dc

2020 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The CHAMPION
SEE PREVIEW ON PAGE 7

The official legal organ of DeKalb County, GA. Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker, Stonecrest and Stone Mountain. 50¢
OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 www.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.com VOL. 30 • NO. 14

Derrine Buchanan was one of 18 names displayed during a virtual ceremony for DeKalb’s lives lost due to
COVID-19. More than 360 DeKalb County residents had died of the virus as of Sept. 23. Photo from the live
COVID-19 Virtual Memorial

COVID ends baseball

Virtual memorial honors championship aspirations
DeKalb’s lives lost to COVID-19 BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
BY ASIA ASHLEY county,” he said. “I want you to know
DeKalb County government is committed
Asia@dekalbchamp.com At the beginning of the
COVID-19 pandemic, school

‘I want us all to
As many families continue to grieve districts switched to online-
the deaths of loved ones lost to COVID-19, only classes and canceled
DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda sports seasons.
Davis Johnson hosted a virtual memorial
Sept. 28 to remember DeKalb County lives
celebrate the City Schools of Decatur
canceled its baseball season
lost to the virus.
“We wanted to provide a place for wonderful lives that in March, ending a special
run for Jaxson Sprull and

have been lost; the

the families who have lost loved ones to the senior class at Decatur
High School that revitalized Jaxson Sprull and his team
know that their loved one’s life did and
the baseball program. helped turn around Decatur High
men and women that
does matter,” said Davis Johnson. “We pay
“The cancelation was School’s baseball program, but
homage to those individuals that are no
kind of sudden,” said Sprull. the pandemic stopped them
longer with us. May their memory remain
from competing for a state
with us forever and may they rest in peace.”
More than 360 DeKalb County
contributed so much “We were at our last game
against Maynard Jackson and championship as seniors. Photo
provided by Jaxson Sprull
residents had died of the virus as of Sept. 28.
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to their families.’ found out they were getting
released from school. Maybe
said his goal is to do everything possible to 30 minutes later, we found
ensure no more lives are lost to COVID-19 - Michael Thurmond out we’d be out of school uneasy when they started
in the county. indefinitely.” thinking about what it meant
“I want us all to celebrate the wonderful Sprull said the team for their season.
lives that have been lost; the men and was excited about the idea “As the game went on,
women that contributed so much to their and dedicated to doing everything within our of in-person classes getting we started to realize that
families, to their neighborhood and to our power to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.” canceled, but they became this could be one of our last

SEE MEMORIAL ON PAGE 16 SEE ASPIRATIONS ON PAGE 14

Aviation company see ups and Finding lost pets just went
downs during pandemic high tech
PAGE 15 PAGE 17
LOCAL
Fairway fundraiser to proceed despite pandemic
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
While many nonprofit
organizations this year were
forced to postpone or cancel
their annual fundraisers
because of the international
public health crisis, Chris
Brand, president and CEO of
FODAC (Friends of Disabled
Adults and Children), said
he is expecting FODAC’s
annual golf tournament
fundraiser, scheduled for Oct.
5, to be a bigger success than
ever. “People are anxious
to get out of the house and
the golf tournament offers a
safe group activity and raises
money for a good cause. Last
year, the golf tournament had
about 75 players and raised
over $36,000. We are on pace
this year to surpass last year’s
donation goal,” he said.
Brand said there would
be differences this year
from previous tournaments.
“We are holding this event
observing all COVID safety
recommendations, i.e. social
distancing, masking, hand
sanitizer readily available.
Much of the event will be
staged outside, weather
permitting—registration
and check-in, breakfast and
lunch, raffle.” He added
that meals, supplied by
Chick-fil-A restaurants in
Northlake and Tucker, will
be individually boxed, and
served outside. “Our primary
goal is ensuring everyone’s
safety and comfort. We will
also accommodate individual
requests, such as issuing
single rider carts.”
FODAC officials
decided to go forward
with the tournament after
successfully holding
a modified version of
another of its big annual
fundraisers, Run Walk ‘n’
Roll, the weekend of May
9. “The event was originally
scheduled in Stone Mountain
Park as a traditional 5K run
and walk and roll over a
2-mile course, but because
of the pandemic, was
reimagined as a virtual event.
Participants were able to run,
walk or roll—or any activity
involving movement—at a
place of their choosing, away
from the crowd,” Brand said.
“This fundraising
event showed us that we
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 2
nonprofits, donations have and federal emergency
suffered because of the management organizations
pandemic, and even though on warehousing and
resources are less, the needs distribution. So far in 2020,
have increased.” FODAC has distributed $1
FODAC provides more million worth of medical
than $10 million annually in equipment and supplies
refurbished home medical for COVID relief through
equipment and home Georgia Emergency
modifications in Georgia Management Agency, Brand
and across the United said.
States at little or no cost to He said he hopes in
the recipients. Last year, addition to raising money
FODAC provided more than the tournament will raise
FODAC decided to go forward with its annual golf tournament fundraiser, 4,200 home medical items, awareness of FODAC and
observing COVID-19 protocols. Photo provided including more than 230 its work. “We want people
mobility items and aids to to become aware of all that
could continue to hold our illness rates could trigger support the needs of children, FODAC does. A pioneer
other fundraising events, another executive order Brand said. Funds raised in reuse, FODAC keeps
with a little reimagining. canceling outdoor or group during the tournament will 350 tons of materials out
Because of scheduling and gatherings, but we moved go toward this mission. The of landfills each year by
contract commitments, we forward with optimism that value of the items distributed refurbishing and reissuing
needed to still hold our golf the event would happen,” in DeKalb County last year more than 700 [medical]
tournament, but needed to Brand recalled. was $1,584,632, according to items every month and is
adjust it to accommodate the The golf tournament is the nonprofit. recognized nationally for best
current COVID restrictions. the only one of FODAC’s In addition to its main practices.”
After consulting with our major fundraisers—there’s mission, FODAC during The 2020 FODAC
sponsors, staff, volunteers, also a Breakfast with Santa the pandemic is addressing Golf Tournament is the
and the golf club, we each December—that will shortages in such medical organization’s 24th one; the
decided to stay to schedule have a live presence this year supplies and personal event started in 1997 and has
and start planning the event and thus the nonprofit has protective equipment as grown to be one of FODAC’s
in early summer, now raised its profile, according to masks, body suits and gloves major fundraisers. For more
accommodating COVID Brand. “This year, FODAC’s for healthcare facilities information, visit fodac.org.
restrictions. We also realized fundraising efforts are even throughout Georgia, often
that changes in testing and more critical. As with many partnering with state
Proposed Substantial Amendment to the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan,
including the 2019 Annual Action Plan
DeKalb County is proposing to amend to the 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan, including the 2019
Annual Action Plan to include an allocation of funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic
Security Act (CARES Act) (Public Law 116-136) made available in supplemental Community Develop-
ment Block Grant (CDBG-CV1) funding in the amount of $3,094,658. In addition, include an amount
of CARES Act Emergency Solutions Grant Program funding (ESG-CV1 and CV2) ($5,412,468) made
available in two allocations: $1,593,790 in the first allocation and $3,818,678 in the second allocation
to respond to the effects of the current historic public health crisis.
CDBG-CV1 funding will be used for a range of eligible, activities that prevent, prepare for and
respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. Eligible activities include building and improvements includ-
ing public facilities; assistance to businesses, including special economic development assistance;
provisions of new or quantifiably increased public services such as housing assistance, food and
emergency assistance; planning, capacity building and technical assistance.
ESG-CV 1and ESG-CV2 funds were granted to enable the County to prevent, prepare for, and
respond to coronavirus among individuals who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance and to
support additional homelessness assistance and homelessness prevention activities. The County will
use funds to provide eligible services that include the following activities: Rapid Re-housing, Preven-
tion, Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Data Collection, Administration, and all additional, eligible ESG-
CV activities (Temporary Emergency Shelter, Training, Handwashing Stations, Landlord Incentives
and Volunteer Incentives). DeKalb County has already implemented many of the eligible activities.
However, as of this date, none of the activities have received funding from the ESG-CV allocation.
This document can also be viewed on the DeKalb County Community Development website at the
following address: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/community-development/public-notices
Email comments to: bkcampbell@dekalbcountyga.gov
DeKalb County Community Development Department
750 Commerce Drive, Suite 401, Decatur, Georgia 30030
LOCAL
Decatur to purchase recently closed
Boys & Girls Club for $5 million
BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
Decatur leaders will be preserving the
recently closed Boys and Girls Club of
Metro Atlanta on East Lake Drive, after city
commissioners voted Sept. 22 to allow the
city manager to execute an agreement to
purchase the property.
City Manager Andrea Arnold said the
entity announced in late July that it would
be suspending programming and closing
the facility due to financial strain of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
An online petition at Change.org was
launched days after the announcement by
Diversity Decatur encouraging Decatur to
conserve the facility, which has “served as
a refuge for the City of Decatur’s African-
American youth and community at large
by providing affordable childcare, after
school and academic enrichment programs,
recreational programs and summer
programs that help to provide youth with
positive exposure and involvement as well
as meals and other valuable resources and
opportunities.”
The club, currently known as Samuel
L. Jones Boys & Girls Club, has operated at
450 East Lake Road since the early 1970s,
according to Arnold.
The city will purchase the 5.4-acre
property—which includes the Oakhurst dog
park, an athletic field, a gymnasium and an
indoor swimming pool—for $4.94 million.
“We’ve always valued our outdoor
spaces even more so as we’re seeing the
value and demand for outdoor active and
DeKalb Human Services to cohost Metro-
Atlanta College Access Conference
DeKalb County Human Services
Department’s Office of Youth Services,
in partnership with College AIM, will
cohost the Metro-Atlanta College Access
Conference virtually on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
The event, according to a press
release from DeKalb County, is designed
to connect high school students and their
families with resources to aid in their
college research process. Participants will
be given information on factors to consider
when selecting a college or university,
college application requirements and the
financial aid process. The conference also
will include mini workshops led by college
representatives from across the city, state
and country.
Founded in 2015, the Metro-
Atlanta College Access Conference is
SAVE MORE LIVES #MASKUP
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 3
The city of Decatur purchased the former Samuel
L. Jones Boys & Girls Club located at 450 East Lake
Road. Photo from Diversify Decatur’s Change.org
petition
passive spaces during the pandemic and
recognizing that there really is a public
health benefit to these types of properties,”
said Arnold. “…All of these amenities
are consistent with the City’s commitment
to providing recreational facilities and
greenspace for community use.”
Financing of the property purchase
will include bonded debt as well as
transfers from the general and/or capital
improvement funds, said Arnold, who
expects debt payment on the property to be
minimal because of recent savings on other
city bonds.
Recommendations for the long-term use
of the property are planned to be developed
in 2021 as part of the citywide facilities and
greenspace master planning process.
Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta
executives did not return The Champion’s
phone calls for comment.
designed to connect first-generation and
underrepresented minority high school
juniors and seniors from metro Atlanta
with supportive college options. This is the
first year that the DeKalb Office of Youth
Services will serve as a cohost for the
conference.
The event is open to the public and
there is no cost to participate; however,
registration is required.
To register, visit https://collegeaim.
swoogo.com/MACAC2020.
DeKalb County Human Services
Department’s Office of Youth Services
is responsible for the development and
implementation of programs, activities, and
events for DeKalb’s more than 100,000
children and youth, according to the news
release.
County reps:
Hurricane Sally rainfall
leads to 2.87 million gallons
in sewer spills
Heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Sally on
Sept. 17 caused a total of 2.87 million gallons of sewer spill
in DeKalb County at 19 locations, according to a DeKalb
County press release.
County representatives say the spills, including a
2.1-million-gallon spill on Meadow Creek Path, were caused
by stormwater intrusion into the wastewater system. Four
and six inches of rainfall was recorded in a 24-hour period
throughout much of the county.
A preliminary engineering analysis indicates that the
Meadow Creek Path sewer spill was caused when the plant
reached its treatment and storage capacity, which has been
temporarily reduced by the ongoing construction of a new
$300 million plant, according to the release.
The new treatment plant will have an increased capacity
of 18 million gallons per day, from the current 36 million
gallons per day to 54 million gallons per day. The project is
72 percent complete with an anticipated completion date of
2022.
In 2010, a decision was made to demolish a “redundant
clarifier” to make room for the new plant’s footprint,
allowing the plant to function effectively during normal
operations, but limited to manage excessive flows during
storms, the county stated.
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives no-
tice that a Public Hearing will be held to receive
public comment on a Variance of Setback Re-
quirement, Parcel #18 074 05 006. Variance is
requested for deviation from Appendix A Zoning,
Section 5-4.5(a) District Development Regula-
tions.
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public
Hearing on this matter on Tuesday, October 20,
2020. All concerned citizens are invited to public
hearing, to be held by Virtual Meeting Session on
Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.
Access information for virtual meeting
session to conduct public hearing is
forthcoming and will be published on City’s
Website.
EDITORIAL THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 4

