FreePress 4-24-15

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

1/20

by Ashley Oglesby [email protected]

Patricia Pusha, 60, a DeKalbCounty teacher, was killedon April 20 after a large oak

ree fell on her house on OakcliffRoad at around 2 a.m. The rearof the home collapsed from thempact.

The Atlanta Fire Departmentused a crane to remove the tree sohey could safely get inside.

Assistant Fire Chief ChrisWessels said Pusha was sleepingon a recliner when she was struck.Police said her brother was insidehe home when the tree fell but

was uninjured.

Pusha was a science teacher atRonald E. McNair Middle Schoolfor 10 years.

championnewspaper championnewspaper champnewschampionnews

thechampionnewspaper.com

FRIDAY, ApRIl 24, 2015 • VOl. 18, NO. 4 • FREE

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

F REE P RESS

See House on page 15A

Teacher killed after tree collapses on home

Creative writingstudents to be published

Business ........................14A

Education .....................17A

Sports...................... 18-19A

Opinion ...........................5A

Classified .......................16A

QUICK FINDER

lOcAl, 2A spORts, 18AlOcAl, 8A

BUSINESS SIMMER

AND SIZZLE AT

SHARED KITCHENS

DUNWOODY SWEEPS

COUNTY GOLF

CHAMPIONSHIPS

FAMILY OF MAN

KILLED BY POLICE

MEETS WITH DA

Principal Ronald Mitchell holds press conference regarding Pusha’s role at McNair MiddleSchool.

Pusha

by Ashley [email protected]

DeKalb County studentsGeneva Cook ,MeaRasae Homer and

Corder Ward from the EastDeKalb Boys & Girls Club’sMarel Brown Creative WritingPrograms will be included in theclub’s annual collection of poetryand creative writing entitled the Marel Brown Anthology.

Homer, a senior at ArabiaMountain High School, said the biggest challenge she has facesin her writing is determining if people will relate to what she hasto say.

Homer said throughcontinuous writing, she “figuredout that a lot of what I gothrough is what other people aregoing through as well.

“It makes me feel like I amnot alone. Just to know that mymessage got across to someoneelse makes me feel like what Iwrote actually matters,” she said.

Cook, also a senior atArabia Mountain High School,said her work with the Boys &Girls Club East DeKalb makes

her feel that she’s accomplished

a lot–especially with writing,reading and self-expression. “I feel that poetry has given

many people outlets on certainways to channel the things thatthey go through and also thingsthat they may just feel the needto write down,” said Cook.

She added, “Alwaysremember that if you feel sometype of way and you don’tnecessarily want to talk toanyone about it… take a napkin,scribble something down and burn it.”

For this year’s competition,Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroAtlanta received more than 450entries from more than 20 clubsacross the city.

Program Director of theEast DeKalb Boys & Girls ClubPatricia Jackson said, “Thewriting program is a vehiclefor them to write their poems,submit them and get them published,” Jackson said. “Ithelps kids write well, improvetheir communication skills andexpress themselves.”

A panel of authors, poetsand teachers reviewed thesubmissions and selected authors

to be featured in the book.

East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club students Corder Ward and MeaRasae Homer will haveheir poetry printed in the Marel Brown Anthology, a poetry and short story book estab-shed in 1984.

East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club, formerly known as the Redan Girls Club, serves theRedan community. The club began in a small house in 1978. In 1990 the Girls Club ofMetro Atlanta merged with Boys Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Photos by Ashley Oglesby

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

2/20

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

3/20

The Champion Free Press, Friday, April 24, 2015 Page 3ALOCAL

Assistant police chief retires after 28 yearsby Andrew [email protected]

One of DeKalb County’s topcops has retired.

On April 14, DeKalb Countyeaders recognized Assistant DeKalb

County Police Chief Dale Holmes forhis 28 years of service with a procla-mation during the Board of Commis-ioners meeting.

Commissioner Stan Watson said,“Our assistant chief has been a greatriend to…all the districts in DeKalb

County.”

Holmes is a “dedicated man”who rose through the ranks and al-ways showed professionalism, Wat-on said.

“People forget that our people inblue—both men and woman—leavehome sometimes and…might notmake it home,” Watson said. “Weappreciate him for his devotion toervice, for his longstanding profes-ionalism and his attention of de-ail…as a man in blue.”

According to the county’s proc-lamation, “Since 1987 Dale Holmeshas been one of…DeKalb’s finest,dedicating his life to ensuring we…are safe and can sleep soundly atnight, move about in our commu-nity as we please, knowing that heis committed to being one of ourguardians of the gates.”

