interest 2 Days | 2 Auctions
SCHEDULE
4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.)
AUCTION
2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops Wednesday, February 21, 2PM February 20 & 21 at 2 PM
4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages
Sale Site: Mansour Conference Ctr.
4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers Property #6216
4 (3 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 995 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30062
Plus, 4 more
4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets
OS Seasoning Packet (.33 oz.)
31,490±SF Bid Live at Auction or Online!
Burgers & 4 51689FZH | $199.90* separately Commercial Building
more Kielbasa
Combo Price $4999 GAL: 2034, FL: AB-1488, TN: 3945,
FREE *Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. on 3.1± Acres NCFL: 6397, AL: 1481, SC: 002815R,
Thomas J. Tarpley, Licensed Mississippi
540 Snapfinger Woods Drive Real Estate Broker and Mississippi Auction
Call 1-855-508-9232 ask for 51689FZH License #565, Drew Dixon, Indiana Auction
www.OmahaSteaks.com/excellent61 Decatur, Georgia 30035 License #AU10500137. 10% Buyer’s Premium
Limit 2 pkgs. Free gifts must ship with #51689. Standard S&H will be
added. Expires 2/28/18. ©2017 OCG | 17M1957 | Omaha Steaks, Inc. 404.662.4140 www.multi-seller.com
Champion Newspapers, 2x3, Feb. 8 & 15
Ads due by Friday at noon for next DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate,
or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept
publication date. For more information employment advertisements that are not bona-fide job offers. All real estate
advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept
visit www.championclassifieds.com advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination
based on color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
SPORTS
BASKETBALL
BROOKHAVEN
McNair finishes fourth at state
wrestling championships
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Five McNair High
School wrestlers medaled
at the state wrestling
championships, leading
the Mustangs to a fourth-
place finish in the Class AAA
state traditional wrestling
tournament in Macon Feb.
10.
It was the second time
in program history McNair
finished in the top 10 at the
state traditional wrestling
tournament. Two wrestlers
won gold medals, senior
Terrence Randle and junior
DeeJay McNeal.
Randle finished his season
undefeated (47-0) after
taking gold in the 182-weight
class with a 2-1 tie breaker
over Pierce County’s Dalton
Malone. McNeal (53-1) is the
113-weight class champion
in Class AAA after winning
the championship match
6-4 over North Hall’s Jacob
Pedraza.
Junior Antonio Mills (44-
4) won a silver medal in the
132-weight class after falling
SWIMMING
BROOKHAVEN
St. Pius X wins state swimming and diving title
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The St. Pius X boys’
swimming and diving team
are champions once again
after winning the Class 4A-5A
boys title at the McCauley
Aquatic Center at Georgia
Tech.
The Golden Lions won
the title with 333 points,
beating runners-up Woodard
Academy (295) and Chamblee
(263), which finished third.
This is St. Pius’ second
consecutive state title and
third in five seasons.
St. Pius was led by junior
Ian Grum, who won two
gold medals. Grum won
the 200-yard freestyle
(1:38.69) and the 100-yard
McNair finished fourth in the Class AAA state traditional wrestling tournament in Macon.
to Sonoraville’s Tyler Hunt
in the championship match.
Senior Masud As-Siddiq
(39-2) won a bronze medal
backstroke (48.47). Junior
Blake Reynolds also won two
medals—silver in the 50-yard
freestyle (21.21) and bronze in
the 100-freestyle (47.11)
Grum and Reynolds also
won silver medals, along with
teammates Caleb Duval and
Henry Halloran in the 200-
yard medley relay (1.36.13)
and the 200-yard freestyle
relay team of Reynolds, Matt
Halbig, Jerrick Neu and
Dorian Rosenburg finished
third (1:30.20).
Duval finished second in
the 500-yard feestyle (4:45.87)
and Halbig finished fourth in
the diving meet with a score
of 367.65.
The Chamblee Bulldogs'
third-place finish was led
by 400-yard freestyle relay
team of Alexander Miretsky,
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 15
in the 120-weight class and
sophomore Torrence Dumas
(37-3) won bronze in the
152-weight class.
Caleb Perry, Theo Hardy and
Louis Cardot, who won silver
(3:12.18).
In the girls’ Class 4A-5A
meet, Chamblee junior Jade
Foelske won the 100-yard
butterfly (54.36) and the
200-yard individual medley
gold (2:01.27). Marist senior
Ellie Crump won gold in the
1-meter diving (543.00) and
St. Pius junior Abby Cohen
won gold in the 500-yard
freestyle (5:02.71).
St. Pius X finished fourth
(271 points) and Marist
finished fifth (269 points)
in the girls’ team standings.
Chamblee finished eighth
with 167 points.