Welcoming a much-needed autumn

TheCHAMPION
CHAMPION
WWW.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
We’ve been through an extremely
difficult seven months that have brought
growth and temporarily halting their growth
processes to prepare for a time of regrowth,
unimaginable illness, social unrest and we can learn metaphorically that we, too,
OUR VISION: anxiety. We’re now facing a presidential have old growth that needs to be shed and
To be the first choice for local news in DeKalb, Georgia’s most culturally election that is certain to bring even more that perhaps we, just as plants and trees,
diverse county. To be the unbiased, county-wide voice of DeKalb County. social unrest and division to our nation, no can benefit from a period of inactivity and
PUBLISHER: Carolyn Jernigan Glenn
matter who the winner ultimately is. diversion.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: Dr. Earl D. Glenn Individually, we can do very little to Fall is the perfect time of year to get
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: John Hewitt change or even impact events shaping the outside and experience the wonders and
LEGAL AD MANAGER: Jacquelyn Bryant
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Kemesha Wadley emotional and physical landscape of our splendors of nature as the green reminders
ADVERTISING SALES: John Hewitt world, but we do have the individual ability of summer are replaced with vibrant hues of
LOCAL NEWS EDITOR: Asia Ashley to limit our exposure to some of the more red, brown, orange and yellow. The sight of
SPORTS EDITOR: Jay Phillips
LIFESTYLE EDITOR: Gale Horton Gay harmful and emotionally triggering sources gently falling leaves and the gentle embrace
BUSINESS EDITOR: Kathy Mitchell of frustrations. of mild breezes can have very much of a
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: Donna Seay If we view fall as a sort of a time of calming effect if we take the time to allow
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OPINION
And spring became a summer
The lyrics to Neil Diamond’s
hit “Sweet Caroline” have taken
on a different meaning for me
after hearing it on a crisp early fall
morning and putting the words in
perspective to today’s circumstances.
“Where it began
I can’t begin to know it
But then I know it’s growing
strong
Was in the spring
And spring became a summer
Who’d believe you’d come
along”
As the world ushered in 2020,
there were already indications that
coronavirus had begun to affect
the residents of Wuhan, China.
International media had begun to
cover the virus, but for most of us
those news updates were something
that we paid little attention to and
thought the virus would be contained
in Asia and would not impact the
rest of world. We had no idea of
If you are not incredibly drained
by this challenging year so far,
please reach up, around and give
yourself a nice pat on the back. You,
hopefully your family and friends,
are in the main still standing. The
month ahead, between now and the
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 General
Election may well be described to
you in apocalyptical terms. It’s not.  In the days and weeks ahead,
This will not be the most
important election in the history of
our nation. I could make strong cases
for Lincoln’s re-election campaign
in 1864, under his newly created
“National Union” party. Yes, you got
that right, after launching the Grand
Old Party (GOP) in 1860, President
Abraham Lincoln selected a
Democrat— U.S. Senator Andrew
Johnson – the sole southern state
member of the U.S. Senate who
never left for the Confederacy as
his running mate, to help unify the
nation as the Civil War was drawing
toward a close. The election of
1800, between Thomas Jefferson
and John Adams was also quite a
doozy. Challenger Thomas Jefferson,
of the then Democratic-Republican
Party defeated incumbent President
Adams of the Federalist Party.    voters is the current confirmation
And yes, in each case, America
later thrived, though the periods in
front of the election itself may have
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
what was in store for the world.
Some six months after much
of the world and the United States
made an abrupt about-face by
essentially shutting down businesses
and education, we are still battling
the virus. Global death rates have
surpassed 900,000 with more than
200,000 deaths in the United States.
In comparison, the Spanish
flu, also known as the 1918 flu
pandemic, lasted from February
1918 to April 1920, infecting an
estimated 500 million people–
about a third of the world’s total
population at the time–in four
successive waves. The death toll
is typically estimated to have been
Buckle your seat belts
‘One Man’s
Opinion’
Bill Crane
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
been quite unpleasant. 
assuming the murder hornets don’t
actually land or the locusts don’t
return (they have already been
through the Midwest and Vegas
during the past year), and if we are
blessed to see enough Americans
take their flu vaccines to avoid
a twin concurrence of a massive
flu outbreak atop the ongoing
COVID19 pandemic, the brutality
of the coming political season will
likely linger into the holiday season,
as ballot tabulations and court
challenges to same may last long
after Election Day. Think the Florida
hanging chads crisis of 2000, and the
election of Bush vs. Gore as sort of
s a warm-up lap.
 October 5 - New voter
registration cut-off date, 30 days
ahead of election day. The easiest
way to register is to visit the Georgia
Secretary of State My Voter Page
or renew or receive a new driver’s
license in Georgia. Voter registration
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 5
somewhere between 17 million
and 50 million, making it one of
the deadliest pandemics in human
history, according to Wikipedia.
Many health experts from
around the globe are predicting a
second wave of coronavirus as the
Northern Hemisphere enters into the
colder months when influenza rates
tend to spike and more people are
indoors and attending family and
friends gatherings in an attempt to
find some semblance of normalcy as
the winter holiday season begins.
Though progress is being made
in many nations to develop a vaccine
to protect against COVID-19, a
recent survey conducted by Boy
Genius Report, or BGR, an online
news portal, indicated that two-
thirds of Americans said they are not
willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
A quarter of those interviewed said
they will never get the vaccine, and
44 percent said they prefer to wait
and see how the initial round of
immunization goes before agreeing
to be vaccinated.
is automatic unless you opt-out.
 October 12 - Advance voting
begins across the state and includes
a day of Saturday voting on Oct.
24.  Early voting ends on Oct.
30.  No excuse absentee voting is
already underway. Cast your ballot
as soon as possible, drop in the
U.S. Mail by Tuesday, Oct. 27, or
drop off in person at a local election
absentee ballot drop box site. Ballot
tabulation may begin as early as
Tuesday, Oct. 20. which is also the
target date for the U.S. Senate to
begin Supreme Court confirmation
hearings.
 November 3 - It is estimated
that 60 percent of ballots in Georgia
will be cast prior to election day, but
with voter turnout expected to be
between 5.5 and 6 million voters,
that’s still 2.5-3 million voters
casting ballots on election day, a
record number, spread across 2,500
plus precincts.
 The bombardment and political
shelling which we are likely to
experience here in Georgia, as well
as other battleground states will be
unprecedented.     and now 95.5 FM, as well as a columnist
The biggest issue likely to sway
proceedings for potential Associate
U.S. Supreme Court Justice and
nominee, Judge Amy Coney
It is disturbing to read that so
many will refuse to be vaccinated,
though it is their personal right to
make such decisions. Unfortunately,
if a safe and proven-effective
vaccine is produced and less than
half of our population agrees to take
the vaccine, we will continue to see
the ongoing emotional, physical and
financial damages associated with
the virus.
Americans in general are a
stubborn lot who do not take kindly
to being told what to do and value
their individual freedoms and
choices. Those who refuse to be
vaccinated based on their personal
values and beliefs, and no matter
how noble their intentions, can
unintentionally continue to spread
the virus to the unprotected.
It may be time for many to
begin the think more collectively
rather than individually and take a
vaccine for the team.
We’re all in this together and we
certainly don’t need a second, third
or fourth wave of infections.
Barrett of Indiana. Though Chief
Justice John Roberts was confirmed
in only 23 days, it was not against
the backdrop of a hotly contested
presidential election. 
 In Georgia, where both U.S.
Senate seats are up, and the GOP
currently holds only a three seat
majority (with 22 GOP incumbents
seeking re-election), the Peach State
represents 10 percent of the Senate
field contests and nearly two-thirds
of the stretch goal wins for the
Democratic Party, which is seeking
to retake majority control of the
Senate. 
 But eventually, we will of
course have an outcome. So, buckle
your seat belts kids; some contents
are almost certain to shift in flight,
and we may be in for a bit of a
bumpy landing. And how ever things
go; we, our state and our country
will survive as well as thrive, sooner
or later.
Bill Crane also serves as a political
analyst and commentator for Channel 2’s
Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750
for The Champion, DeKalb Free Press
and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
native and business owner, living in
Scottdale. You can reach him or comment
on a column at bill.csicrane@gmail.com. 
LOCAL THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 6