Holmes was “not only recog-nized internally for his service, butwith due diligence and perseverancetransitioned from the street patrol todirecting and leading law enforce-ment personnel, and eventually ex-

ecutive management,” the proclama-tion stated.An “important and lasting

mark” of Holmes is Marquel’spledge, a campaign to end celebra-tory gunfire initiated following thedeath of a 4-year-old boy in 2010.

“Because of his convictionthousands of people and businessescommit to support efforts to reducecelebratory gunfire,” the proclama-tion stated.

Holmes also has volunteered“countless hours to educating, im-proving the quality of life, advocat-ing, mentoring men, colleagues andyouth,” the proclamation stated.

His “unparalleled contributionsand sacrifices… [have] contributedto the greater community,” accord-ing to the proclamation.

“It’s not about me,” Holmes saidabout the recognition. “It’s about theservice to mankind and to my com-munity.

“When I think about ‘it’s notabout me,’ I think about the young

rookie officers [who] are on thestreets at this time during a crisissituation in America and in theworld as far as law enforcement,”Holmes said.

“It’s about that veteran who’sbeen on the street for 30 years, andcouldn’t rise to the level of assistantchief and he wears 15 pounds ofequipment…and 30 years later he’shaving back problems,” Holmes said.

“I stand for the blue,” Holmes

said. “I stand for the black or what-ever uniform you wear because Iknow in my heart these people goout every day to do what is right.

“We have a number of 21-year-olds that I can’t even perceive thelook in their eyes as they check thebuilding behind your home at threein the morning alone,” Holmes said.

“When you protest, which isyour right, … protest for the rightreasons and not to step on my fellowofficers,” he said.

Holmes said residents can sup-port the police department by work-

ing to reduce officers’ hours andincrease their salaries.“When we talk about pay, people

come forward all the time and [ask]me, ‘How did you do this for 28years? How do you live on that sal-ary?’ Holmes said. “My response,what are you doing about it?

“Stand for the right reasons,”Holmes said. “Let’s be people of ac-tion in DeKalb County. DeKalb is agood county.”

DeKalb ofcials recognize assistant police chief Dale Holmes’ 28 years of service. Photos provided

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

4/20

The Champion Free Press, Friday, April 24, 2015 Page 4AOPINION

@AndrewChampNews

Andrew [email protected]

Managing Editor

DeKalb’s Chris Morris: someone who caresIt took our years and

her pending retirement, butChris Morris finally madegood on a promise to grantme an interview.

Afer 38 years with the

county, Morris, the directoro the human and commu-nity development depart-ment, is retiring April 30.

Perhaps the interviewwas a long time coming be-cause she has been incred-bly busy administering the

county’s Community De-velopment Block Grant pro-gram which has a primaryobjective o developing vi-able urban communities.

Although she wouldn’tell me her avorite projects

during her tenure, i youdrive across the county,her legacy is everywhere—Avondale Fire Station,DeKalb Atlanta Senior Cen-er, Porter Sanord Perorm-ng Arts and Community

Center, South Police Pre-cinct, Milam Park, Memori-al Drive streetscape, DecaturCooperative Ministry, andMarcus Jewish CommunityCenter o Atlanta. Te list isseemingly endless.

Noel Khalil, CEO o Co-lumbia Residential, praisedMorris April 1 at the officialopening o Columbia SeniorResidences at Forrest Hills,an 80-unit senior living de-

velopment.“Tere’s a very special

person in my heart andthat’s Chris Morris,” Khalilsaid. “wenty-our yearsago I had just come out o

the recession o ’89 and wasbroke and was starting overagain and needed an oppor-tunity.

“I had pulled together$15,000 and came knock-ing on the door at DeKalbCounty,” he said. “ChrisMorris opened the door andwas receptive and had herear open to listen.”

Tat open door led to thesenior development on Co-lumbia Drive in Decatur.

“I have to remind hersometimes what she does,”Khalil said. “You touchpeople. You have improvedthe quality o lie. Peoplecome into this kind o envi-ronment and many o themhave not had this quality lie.

“You do good work andyou’re very loved, and we’regoing to miss you so much,”Khalil said.

At the same event,DeKalb County Com-

missioner Larry Johnsondescribed Morris as “some-body [who] cares, [who]goes to the ends o the Earthor not only our seniors butor all o the projects thatmake a difference in com-munity development inDeKalb.

“I will miss that lady,”Johnson said, “becausethere’s not too many peoplethat get it. She gets it. Sheeats and sleeps this stuff. Shecares.”

In April 2012, duringthe introduction o DeKalbSustainable NeighborhoodsInitiative, a pilot program tooster a collaborative, com-munity-based approach toimproving the quality o lie

in DeKalb neighborhoods,Morris asked questions thatguided her 38-year career.