In Class AAAAAA,
Dunwoody boys finished
fifth with 145 points and the
girls finished 10th with 136.5
In Class AAAA, St. Pius
X senior Max Spearman
earned a silver medal in
the 160-weight class after
The St. Pius X Golden Lions won its second consecutive state swimming
and diving title.
points. Lakeside boys finished
ninth in the Class AAAAAAA
falling to Blessed Trinity’s
Vincent Baker in an 8-4
decision. Marist senior
Jer’Miah Fantroy claimed a
silver medal after falling to
West Laurens’ Ben Deal in a
majority decision.
In Class AAAAA, Southwest
DeKalb senior Eris Walker
claimed a silver medal in the
220-weight class after falling
to Tripp Breeden of Cass
High School.
Decatur senior Kaden
Spann finished fifth in the
132-weight class and Lithonia
junior John Webb finished
sixth in the 126-weight class.
Stephenson senior
Taquel Young was the
only DeKalb wrestler to
medal in the Class AAAAAA
tournament, winning
bronze in the 145-weight
class with a 15-8 decision
over Gainesville’s Malique
Johnson in the third-place
match. Sophomore Micah
Godwin finished sixth in the
195-weight class.
Lakeside junior Cody
Domingue finished sixth in
in the 160-weight class in the
Class AAAAAAA tournament.
team standings with 151
points.
SPORTS
BASKETBALL
Fifteen teams advance to Sweet 16
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Fifteen DeKalb County
basketball teams are a step
closer to winning a state
championship.
Those teams made it out
of the first round to advance
to the Sweet 16. In Class
AAAAAA, the Stephenson
Lady Jaguars and the Tucker
Lady Tigers punched their
tickets to the next round.
Tucker defeated Grovetown
42-37 and Stephenson upset
No. 1-seed Heritage-Conyers
54-49.
Stephenson played at
Coffee in Douglas, Ga. in the
second round and Tucker
traveled to Bradwell Institute
Feb. 21. Scores were not
available by press time. On
the boys’ side, No. 1-seed
Stephenson was upset by
Lakeside-Evans 65-63 and
Tucker fell to Grovetown 64-
52.
In Class AAAAA, five teams
advanced to the Sweet 16.
Tucker’s Devyn Lockhart dribbles past Grovetown defenders. Photo by
Mark Brock
The No. 1-seed Lithonia
Bulldogs defeated Banneker
57-49 and will host Flowery
Branch Feb. 22 in the second
round. The Southwest DeKalb
Panthers beat North Springs
57-42 and will travel to face
No. 1-seed Hiram Feb. 22.
Miller Grove beat Riverwood
69-49 and will travel to face
No. 1-seed Buford Feb. 22.
No. 1-seed Southwest
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 • Page 16
DeKalb Lady Panthers
advanced to the Sweet 16
after a 60-23 victory over
Riverwood. They hosted
Carrollton Feb. 21 in the
second round. The Arabia
Mountain Lady Rams
defeated Decatur 67-34 and
traveled to play No. 1-seed
Villa Rica in the next round
Feb. 21. Scores were not
available by press time.
The Columbia Eagles fell
to Jackson-Atlanta 57-49, the
Miller Grove Lady Wolverines
fell to Jackson-Atlanta 52-
51 and the Chamblee Lady
Bulldogs lost to Lithia Springs
49-48.
In Class AAAA, both No.
1 seeds from DeKalb, Marist
girls and St. Pius X boys,
advanced to the Sweet 16.
Marist girls defeated rival
St. Pius 36-22 and hosted
LaGrange in the next round.
Score were not available
by press time. The St. Pius
Golden Lions defeated White
County 76-34 and will host
Troup Feb. 22 in the next
round.
Marist boys fell to
Stephens County 68-44 in the
first round.
Cedar Grove boys and
girls, Redan and Towers boys
all advanced to the Class AAA
Sweet 16. The No. 1-seed
Cedar Grove Saints defeated
Ringgold 60-40 and will host
Dawson County Feb. 22 in
the next round. Towers beat
Breman 81-59 and will travel
to face No. 1-seed Morgan
County Feb. 22in the second
round. Redan also will be on
the road in the second round
to face Hart County Feb. 22
after beating Calhoun 45-41.
Cedar Grove girls defeated
Sonoraville 4-39 and traveled
to face No. 1-seed Franklin
County Feb. 21 in the next
round. Score were not
available by press time. The
Stone Mountain Lady Pirates
fell to Haralson County 61-34
in the first round.
The Greenforest Eagles
had a bye week during
the first round of the Class
A-Private playoffs and will
face Stratford Academy Feb.
22 in the second round.
W.D. Mohammed fell to
Brookstone 48-47 in the first
round. On the girls’ side,
Paideia defeated Greenforest
37-21 in the first round and
faced Our Lady of Mercy in
the Sweet 16 Feb. 21. Score
were not available by press
time.