Commissioner Larry Johnson hit the streets along with some DeKalb County residents to encourage residents to vote and be counted in the census.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Make DeKalb Count Census 2020 organization hosted a Community Caravan to get DeKalb residents to complete the 2020 Census survey before the September
30 deadline. The caravan stopped at several locations throughout the county.

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SPORTS THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 7
dc
dekalb county high school
preview
CEDAR GROVE READY TO
REPEAT AFTER RELOADING
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
C edar Grove High School’s football team
had three rising seniors commit during the
summer of 2020 to play college football
at schools across the country, and several other
players are receiving major college interest.
Cedar Grove’s talent has turned into high
expectations and some of the top preseason
rankings in the state, despite Cedar Grove
drawing a tough schedule.
Senior quarterback Austin Smith was the
first of the three players to commit, announcing
his commitment to Eastern Michigan University
June 28. Smith is a multi-year starter as
quarterback for the Cedar Grove Saints; Head
Austin Smith (4) receives a handoff during
Cedar Grove’s state championship win over
Crisp County.
Coach Miguel Patrick said he expects Smith to
take the offense to the next level this coming
season. Smith was fifth in DeKalb County last
season in total passing yards—with 1,523
yards—and tied for second for total passing
touchdowns with 19.
Senior defensive back Antonio Taylor was
the next Saint to commit by deciding to further
his football and academic careers at Southeast
Missouri State University. Taylor was tied for
second in DeKalb County in total interceptions
last season with five.
Senior defensive back and athlete Jordan
Grier is the most recent Saint to make his
college plans official by committing to Indiana
University. Grier was tied for first place in
DeKalb County in total fumbles caused with six.
Last season, Taylor and Grier helped
SEE REPEAT ON PAGE 10
SPORTS THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 8