“Why aren’t these neigh-borhoods revitalized?”Morris asked. “Why don’t

we have stronger neigh-borhoods everywhere inDeKalb County?

“When you drive throughour neighborhoods, doyou see strong, sustainableneighborhoods consistentlyall over DeKalb County?”Morris asked. “I am hopingeveryone realizes we needto do something a little di-erently in order to havea greater impact with ourneighborhoods.”

And that’s what Mor-ris has done: impacted ourneighborhoods and lives.

Tanks, Chris.

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

5/20

OPINIONThe Champion Free Press, Friday, April 24, 2015 Page 5A

le Us Know Wha You think!

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encour-ages opinions from its readers. Pleasewrite to us and express your views. Lettersshould be brief, typewritten and containthe writer’s name, address and telephonenumber for verification. All letters will beconsidered for publication.

Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P.

O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send emailto [email protected] • FAX To: (404)370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 . Deadline for newsreleases and advertising: Thursday, one week priorto publication date.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by colum-nists and contributing editors do not necessarilyreect the opinions of the editor or publishers. ThePublisher reserves the right to reject or cancel anyadvertisement at any time. The Publisher is notresponsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

Publisher: John Hewi Chief Financial Ocer:Dr. Ear D. GennManaging Editor:Andrew cauhenProduction Manager:Kemesha Hunt Photographer:travis HudgonsSta Reporters:cara parker, Ashey Ogesby

The Champion Free Press is publishedeach Friday by ACE III Communications,Inc., • 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur,

GA. 30030 • Phone (404) 373-7779.

www.hamionnewsaer.om

DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110

F REE P RESS

STATEMENT FROM THE

PUBLISHERWe sinerey areiae hedisussion surrounding his and anyissue of ineres o DeKab couny.The Champion was founded in 1991exressy o rovide a forum fordisourse for a ommuniy residenson a sides of an issue. We have nodesire o make he news ony oreor news and oinions o effe

a more eduaed iizenry ha wiuimaey move our ommuniyforward. We are hay o resenideas for disussion; however,we make every effor o avoidrining informaion submied ous ha is known o be fase and/orassumions enned as fa.

ONE MAN’S OPINION

“For the families enduringeparation and patients suf-

fering pain, the wait is finallyover. I applaud the effortsof the Department of PublicHealth and the Georgia Com-posite Medical Board to seehat this legislation is imple-

mented safely and in a timelymanner. Now, Georgia chil-dren and their families mayeturn home while continuingo receive much-needed care,”

proclaimed Georgia Gov.Nathan Deal during theApril 16 bill signing o theHaleigh’s Hope Act.

Moments o tearul joyand jubilation have become

omewhat rare sights underGeorgia’s Gold Dome, buthe north Rotunda was illed

with both on April 16, and ithad nothing to do with theax code.

Gov. Nathan Deal, sur-ounded by a crowd o a ew

hundred, emotionally signedGeorgia House Bill 1, theHaleigh’s Hope Act” namedor 5-year-old Haleigh Cox

and ast-tracked into law tomake available medicinalcannabis oil to aid the sei-zures and other pain anduering o eight chronic

and sometimes atal medicalconditions or an estimated500,000 Georgians.

he governor tearedup, his voice quivered, andhough he didn’t share onhat day, he acknowledged

during the last campaignseason, that one o his owngrandchildren also sueredrom debilitating pain and

seizures.Georgia now joins agrowing patchwork o stateseither decriminalizing can-nabis oil, or the medicinaluse o marijuana.

Unortunately, prevailingederal law still prohibits theinterstate transer o both,and there is no supply chainor legal cultivation insideGeorgia’s borders as yet.

At times it appeared thislaw would again become acasualty o political wararebetween the State Houseand Senate chambers, asdistinctly dierent versionso the bill emerged, with theSenate version originallyonly considering treatmentor seizure disorders and pa-tients 18 and younger.

Among the original sur-

prise proponents o the lawwas its sponsor, State Rep.Allen Peake (R-District141) o Macon. Peake hasserved in the GOP Caucusleadership as secretary/trea-surer, and when originallyasked close to two yearsago about the chances omedicinal marijuana beingallowed in Georgia, he wasskeptical. But then, he metHaleigh Cox, her mother,amily, and others sueringrom near constant pain andseizures. He learned abouttheir most signiicant sourceo relie, and the skepticquickly became a true be-liever.