dekalb county high school

team previews

D ue to the COVID-19
pandemic, high school
football in Georgia
was postponed until Sept.
4, though the Georgia High
teams Schwarzer said are
similar to Chamblee, which
gives his team more chances
to win and excites the
players. Despite having a
and a better shot in the post
season. Barnett will be in
his first season as the head
coach, after coaching the
baseball team at Columbia
School Association set up young team, Chamblee will last season. Despite a
Cedar Grove Saints
protocols allowing districts lean on experienced players potentially easier schedule,
5-AAA
to start later. DeKalb County such as quarterback Fabian Columbia may still struggle, Decatur Bulldogs 5-AAAAA
Head Coach: Miguel Patrick
School District and City Walker, linebacker Ja’Cari having lost its starting Head Coach: William Felton
2019 record: 13-2
Schools of Decatur chose Watkins and defensive back quarterback, running back 2019 record: 7-4
Last season, Cedar Grove
to postpone football games Jameel Avery. and top three receivers Decatur made the playoffs
won a state championship
until Oct. 1 and confirmed from last season. Columbia for the first time since 2005
in Patrick’s first year as
Sept. 17 that the Oct. 1 start will be led by players such last season, and the Bulldogs
head coach. The Saints look
date was approved. as running backs Deyonte are hoping for continued
like they have the talent
Mitchell and Keshawn success this year. This
to win another in 2020
Brewer and linebacker season will be Felton’s first
with returning players in
Antoine Jordan. year as head coach, after
key positions and talented
coaching the defense since
underclassmen taking
2016. Decatur will look to
on bigger roles. Cedar
Clarkston Angoras 5-AAAAA players such as wide receiver
Grove is led by a group of
Head Coach: Terrance Jared Lester, running back
players with championship
Arabia Mountain Rams Hughey and linebacker Cameron
experience, including
6-AAAA 2019 record: 0-10 Wingo and lineman Connor
quarterback Austin Smith,
Head Coach: Stanley Clarkston is opting out of the Ramming to continue the
running back Rashod
Pritchett 2020 high school football turnaround.
Dubinion and defensive end
2019 record: 2-9 season, according to DeKalb Cross Keys Indians 5-AAAAA
Christen Miller.
Led by a strong defense, County School District Head Coach: John Bowen
Arabia Mountain hopes to officials. 2019 record: 0-10
bounce back from a tough Cross Keys is coming off a
2019 season. The Rams will winless season during which
face a difficult schedule, the Indians scored six points
drawing games against in their first six games.
Marist, Hapeville Charter, However, the Indians will
Stephenson and others. face a more manageable Druid Hills Red Devils
Chamblee Bulldogs
Arabia Mountain will rely schedule in region 5-AAAAA 6-AAAA
5-AAAAA
on some of the county’s with returning quarterback Head Coach: Mark Myers
Head Coach: Scott
most talented players, Columbia Eagles 6-AA Narvy Bibiano, who led 2019 record: 2-9
Schwarzer
such as defensive back and Head Coach: Greg Barnett Cross Keys in punting and Myers will take over at Druid
2019 record: 1-8
receiver Brandon Adams, 2019 record: 5-6 passing yards last season. Hills after successful runs at
Schwarzer said he expects
quarterback and defensive Columbia had a losing Returning players include schools such as McEachern
the Bulldogs to be a young
back Damion Fitzpatrick and season last year, but the quarterback Bibiano, and Dutchtown. Myers is
team this year, but he also
running back Christopher Eagles moved down to linebacker Chris Guerrer known as a rebuilder, but
said he has a team that is
Barnes. region 6-AA, giving them a and defensive back Ronald he said the pandemic has
excited to play. Chamblee
more manageable schedule Johnson. made rebuilding more
has a schedule that includes
SPORTS
difficult. Players such as
Markanthony Hayes,
running back Celeste
Birorimana and defensive
back Isaiah Williams will be
keys to success in Myers’
first season.
Dunwoody Wildcats
7-AAAAAAA
Head coach: Michael Nash
2019 record: 2-7
Despite a losing record last
season, Nash said he expects
his team to be competitive
this season thanks to players
returning. Dunwoody will
have a new-look schedule
pitting the Wildcats against
teams such as Norcross
and Duluth. Dunwoody
will rely on a strong
passing attack from DeKalb
County’s 2019 leading
passer Davis LeDoyen and
key contributions from
linebacker Cevon Mitchell
and lineman Jordan
Williams.
Lakeside Vikings -
4-AAAAAA
Head Coach: Morris Starr
2019 record: 0-10
Lakeside had a winless
season last year, but Starr
said he expects a quick
turnaround at Lakeside
thanks to community
support and a tradition of
success. Starr said Lakeside
should have a chance to win
every game on its schedule
and will have players such
as receiver Joshua Soyemi,
linebacker Chance Thigpen
and lineman Cameron Davis
leading the way.
Lithonia Bulldogs 5-AAAAA
Head Coach: Frederick
Greene
2019 record: 5-6
Lithonia is coming off a 5-6
season and losing one of
the most talented players
in program history with
Broderick Jones graduating
and going to the University
of Georgia. Despite losing
Jones, the Bulldogs return
their leading passer, rusher
and receiver for Greene’s
first year as head coach.
Lithonia gets back most
of its offensive production
with running back Dvont’e
Slaton, quarterback Savion
Lawson and receiver Khalil
Roach slated to return.
Marist War Eagles 6-AAAA
Head Coach: Alan Chadwick
2019 record: 11-2
Marist began its football
season Sept. 11 with a 43-0
win over Holy Innocents,
giving Marist a head start
on public schools in DeKalb
County. Chadwick said he
expects the War Eagles to
have a chance to compete
at a high level if they get
consistent play from their
quarterbacks. Marist is
led by defensive end and
tight end Derek McDonald,
safety and receiver Josh
Moore and lineman Davis
McKenna.
M.L. King Lions 5-AAAAA
Head Coach: Deante Lamar
2019 record: 7-4
M.L. King is coming off a
7-4 season and a round one
loss in the playoffs, but the
Lions will have to replace
their leading passer, two
leading rushers and their
leading receiver this season.
M.L. King will rely on players
such as receiver Antravious
Slatter, running back and
linebacker Edwin Turay and
lineman Marquis Rivers to
replace the production from
last season’s seniors.
McNair Mustangs 6-AA
Head Coach: Johnny
Burdette
2019 record: 0-10
Burdette said his team was
having a great offseason
before the pandemic
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 9
hit, and he expects the
preparation to pay off this
season. McNair scored 46
total points last season,
but Burdette said a better
offseason and getting off to
a better start will help him
and his team in year two.
McNair also returns most
of its leading contributors,
including running back
Javon Yearby, quarterback
Desmond Waters and
defensive back Woodrow
Harrison.
Miller Grove Wolverines
6-AAAA
Head Coach: Lee Hannah
2019 record: 0-10
Miller Grove is moving
down from Region 5-AAAAA
after going winless in 2019.
The Wolverines will face a
more favorable schedule
but have a tough stretch of
games against Stephenson,
Mays and Marist to close
the season. Players such as
quarterback Phillip Russell,
linebacker Stephen Bacon
and running back Jayden
Brown will be keys to Miller
Grove’s success.
Redan Raiders 5-AAA
Head Coach: Derek Vaughn
2019 record: 4-6
Vaughn is taking over in his
first season as head coach
for a Redan team that
snapped a six-game losing
streak in its final game last
season. Vaughn will have
his hands full in year one,
with Redan scheduled to
play Cedar Grove, Sandy
Creek, Carver and others.
Returning players include
Ali McDaniel, linebacker
Tymere Burton and running
back Votarras Thaxton.
St. Pius Golden Lions
5-AAAAA
Head Coach: Paul Standard
2019 record: 6-6
St. Pius had the earliest start
of any team from DeKalb
County when the Golden
Lions beat Flowery Branch
38-28 Sept. 4. Standard said
the key to his team’s success
could be quarterback play
and their offensive line
winning the battle in the
trenches. St. Pius is led by
quarterback Dennis O’Shea,
running back Mason
Benefield and defensive
back and running back Jack
Tchienchou.
Southwest DeKalb Panthers
5-AAAAA
Head coach: Damien Wimes
2019 record: 9-2
Southwest DeKalb is coming
off a good season that saw
them lose a four-point
game in round one of the
playoffs against Hiram.
Southwest DeKalb has a
tough start to its season
with Tucker, Lithonia and St.
Pius as its first three games,
but the Panthers’ talent
should let them compete.
Southwest DeKalb will rely
on DeKalb County’s fourth
leading passer from 2019
in quarterback Rion White,
receiver Khoreem Miller
and linebacker Darrionque
Finley.
Stephenson Jaguars 6-AAAA
Head Coach: Ron Gatrell
2019 record: 11-2
Gatrell said Stephenson
doesn’t have the roster
depth it normally has, but
said he expects the team
to be competitive behind
a strong offensive line and
run game. Stephenson will
have a hard test in its last
three games, coming against
Mays, Marist and Hapeville
Charter. Stephenson’s run
game will be led by running
back Quashaun Johnson and
linemen George Jackson,
while lineman Tommy Smith
anchors the defense.
Stone Mountain Pirates
5-AAAAA
Head Coach: James Lal
2019 record: 3-7
Lal said his team is excited
about moving into its new
region and playing more
teams from DeKalb County.
He said Stone Mountain’s
returning talent will give his
team a chance to compete.
Stone Mountain has a few
talented players to help
them stay competitive
such as DeKalb County’s
third leading passer from
last season in quarterback
and safety Shaheim Bailey,
lineman Ronel Thomas and
receiver Donsay Brown.
Towers Titans 6-AA
Head Coach: Vonnell Carter
2019 record: 1-9
Towers had a tough season
in 2019, losing eight of its 10
games by 20 or more points.
Towers will move down from
region 5-AAA and have a
more favorable schedule
this season, but will still
compete against Columbia,
Lovett, Pace and similar
teams. Towers returns
quarterback Isaiah Logan,
linebacker Kenyon Partridge
and lineman Demarious
Marshall.
Tucker Tigers 4-AAAAAA
Head Coach: Bryan Lamar
2019 record: 6-5
Despite a rocky season in
2019, Tucker hopes to be
one of the top teams in
the county and state this
season. Tucker will be led by
several key returning players
on defense and has games
scheduled against Westlake,
Morrow and others. Tucker
will be led by running back
Latavius Johnson and
linemen Dawson Rivers and
Corder Ward.
SPORTS THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 10

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW

Druid Hills coach optimistic after
taking over during COVID-19
BY JAY PHILLIPS he’s accomplishing goals build numbers up and you
and is optimistic about the have a large number of
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
opportunities his team will parents in our community
have. who don’t feel safe letting

D eKalb County School
District (DCSD) is
welcoming four new
head football coaches to the
county this season, including
Druid Hills Head Football
Coach Mark Myers.
Myers is known for
rebuilding high school
football programs. He said
he knew he had his work cut
out for him when he took
over at Druid Hills in April.
However, Myers said
he wasn’t expecting the
pandemic to unfold the way
it did, and it created new
challenges for the first-year
head coach already dealing
with a program rebuild and
depth issues.
“It has been a rough
and rocky road,” said
Myers. “A lot tougher than I
imagined. For me, I’m used
to taking over and rebuilding
programs. I’m used to
being in that situation, but
I have never done it during
a pandemic. I think if I had
been in my second or third
year, I would have been in a
better position.”
Myers said his work
has grown since April, with
COVID-19 spikes, stay-at-
home orders, county athletic
cancelations and similar
obstacles, but he also said
“I think DeKalb has been
one of the more cautious
counties,” said Myers, adding
that he’s “trying to wait it
out and see what happens.
There’s nothing wrong with
that. If everything goes well,
our kids are still going to play
and still have a chance to go
to the playoffs. I’m more for
wanting to do things safely.
Not only for our players
and coaches, but also for
our players’ and coaches’
families.”
Myers said one of the
reasons being a first-year
head coach is difficult is
because of roster depth.
“What has been one of
the toughest things for me
has been numbers,” said
Myers. “The numbers were
already very low when I
took over. They finished the
season with about 35 players
on roster last season, and
that’s before you take away
the seniors they lost.”
Myers said the
pandemic made judging his
roster numbers more difficult
because some players
couldn’t play due to health
risks and those returning
later than others might not
be ready to play as soon.
“As a first-year coach,
you’re coming in trying to
their kids play right now,”
said Myers. “My [number of
players being held out] is in
the double-digits.”
Myers said he talks to
parents of players being held
out to keep them updated,
but he understands why
many players can’t play.
“What we have to
remember is it’s not always
about a kid getting sick,” said
Myers. “It’s about who he
may be affecting when he
goes home.”
It hasn’t been all
struggles for Myers in year
one. He said several boxes
have been checked this
offseason that point toward
a successful rebuild.
“One of the biggest
things you have to do when
you’re trying to build a
program is make sure your
lower levels are successful
and winning,” said Myers.
“You have to have a great
relationship with [middle
school football coaches].”
Myers said since he was
hired at the high school,
Druid Hills Middle School’s
football team adopted his
offense and defense.
“We’re pretty much
running it like one program,”
said Myers. “That was
something I set out to do
Mark Myers said taking over as Druid Hills High School’s head coach
during a pandemic was difficult, but he is starting to see progress.
Photo by Jay Phillips
as soon as I got the job,
and it was one of the first
things I accomplished. It’s
not something that has ever
happened here, to anybody’s
knowledge.”
Myers said hiring a new
staff was also difficult but
being able to bring middle
school coaches to the high
school team after the middle
school season was canceled
has helped, considering the
middle school coaches now
run the same system.
Druid Hills is scheduled
to play at Redan Oct. 1 and
at Miller Grove Oct. 9 before
hosting Mays Oct. 17 for
Druid Hills’ first home game
of the season.
“Our first two games are
against teams similar to us,”
said Myers. “Both of those
teams have struggled in the
past few years like us. Those
will be a good test to see
where we are. Our region is
very tough, but we’re coming
along.”
Myers said players
such as senior quarterback
Markanthony Hays Jr. and
junior receiver Liam Sitz will
make the season exciting—
regardless of the outcome—
and the percentage of
sophomores and juniors
playing is making him
confident about the future.
“[Hays is] a track guy
with great speed,” said
Myers. “He was a wide
receiver, but we moved him
to quarterback. The bulk
of our guys are juniors and
sophomores. We get two
or three years with them to
help these guys grow. I think
that’ll be very good for us.”

REPEAT Continued From Page 7

lead a Saints’ defense that was first place in
DeKalb County in tackles for loss, second place
in quarterback sacks, second place in total
tackles, first place in tackle assists, first place in
interceptions and in the top three in fumbles
forced and recovered. The Saints will ask players
such as Grier and Taylor to take on bigger roles
after players such as Isaiah Ratcliff and Alvin
Williams graduated.
Cedar Grove also has uncommitted players
receiving college interest whom Patrick expects to
play major roles this season.
Two of those uncommitted players will be
among Cedar Grove’s biggest offensive weapons
in junior receiver Janiran Bonner and junior
running back Rashod Dubinion.
Bonner holds offers from Arkansas, Auburn,
Florida State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi, and
others, and Dubinion holds offers from Auburn,
Florida State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and
others.
On defense, sophomores Kayin Lee and Raul
Aguirre—at defensive back and linebacker—have
picked up offers from top schools around the
country, including Arkansas, Auburn, and Georgia.
Christen Miller has also raked in offers since the
end of last season, including ones from Auburn,
Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia.
Miller, Dubinion and Bonner also received
offers from reigning national champion LSU.
Patrick said he believes he would have even
more players with college offers if not for the
pandemic.
“I think the pandemic has hurt our
recruitment, because we have some sleeper guys
who coaches don’t really know about yet and
haven’t really seen them play,” said Patrick.
Cedar Grove’s talent will get a chance to
make up for the time they missed thanks to a
schedule filled with primetime games. The Saints
will start the season with a top 20 matchup at
Milton High School, while also drawing games
against Carver, Greater Atlanta Christian Academy
and Sandy Creek.
During DeKalb County’s virtual media day,
Patrick said his team will have a chance to
make another run if it can improve on defense
throughout the season. However, several media
outlets expect Cedar Grove to compete either
way, with MaxPreps and AJC ranking Cedar Grove
as the best team in its class and one of the best
teams in the state.
“We’re trying to get prepared for the playoffs
and make a run at it if we can,” said Patrick.
SPORTS THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 11

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW

Marist, St. Pius

get head starts
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com

D eKalb County School District (DCSD)