Surrounding the usualclump o elected leadershipwere dozens o amilies andespecially children, manysporting -shirts proclaim-ing simply, “I am HB 1.”

he law will help suer-ing children and adults witha treatment option and mo-dality already working orthousands elsewhere. It willallow the reunion and returnto Georgia o amilies splitbetween job and housinglocations and sae states orreceipt o cannabis oil treat-ment. his act is about com-passion and ending sueringand not about taxation, po-tential revenues rom mari-

juana cultivation and sale orabout decriminalizing recre-ational use.

Peake acknowledges that

there is signiicant workto be done, and that whilesome amilies will begintheir return home, otherswill await cultivation inGeorgia, or changes in theoverarching ederal law. hisis not out o ear, but insteadacing the reality that i ar-rested they would not beavailable as bread winners orcaregivers or their children.

Cannabis oil is most typi-cally ingested in ood, or in-

jected, not smoked, and thelaw limits the CH strengthlevel to 5 percent. his isthe chemical in the hempplant which can ultimatelyprovide the high. his too

was a major sticking pointamong some law enorce-ment leaders, amid concernsabout a slippery slope.

Peake may ace chal-lenges in the 2016 GOPPrimary rom within hisown party, though it appearshe is rightully a leadingcandidate on the short listto succeed House MajorityLeader Larry O’Neal, who isleaving his post or a lucra-tive judgeship atop Georgia’snew tax court.

Georgia’s GOP, despitesuper majorities in both leg-islative chambers and mosto the state’s Constitutionaloices, still has a supportbase which in many placesis miles wide yet inchesdeep. In Peake the partywould do well to support

Bill Crane

[email protected]

Columnist

Now there’s a Peake performanceand promote someone whois willing to ight or andsupport the right causes,and not simply causes to theright.

Bill Crane also serves as a political analyst and commen-tator for Channel 2’s ActionNews, WSB-AM News/Talk750 and now 95.5 FM, as wellas a columnist for

The Cham-pion, Champion Free Pressand Georgia Trend. Crane isa DeKalb native and businessowner, living in Scottdale. Youcan reach him or commenton a column at bill.csicrane@ gmail.com.

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

6/20

Page 6A The Champion Free Press, Friday, April 24, 2015

LOCAL

by Carla [email protected]

It has been nearly five years sinceMARTA closed most of its rail sta-ion restrooms, and Southern Chris-ian Leadership Conference DeKalbhapter president Nathan Knights continuing his charge to reopenhem.

Knight has been rallying andprotesting to get MARTA to reopenestrooms that closed in 2010 due to

budget cuts.“In DeKalb County, 1 percent

of tax dollars goes to MARTA, butMARTA does not represent DeKalbCounty when it comes to openingestrooms and making the 100,000

men and women who uses the vet-

erans facilities on Clairmont Road,”Knight said. “The children, the par-ents, the grandparents, the elderlyand the handicaped—all of thosepeople come through the rail systemand the bus system of MARTA, butyet they can’t get to the hospitals, thecan’t get to Grady Hospital, they can’tget to Children’s Hospital and EmoryUniversity after leaving home fromthat great trip and being able to usethe restroom.”

MARTA closed 29 restrooms in2010, leaving nine open, includingrestrooms at the Doraville Station.

Remy Saintil, MARTA’s director offacilities maintenance, said there are13 open restrooms throughout thesystem.

“[MARTA] is now putting to-

gether a Request for Proposal (RFP)to convert 11 restrooms of the 13open restrooms to the SMART tech-nology—this is minus the restroomsat Lindbergh and Five Points,” Saintilsaid.

MARTA revealed the pilotSMART restrooms at the Lindberghstation in December. The restroomsare automatic, allowing a person topress a button to enter.

With restrooms automatic,MARTA officials will be automati-cally notified if the toilet paper isreduced so it can be refilled. When

Knight questioned MARTA CEOand General Manager Keith Parker about the restrooms during the

After graduating fromAgnes Scott College, OliviaGreene of Decatur wantedo be a part of a group ofike-minded women who

enjoy serving the commu-nity.

She found those womenn the Junior League of

DeKalb County, Inc.“I enjoy working with

motivated, intelligent andike-minded women who

have a passion for commu-nity involvement and forempowering those aroundhem,” Green said. “Theunior League of DeKalb

County, which is celebrating80 years of service, allowsme to be connected with

such women thus giving mean opportunity to grow andto support the communitythat I now call home.”

According to its website,the Junior League of DeKalb

County is an organizationof women “committed topromoting voluntarism,developing the potentialof women, and improvingcommunities through the ef-fective action and leadershipof trained volunteers. Itspurpose is exclusively educa-tional and charitable.”