schools begin playing high school football
Oct. 1, but Marist School and St. Pius X
Catholic School—two private schools in DeKalb
County—began games Sept. 4 and Sept. 11.
The head start Marist and St. Pius had could
give them an advantage over DCSD schools and
other districts’ later starting dates. Marist Head
Coach Alan Chadwick said that advantage will
be especially noticeable in the first few weeks
of the DCSD football schedule when teams that
started late are “catching up.”
“There’s no question that we’ll have
advantage, but I think some of those teams Marist Head Coach Alan Chadwick said Marist’s extra passing time helped his quarterbacks adjust to their new
will be able to catch up relatively quickly,” said roles.
Chadwick.
St. Pius plays four DCSD schools and
Decatur High School—which also waited until
Oct. 2 to kick off—and Marist plays four DCSD
schools.
It’s not only additional games helping
Marist and St. Pius. DCSD schools also had a
later start to their preseason practices.
According to Chadwick, starting practices
and workouts on time helped Marist replace last
season’s starting quarterback Connor Cigelske,
who signed with Georgia Southern. Marist chose
to use a two-quarterback system, and the extra
offseason time helped the new quarterbacks
adjust. Marist coaches said they used the extra
practices to install more offense.
“The additional time was a bonus for us,”
said Chadwick. “We were able to get a lot more
repetition for both quarterbacks. We’re still
getting better and improving, but the fact we
had several extra weeks of preseason … It was a
long grind for us. In the long run, I think it was
worth it for developing these quarterbacks.” St. Pius quarterback Dennis O’Shea led his team to a 3-0 record in September, before DeKalb County School
Hayden Richardson is one of the District teams could play games. Photos by Jay Phillips.
quarterbacks taking over for Cigelske, and he
said the extra practice time benefited the entire
team. to get caught up in the weight room before Dubinion and others returning, but Patrick
“I think it has been huge for us,” said playing games. said he hopes his team improves throughout
Richardson. “For the first couple of weeks, we In July, Cedar Grove High School Head the season on defense, so it can make
were rusty out there. It took us a few weeks to Football Coach Miguel Patrick said he was another playoff run.
kind of get going, but I think we’ve found our afraid DCSD delaying practices would put Marist and St. Pius could have a chance
rhythm lately.” players at a physical disadvantage and to take advantage of their early starts when
Chadwick said he doesn’t think the teams potentially cause injuries. playing DCSD teams in October.
starting late will be at a disadvantage in the After DCSD delayed games until Starting Oct. 16, St. Pius will have a
postseason, but the first couple of weeks October, Patrick said the delay would let stretch of five games against DCSD schools
could cause losses for teams playing against DeKalb teams catch up in the weight room. and Decatur High School—which also
opponents who started practices and games However, DCSD schools will miss the postponed games until October—while
earlier. game experience that Marist and St. Pius Marist starts a stretch of four games against
“After they get a game or two under their earned by playing games in September. DCSD schools Oct. 23. Marist and St. Pius
belt, I think everything bumps pretty even at Cedar Grove might not notice it on will enter October undefeated.
that point in time,” said Chadwick. offense, with players such as quarterback
The late start gives DCSD teams a chance Austin Smith, running back Rashod
SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW
Players to watch
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County football teams will
be loaded with future college—and likely
NFL—players this coming season. Some
of the players projected to be among the
county’s most productive fall into those
categories.
Here are four seniors to watch:
• Austin Smith - Cedar Grove High School
quarterback
Smith helped lead Cedar Grove to an-
other state championship last season.
This season, Smith will be tasked with
even more responsibilities, according to
Cedar Grove Head Coach Miguel Pat-
rick. Despite the extra responsibilities,
defenses won’t get to divert much extra
attention to Smith, as he’ll be surround-
ed by some of Georgia’s most talented
skill players in Rashod Dubinion, Janiran
Bonner and others. Smith is committed
to play college football at Eastern Michi-
gan University.
• David McKenna - Marist School tight
end/defensive end
McKenna provides a spark for Marist
on both sides of the ball thanks to his
combination of size and speed. Howev-
er, McKenna shines on offense thanks
to his reliable hands. Marist Head Coach
GAMES TO WATCH:
Despite the shortened season, DeKalb
County high school football schedules
have big matchups from start to finish.
Here are three games that could be
among the most important of the season
for DeKalb County:
Oct. 2: Cedar Grove at Milton, 7:30 p.m.
Cedar Grove and Milton were both
preseason top 20 teams in Georgia, and
Cedar Grove will travel to Milton Oct. 2.
This will be the first game of the season
for Cedar Grove, a preseason top three
team in Georgia, according to MaxPreps.
However, Milton has games scheduled
against Johns Creek and Hapeville
Charter Sept. 17 and 25 and could have
an advantage over Cedar Grove. Milton
is coming off an 8-4 season in which it
lost in the second round of the playoffs
but is expected to be highly competitive
thanks to returning talent. Cedar Grove
also returns key pieces of its roster and
expects to win for the same reason,
but Cedar Grove is coming off a state
championship.
Nov. 6: Stephenson at Marist, 7:30 p.m.
Marist got a head start on DCSD teams
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 12
Alan Chadwick said skilled players such
as McKenna make his offense danger-
ous, and the War Eagles are already
targeting McKenna frequently thanks to
the mismatches he creates. McKenna
is committed to play college football at
Syracuse.
• Brandon Adams - Arabia Mountain High
School athlete
Adams is a playmaker on offense and
defense for Arabia Mountain, and he
plays wherever the coaches need him.
Adams played in 11 games last season
and recorded 20 tackles on defense
and 260 yards on offense from the wide
receiver, running back and quarterback
positions. He also threw for two touch-
downs and caught one touchdown. Ad-
ams is committed to play college foot-
ball at the University of Central Florida.
• George Jackson - Stephenson High
School athlete
Playing offensive line doesn’t always
generate the same hype as skill position
players get, but players such as Jackson
can have just as much of an impact.
Jackson is expected to pave the way Cedar Grove Head Coach Miguel Patrick said Austin Smith will take on
for a Stephenson rushing attack that more responsibilities this season, after helping Cedar Grove win a state
Stephenson Head Coach Ron Gatrell championship last season. Photo by Jay Phillips
said could be a key to success. Jackson
is uncommitted but holds offers from
Auburn, Florida, Florida State, and other
schools.
by playing games in September, but
Stephenson will have a chance to catch
up before its showdown with Marist.
Stephenson’s offensive line—anchored
by George Jackson—will be put to the
test against Marist’s stingy defense and a
defensive line led by David McKenna. The
game will come in the middle of a stretch
of four games against DCSD schools
for Marist, with Druid Hills and Arabia
Mountain playing the War Eagles before
Stephenson and Miller Grove traveling to
Marist afterward. Stephenson and Marist
are both currently ranked in the top 10 of
their classifications.
Nov. 30: Westlake at Tucker, 7:30 p.m.
Westlake and Tucker will play one of the
biggest games of the late season, as both
teams are currently ranked in the top 20
of Georgia and have seen high levels of
success in recent years. The game could
also carry postseason implications and
could be an indicator of where two of the
projected top teams in Georgia may be
near the end of the season.
University of Central Florida commit Brandon Adams leads a talented
Arabia Mountain team this season. Photo provided by Brandon Adams.
LOCAL
Candidates vie to be Clarkston’s first Black female mayor
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
The city of Clarkston will hold
a special election for mayor Nov. 3,
after former mayor Edward “Ted”
Terry vacated his seat to run for
DeKalb Super 6 commissioner.
The special election is between
candidates Beverly H. Burks and
Yterenickia “YT” Bell, two former
Clarkston councilmembers.
Bell is a social worker and was
elected to the city council in 2017.
She is also a three-time graduate of
Georgia State University
“I’m passionate about people
and a social worker by trade,” said
Bell. “I am committed to realizing
progressive change. I really want to
be a voice for those who feel like
they don’t have a voice.”
Burks, community engagement
director for Fulton-DeKalb Hospital
Authority, was elected to Clarkston’s
council in 2015 before vacating her
seat to run against Terry for mayor in
2017. She is a graduate of Alabama
State University.
“Clarkston has been my home
for [more than] 20 years, and I am
vested in working to improve the
quality of life for our residents,”
stated Burks. “As a former Vice
Chairman of the Planning and
Zoning Committee, a former City
Councilmember and a community
advocate, I am running for Mayor
of Clarkston so we can plan our
city’s future, lead with excellence,
embrace our diversity, build a sense
of community and be the voice
for so many residents who feel
voiceless.”
Both candidates said they
expect to deal with issues related to
COVID-19 if elected.
Burks said she understands
not everyone can afford the same
protections against the pandemic and
wants to ensure Clarkston is safe
when other yearly viruses impact the
city.
“As a member of the Clarkston
COVID-19 Task Force, I coordinated
distributing nearly 10,000 masks
Free virtual chess classes available to DeKalb youth
The DeKalb County Virtual Village 2.0,
“Keeping Children Safe During a Global Pan-
demic,” has announced that chess champion
Orrin Hudson, founder and creative director of
the Stone Mountain-based nonprofit Be Someone
Beverly H. Burks (left) and YT Bell (right) are running for mayor of Clarkston in the city’s
Nov. 3 special election. Photo provided.
to Clarkston and Unincorporated
DeKalb County apartment
residents,” stated Burks. “When the
seasons change from summer to fall
and winter, our community will face
a triple threat of Influenza, common
cold, and COVID-19. We will need
to continue to provide masks and to
communicate the importance of face
coverings.”
Bell and Burks are also
concerned about Clarkston
businesses during and after the
pandemic.
“Our businesses are continuing
to open but are still suffering
from closures earlier this year,”
said Burks. “As a community
advocate, I worked and served
as a moderator for a Business
Townhall on Businesses Returning
after COVID-19, which connected
Clarkston Businesses with resources
from the city of Clarkston, DeKalb
County Economic Development,
Decide DeKalb, and Georgia
Piedmont Technical College.”
Bell said as a council member
she worked on supporting residents
with rent assistance during the
pandemic.
“We need to provide ongoing
assistance to make sure people
have a roof over their heads for
themselves and their families,” said
Bell.
Bell said she wants to maximize
Clarkston’s access by doing a better
job of marketing the downtown area
Inc., is offering 10 free virtual chess classes for
county youngsters ages 8 through 18.  The classes
will be one hour long and will be taught Satur-
days, 11 a.m. to noon, starting October 10. The
free program will culminate December 5 with a
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 13
and increase its housing options.
“We don’t do a good job at
marketing our city, for being one of
the cities that is most accessible,”
said Bell. “When I say accessible, I
mean you can take Church, Ponce,
78 or 285 to get to us.”
Bell said façade updates and
responding to businesses’ pandemic-
related needs are two other economic
plans she wants to work on.
Burks said she sponsored
Clarkston’s Downtown Development
Authority when she was on the
council and wants to partner with
more organizations to bring help to
Clarkston businesses as mayor.
Bell said she is passionate about
quality of life, and said she believes
COVID-19 responses impact it.
“I know a lot of the resources
come from the state,” said Bell.
“The reality is we need more access
to testing and assistance. The issues
I’m trying to resolve are all about
access and equity—who you are and
where you live in the community.
The other thing is establishing a
non-police response unit of social
workers and mediators.”
Bell said she went on a police
ride-along after being elected to
Clarkston’s council and saw several
situations that she believed could
be settled more appropriately by a
social worker.
“We have 60 different languages
spoken [in Clarkston],” said Bell.
“Giving someone a pack of paper in
chess tournament and awards program.
Hudson said his program not only teaches
youngsters to play chess but also uses the game’s
principles to teach life lessons. Hudson stressed
there is a consequence for every move, whether
English isn’t going to solve many
problems.”
Bell mentioned reproductive
justice issues, healthcare and other
COVID-19 issues as key points of
her campaign.
Bell listed Clarkston’s
non-discrimination ordinance,
moratorium on small box stores
and Clarkston’s 100-percent clean
energy by 2050 plan as initiatives
she worked on as a councilmember.
Burks said she supported several
of Clarkston’s progressive initiatives
in the past and wants to bring similar
leadership to Clarkston. She said
she worked on the Clean Indoor Air
Act, decriminalization of marijuana
possession and the $15 minimum
wage for city employees as a
councilmember.
Burks stated she wants to work
on expanding housing options,
creating environmental ordinances
and continuing rent and mortgage
assistance in Clarkston.
Whoever is elected will be
Clarkston’s first Black female
mayor, something both candidates
said they are passionate about.
“It’s about time we had a
woman, nevertheless a Black
woman, in leadership to a diverse
city that wants to amplify voices,”
said Bell. “Especially since the
majority of the voters are Black
women.”
Burks said being Clarkston’s
first Black female mayor is
important to her, but she also hopes
it inspires others.
“I would be honored if the
residents elected me to serve as
their first Black woman Mayor
of Clarkston in 138 years,” stated
Burks. “The greatest asset of
Clarkston is our people, and I am
thrilled to represent all Clarkston
residents. I hope winning the
position of Mayor gives inspiration
to our community that anything is
possible.”
The special election is
scheduled for Nov. 3 and the vacated
term concludes Dec. 31, 2021.
SEE CHESS ON PAGE 16
LOCAL THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 14

FACES OF COVID-19
Comic book store adjusts to new realities as virus continues
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
Tucker business owner
Chris Brennaman met a
friend for a drink in March.
He was surprised when the
friend remarked, “I guess
this is the last time we’ll get
to do this for a while.”
“I didn’t know what
he was talking about. I had
heard about the COVID-19
pandemic, but I thought that
was happening mostly in
other places. I had no idea
it would affect me or my
business,” he recalled. Soon
after, however, Brennaman,
one of the owners of Infinite
Realities, a comic book and
game store in Tucker, had to
close his business because of
COVID-19.
“Normally people,
many of them regulars,
come at least once a week
to see what’s new. The place
can get fairly crowded. I
realized we could put in
social distancing protocols
almost immediately, but we
wanted to do it right. We
didn’t want to risk anyone’s
health,” said Brennaman,
who owns the store with two
partners, all of them self-
described as “comic nerds.”
After Infinite Realities
closed in March for in-store
Gray Whitten observes COVID-19 protocols as he checks merchandise at
Infinite Realities. Photo provided
shopping, customers could
still come by for curbside
pickup. “In a way, the
pandemic spurred an interest
in the kinds of things we
sell. People were staying
home more, so reading or
playing board games became
more popular,” he noted.
In addition to not
wanting the usual cadre of
customers browsing the
store in too close proximity
to one another, Brennaman
and his partners had another
problem: New stock was not
coming in. “We normally
have new comics and games
coming in every Wednesday
and regulars come to check
them out,” he explained,
“but during the pandemic a
lot of comic book publishers
and game manufactures
shut down. These weren’t
essential businesses, so they
had to close down. With a
break in the supply chain,
the shelves were bare within
a month.”
The shop opened
initially in late 2018, selling
new and used comic books
along with other recreational
items. “Things had been
going well. With a store
like ours that caters to a
specialized clientele, you
have to wait until the word
gets out to comic book fans.
The word spread pretty
quickly about us. Our first-
year projections looked
good,” Brennaman recalled.
He said he knew when
he and his partners first
considered a comic book
store it was a risky venture.
“When we met over dinner
to discuss it, we knew one
was there to talk us out
of ‘this crazy idea.’” By
the end of the evening, all
the partners agree to open
Infinite Realities.
He said he and his
partners were aware that
few new businesses are
profitable in the first year
“so we were prepared for
the possibility that we would
have to operate for a year,
even a few years, before
we started to make money.
Some businesses take as
long as five years to become
profitable, but this pandemic
is something none of us
expected. It has basically
thrown all small business
owners for a loop no matter
what business they’re in.
I have friends who have
closed their businesses
permanently through no
fault of their own. They
did everything right from
a business perspective, but
this pandemic was too much
for them. Frankly, a lot of it
has been a matter of luck,”
Brennaman said.
He said the business
is slowly starting to pick
up as the store’s suppliers
are again offering new
merchandise. In mid-June
the store reopened in a
limited way. Hours have
been cut, customers and staff
are required to wear masks
and the number of customers
who can be in the store at
one time is limited.
Brennaman said he
misses the comic book
conventions and other
gatherings of those who
share the hobby but
realizes those are on hold
for a while. The store has
increased its online presence
with such programs as Q &A
sessions for comic lovers.
“This is more to keep us in
people’s minds while the
store is not in full operation.
We don’t want people to
forget us.”
Brenaman isn’t certain
when Infinite Realities will
be in full operation again, “I
don’t know. I’m not a public
health expert. I’m an expert
in when Superman comics
debuted. I’ll leave it to the
public health experts to say
when we can safely return to
normal,” he said.

ASPIRATIONS Continued From Page 1

games,” said Sprull. “We ended up winning the
game, but it was kind of bittersweet because we
didn’t know what would happen next.”
Sprull will be playing college baseball at
Tougaloo College, and his Decatur High School
teammate Jordan Walker was drafted 21st overall
in the 2020 MLB Draft. But Sprull said his Decatur
team didn’t get a shot at their season goal, and not
every baseball player in the county had next level
guarantees like Decatur’s team.
According to Head Coach Robby Gilbert, the
senior class of 2020 helped turn around Decatur’s
baseball program.
Gilbert said the 2020 seniors brought Decatur
High School three region championships in a
row, broke DeKalb County scoring records and
helped Decatur High School win its first region
championship in 66 years.
Sprull said he and the senior class missed
out on accolades for their hard work, and the
possibility of reaching a goal that seniors won’t get
another chance at—a state championship.
“After we lost in the Final Four last year,
it was acknowledged that we have one goal: To
advance past that Final Four and win state,” said
Sprull. “That was for us personally, we knew the
program would continue to be great.”
Before their season ended, Decatur players
were using the hashtag “#RingChasing.”
“It hurt,” said Sprull. “I don’t know how to
describe it. The seniors, we’d been together since
[sixth or seventh] grade. This was the year we’d
been talking about since eighth grade.”
Sprull said having a close relationship to his
teammates helped him cope.
“There isn’t anyone else I would have rather
gone through it with,” said Sprull. “They were
some of my best friends and some of the best
baseball players I’ll ever play with. There was no
judgment about how anyone was feeling. We knew
all of our teammates were there for us.”
He said Decatur’s next level promises also
helped the team cope with the cancelation of the
season. Of Decatur’s 10 seniors, Sprull said, eight
are going to play college baseball, one will play
college football and the other could play college
baseball but chose not to.”
“This will be something that sticks with us
for the rest of our lives, but baseball isn’t over,”
said Sprull. “This will be something we get back
together and forever keep us bonded knowing we
did this together.”
Most of Decatur’s seniors signed college
scholarships, but the COVID cancelations were the
end of many seniors’ careers in DeKalb County
and throughout the country.
“We still played our travel season this summer,
BUSINESS
Aviation company see ups and downs during pandemic
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
Almost exactly three
years after opening its
Atlanta service at DeKalb
Peachtree Airport (PDK) in
March 2017, Ultimate Air
Shuttle shut down its Atlanta
business along with its other
operations in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“We made the decision
to go idle on March 16,
about two weeks ahead of
many other air operations,”
said Rick Pawlak,
senior vice president and
spokesperson for Cincinnati-
based Ultimate Air Shuttle,
which offers public charter
flights that operate on a
published schedule with
seats sold to the general
public in accordance
with Department of
Transportation regulations.
The shutdown was
intended as a short-term
measure to prevent spread of
the virus, Pawlak explained.
“We were optimistic in
June, but then cases of the
pandemic continued to
mount nationally, and we
cautiously begin phasing in
a reopening in July.”
Ultimate Air, which
in normal times combines
features of commercial and
charter air service,” restarted
its Atlanta operation in
August but a month later
discontinued its shuttle
operations. “Companies had
stopped sending employees
on business trips and that’s
where most of our shuttle
business was coming from.
We were getting single-digit
passenger loads; that just
wasn’t working for us,”
he explained, noting that
Ultimate’s last shuttle flight
from Atlanta was Sept. 24.
Ultimate Air for the
time being has returned to
its original 1984 business
model as a charter service
catering primarily to
corporations and sports
teams. Despite the
pandemic, the charter side
of the business, performed
by its Ultimate JetCharters,
LLC., branch, is thriving,
according to Pawlak.
“Many colleges are
discovering that we are a
safer and more efficient
way to move sports teams
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 15
from one city to another,” work through the details
Pawlak said. “We’ve carried of these transactions. Our
volleyball teams, basketball charter service is perfect for
teams, and we’re getting that. I fully anticipate that
requests for other sports once this public health crisis
teams.” is over, executives will be
Pawlak said the traveling individually again.
company hasn’t flown any Online meetings just aren’t
sports teams from PDK yet, the same. There’s nothing
but he expects that to change like meeting face to face and
soon. “There are so many shaking hands or bumping
schools in Georgia with elbows—whatever we’ll
active sports programs that be doing then.” Ultimate
we anticipate a lot of teams JetCharters is certified Senior Vice President and spokesman Rick Pawlak says DeKalb
using our charter service by the Federal Aviation Peachtree Airport does a great job for Ultimate Air.
starting in spring 2021, Administration to provide
when many colleges restart charter services with 30-seat
their sports programs.” aircraft. service cities—it flies from company’s planes have 30
Corporate business In 2009, the company a regional airport rather seats, they are classified as
continues to be brisk, than an international one. general aviation and operate
began offering a shuttle
Pawlak said. “While there For its Atlanta operation, under different rules from
service between Cincinnati
are fewer executives and New York City. It Ultimate chose PDK, the those that regulate large
traveling individually, there second busiest airport commercial carriers, Pawlak
later expanded to include
are lots of mergers and Cleveland, Chicago and in Georgia. Because the explained.
acquisitions going on right Charlotte, N.C. In 2017, the
now, which means teams SEE AVIATION ON PAGE 16
air service came to Atlanta,
of executives traveling to where—as at its other
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
OBITUARY
Freight Cluster Plan: Metro South
Community Improvement District
Reneé Sophie Glaubitz, age
93, of River Falls, WI, formerly The Metro South Community Improvement
of Stone Mountain Georgia, died District (CID) is requesting competitive sealed
September 23, 2020. Reneé proposals from qualified Consultants to provide
was born on February 2, 1927, submissions for the Freight Cluster Plan (FCP).
in Mystic Connecticut to Francis
and Hermine (Exner) Kahl. She The successful Consultant shall provide all
grew up in the south graduating services necessary to complete this project.
from Robert E. Fitch Senior High School in Mystic
and received a Bachelor’s degree in Music from
Yale. She was united in marriage to Kurt Glaubitz, PDFs of proposals must be received prior to
on November 26, 1947 and the couple were blessed 6:00 PM local time on October 26,2020 to the
with a son, Mark, and daughter, Ilana. attention of Ms. Felecia Basolo, at Felecia.
Reneé was an accomplished pianist and music Basolo@oneatlas.com. Proposals received after
teacher, she was V.P. of programs for 16 years with the aforementioned time will not be accepted.
Decatur Music Teachers Association. She played
and taught at numerous colleges and universities. A NON-MANDATORY pre-submission meeting
With her husband, the two taught at Earlham College will be held on October 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM
in Richmond IN, Queens College and Johnson C. local time via Zoom. Email Felecia.Basolo@
Smith University both in Charlotte NC. With her oneatlas.com for the log in information.
husband, the two played together in the Charlotte
Symphony.
The couple’s musical talent was often accompanied Payment will be made on a monthly basis for
by Reneé’s great sense of hospitality. Gatherings work performed the previous month.
of musicians and friends, eating and playing music
together are fond memories held by her family. The RFP documents are only available at the
Reneé had a gift for bringing out the best of all those CID website: https://www.metrosouthcid.org/
around her. Whether it was visiting the homebound, projects/expansion/. Individual meetings with
educating her music students, or teaching young staff, President, or Board of Directors regarding
southern girls how to sew without prejudice, Reneé, the RFP will not be available. Deadline for
was a light and beautiful flower to everyone she submission of questions regarding this RFP
encountered.
Reneé is survived by her children; Mark (Beth) is October 12, 2020 at 6:00 PM local time.
Glaubitz of Woodstock, Georgia and Ilana (Gerry) If applicable, all questions, answers, and/or
Benusa of River Falls, Wisconsin, three grandkids; addendum will be posted on the CID website on
John, Christopher, and Kristin. She is preceded by October 19, 2020.
her husband of 60 years, Kurt.
Memorials preferred to the National M.S. Society in The proposal may not be withdrawn for thirty
her name. (30) days after the deadline for submission.
A private family gathering honoring Reneé will be The CID reserves the right to reject any and all
held. Services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral proposals and to waive any technicalities.
Home of Hudson, Wisconsin.
LOCAL THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 16

AVIATION MEMORIAL Continued From Page 1

Continued From Page 15
The sudden onset of the
pandemic was a blow to the
aviation business, affecting
not only those who work
in the industry directly but
auxiliary businesses that
serve the airport, Pawlak
acknowledged. “The good
news is that things are really
picking up in the fourth
quarter of this year. We have
enough business to keep us
fully operational,” he said,
noting that transportation
services such as Ultimate
Air often are an “economic
engine” for the cities they
serve.
Pawlak said he’s
especially excited to see the
Atlanta operation continue
to thrive. “I really like
Atlanta; it’s a great city. I
love working with DeKalb
Peachtree Airport. They do a
great job for us.”
The event featured two song
selections from previously aired
performance, a poem, words of
encouragement from local pastors and
news segments of two local families
speaking on the loss of a family
member who died of the disease.
Andrew White Jr. spoke on a
news segment about the loss of both
of his parents due to COVID-1 – his
mother in April and his father in June.
White explained that his family said
their farewells to his parents during
Facetime.
“That was the insult to the injury
of it all,” White said during the
interview.
Nearly 20 names, some with
pictures, were submitted for the
memorial of DeKalb residents who
lost their lives due to COVID-19. They
are: Derrine Buchanan, Pearson
Collins, Junior Donwell, Henry
Lawrence Fallin, Aron Fulwood Jr.,
Wesley Hill, Jalen Hubbard, Corine
Hughley King, John Wesley Murphy,
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON
AN AMENDMENT TO URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN OF
Arthur Lee Myers, Waymon
Norwood Jr., Bertha Denise Pierce,
LaTonya Rucker, Kenneth Saunders
III, Rushia Stephens, Andre Moses
White, Joyce White, George
Whitfield and Waymon Richardson.
“There are many names and faces
who we do not know or faces we
have not seen. Many families are still
grieving, and we have hope and we
pray that this presentation has offered
a glimpse of hope for you and your
families,” said Demetrius McCoy,
Davis Johnson’s chief of staff and the
event’s emcee. “…As we walk through
this challenging time together...we
grieve with you and we stand with you
because we are One DeKalb together.”
Davis Johnson said the county
plans to host another memorial to
honor additional lives whose families
may not have been able to submit their
loved ones’ names.
The public is encouraged to wear
masks in public, wear gloves, practice
social distancing, wash hands and
avoid large crowds.
“These are the simple ways that
we can continue to keep not only
ourselves safe but also our loved ones
around us,” said Sandra Ford, director
of DeKalb County Board of Health.
U.S. Congressman Hank
Johnson, who is also Davis Johnson’s
husband, appeared during the virtual
memorial from D.C. saying that leaders
must follow science and the advice of
the medical experts, stating aggressive
COVID-19 testing and contact tracing
are part of the solution
“These measures are based on
science and not polices,” he said. “If
we embrace science, we can save lives
and prevent this from happening to
so many families. Though more than
200,000 lives have now been lost
[in the U.S.], the number of people
affected by those deaths cannot be
quantified.”

CHESS
Continued From Page 13
it is on the chess board or
in life.  Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee (the “Council”) will hold a public hearing (the
The classes being of-
fered at no cost to DeKalb
County students have a
value of $1,500, according
to Hudson. “My classes are
unique in teaching the game
while teaching young peo-
ple to believe in themselves
and how to be successful,
productive citizens,” he said.
For more information, visit
www.besomeone.org.
THE CITY OF CHAMBLEE, GEORGIA
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 15th day of October, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the
Chamblee Civic Center, which is located at 3540 Broad Street in Chamblee, Georgia 30341, the
“Hearing”) on an amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the existing urban redevelopment plan
entitled “Urban Redevelopment Plan Chamblee URA 2018” (the “2018 Plan”), as amended by the
“First Amendment to Urban Redevelopment Plan Chamblee URA 2018” (the “First Amendment”).
The 2018 Plan set forth the urban redevelopment areas (the “Areas”), the initial urban
redevelopment project planned for one of the Areas and the process by which additional urban
redevelopment projects will be planned for the remaining Areas. The Areas covered by the
2018 Plan generally include 1) 136 acres along and proximate to Savoy Drive and the frontage
of Interstate 285, 2) 56 acres in the historic downtown center, 3) 139 acres in the area where
Buford Highway and Chamblee Tucker Road intersect, 4) 88 acres along and proximate to Buford
Highway near Dresden Park (“URA 4”), and 5) 124 acres in the Shallowford interchange area and
along and proximate to Johnson Road. Maps of the Areas are available at City Hall.
The First Amendment provided for an urban redevelopment project for URA 4 (the “URA 4
Project”). The general scope of the URA 4 Project was the construction of a public safety building,
including police and a municipal court, a sports complex, and a park. The URA 4 Project was
originally going to be constructed on property located at 4445 Buford Highway NE (formerly known
as the Jim Hearn Golf Center). The Council has determined that a portion of the URA 4 Project
may have to be constructed on property located at 2301 Dresden Drive (known as Dresden Park)
and that changes to the sports complex need to be made, all as more fully set forth in the Second
Amendment.
Any interested person may submit oral or written comments on the Second Amendment at the
Hearing. The 2018 Plan, the First Amendment and the proposed Second Amendment are on file at
City Hall, and a copy may be obtained from the City Clerk.
City of Chamblee, Georgia

SAVE MORE LIVES

#MASKUP
LOCAL
A family is all smiles at a
reunion with their dog Princess
who was missing for three
months.
Finding lost pets just went high tech
BY GALE HORTON GAY
FREELANCE REPORTER
Facial recognition
technology has become a
common security measure
employed by a variety of
law enforcement agencies
and other entities. Now
organizations committed to
animal care and safety are
adopting the technology to
reunite lost pets with their
owners.
LifeLine Animal
Project, which operates
three shelters in DeKalb and
Fulton counties, recently
implemented “Finding
Rover” technology to help
bring lost pets back to their
owners.  rate.
Here’s how the free
service works: a pet owner
who has a lost pet submits
the animal’s photo to Find-
ingRover.com, and the photo
is matched against all stray
dogs and cats at LifeLine’s
shelters. The photo is also
matched against any ani-
mals uploaded as “found”
by community members. If
there are matches, the owner
is notified and can view the
matches.
Karen Hirsch, public
relations director for Life-
Line, said the shelter has
been seeking ways to in-
Mimi came home to Dena Fortner, right, after being missing for three
years.
crease its “return to owner”
“We are looking for
more ways to get animals
home,” said Hirsch, who
helped test the technology
before it was implemented
in early September. She said
it has taken several weeks to
work out kinks in the system
but now it is working well.
Often the technology will
find several animals with
similar appearances to the
lost pet and pet parents can
review the matches to see if
their pet is among them.
Hirsch said initially
she and her colleagues were
unaware of the technology’s
THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 - 7, 2020 • PAGE 17
adapted use.
“It was new for us,” she
said. “What a great idea to
use for dogs and cats.”
 LifeLine also has im-
plemented a lost and found
matchmaking program,
through which LifeLine staff
daily check pets reported
as lost against those in their
shelters. Another new pro-
gram is Lost2Found through
which anyone who has lost or
found a pet can text LOST or
FOUND to 1-833-ATLPETS
to receive text messages from
LifeLine with steps to take.  “We really would love
Ideally, animals can be
returned home in short order.
However, some reunions take
months, even years such as
for Omega Jones and her
dog Cato who escaped from
a local backyard. Lifeline
picked up the animal and
contacted Jones through
microchip information two
years later, Hirsch said. Jones
reportedly screamed and
dropped the phone when she
was called and told Cato was
found.
Three years ago, Dena
Fortner stopped at a local
gas station while moving to
Atlanta and her dog Mimi got
away, said Hirsch. Fortner
kept her microchip contact
information updated and a
few weeks ago was contacted
by Clayton County Animal
Shelter that Mimi was found
as a stray.
Hirsch extolls the bene-
fits of microchips in animals
and recalled one stolen pet
that was found and returned
eight years later thanks to a
microchip.
Last year LifeLine had
an intake of 16,179 animals
of which 8,780 were adopted,
4,052 were transferred to oth-
er rescue partners and 2,276
were reunited with their
owners.
to get all the animals back
home,” she said.
LifeLine was recently
Omega Jones, right, was
reunited with her dog Cato two
years after Cato escaped from a
backyard. Photos provided
selected to be a pilot mem-
ber of the national coalition,
Human Animal Support Ser-
vices, which aims to keep the
human-animal family togeth-
er by providing a range of pet
support services, including
lost pet assistance. According
to LifeLine CEO Rebecca
Guinn, her organization is
delighted to have another
resource to help reunite lost
pets and pet owners.  
 “We now have two
caseworkers at each of our
county shelters providing
lost pet assistance, rehoming
support and help to strug-
gling pet owners. Facial
recognition technology is
a wonderful new tool that
we’re now using in addition
to microchip scanning to
help lost and stray pets return
home quickly,” she said. “We
are excited about facilitating
more reunions and proud to
be the first Finding Rover
open admission shelter to
partner in metro Atlanta.”
Finding Rover works
with more than 600 shelters
in the U.S., has more than
700,000 pets in its database
and has reunited 18,000 pets
with their families so far, ac-
cording to a press release.