The organization hasmore than 300 women in-

volved.Greene has been vol-

unteering with the JuniorLeague of DeKalb for threeyears. Greene currentlyserves as chairwoman of theleague’s annual spring fund-raiser and Tour of Kitchens,and she will serve as vice

president of fund devel-opment in the 2015-2016“league year.”

During her time withthe league, she has workedwith some of its communitypartners, including DeKalbMedical, Partners in Actionfor Healthy Living Inc. andTea Cup Girls Inc.

“I have also enjoyedworking with the leaguesponsored Kids in theKitchen activities, whichpromotes healthy living forchildren and families,” shesaid.

Greene said she hopesto work with more DeKalborganizations in the future.She said volunteering has

always been an importantpart of her life.

“[It is] something thatmy parents taught me ata very early age,” she said.“Historically volunteershave helped make dramaticchanges and improvementswithin their communities.On a daily basis in my workat Literacy Action Inc., I seethe benefit of volunteers.Our volunteers not only sup-port the organization, butmake an enormous impacton the lives of our students.I hope to always to be able togive back to my communitythrough volunteering.”

If you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future Champion of the Week, please contact Andrew Cauthenat [email protected] or at (404) 373-7779, ext. 117.

OLIVIA GREENE

See MARTA on page 9A

Former commissioner’s chief of staffindicted for theft, false statement charges Lithonia

awarded EPAsub-grant for

Lithonia Plaza

Lithonia has been awarded asub-grant of $184,400 by the De-

velopment Authority of DeKalbCounty (DADC) to remediate theasbestos in the city-owned portionof the Lithonia Plaza.

The sub-grant is fundedthrough a grant DeKalb Countyreceived from the EnvironmentalProtection Agency for brownfieldscleanup. Mayor Deborah A. Jack-son thanked the DADC board forits support for Lithonia’s project.

“It has been a journey to reachthis point, and I am glad that thedevelopment authority was able to

work with us through the process,”Jackson said. “The remediation ofthe asbestos is a concrete step to-ward the demolition and redevel-opment of the Lithonia Plaza.”

DeKalb County initially re-ceived the brownfields grantthrough its Office of EconomicDevelopment and later mergedthe office with the developmentauthority.

The Brownfields RevolvingLoan Fund will provide low-inter-est loans to eligible projects and isable to provide sub-grants to localgovernments. The remediationwork will begin after the 30-day

notice to the public period hasexpired.

by Andrew [email protected]

Former DeKalb County Com-missioner Elaine Boy-er’s chief of staff wasndicted by a DeKalb

County grand juryon six counts of theftby taking and threecounts of making falsetatements.

Robert Lundsten,who no longer worksfor DeKalb County,ied about expenses to

Kroger and UPS, ac-cording to the indictment.

“Any time there are suspectedncidents where tax dollars have

possibly been misappropriated orabused is an issue for my ofce,”said DeKalb County District Attor-ney Robert James. “We take mat-

ters of alleged public cor-ruption very seriously andwill continue our work in

bringing justice to thosewho abuse and illegallymisuse money from thetaxpayers of DeKalbCounty.”

According to the in-dictment, the thefts oc-curred between October2013 and January 2014.

The indictment statedLundsten in September 2014turned in a Kroger grocery storereceipt “containing the false state-

ment that the purchases were forofce drinks and supplies” whileknowing the statement was “falseand fraudulent.”

Additionally, Lundsten alleg-edly falsely stated on receipts that purchases at a UPS store were for

ofce shipping.In April 2014, an ethics com-

plaint led against Lundsten ac-cused him of a pattern of abusinghis county purchasing cards, calledP-cards, for personal purchases.

Boyer, who pleaded guilty lastyear to federal charges of mailfraud conspiracy and wire fraud,was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

DeKalb SCLC president wants more MARTA restrooms opened

Lundsten

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

7/20


Atlanta

Star Trek, sci-fi fans to transport to DeKalb

Treklanta 2015(formerly TrekTrax Atlanta) willbe held from 8 a.m. April 24 until 5 p.m. April 26 athe Atlanta Marriott Century Center, 2000 Century

Blvd., Atlanta.Hosted by the USS Republic NCC-1371,

Treklanta is an annual science fiction conventionbased in Atlanta and dedicated to space opera ingeneral and Star Trek in particular. The event placespecial emphasis on fan-based events, activities,

programming and productions.The first three conventions, held 2011 to 2013,

were devoted exclusively to the Star Trek franchise.

n 2014, the convention expanded its focus to in-clude other space opera franchises such as Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Buck Rogers inhe 25th Century and Babylon 5.

For more information, visit www.trektrax.org.

Senior adults shared living workshop

While The Golden Girls sitcom has been off theair for decades, the lifestyle inspired by the show isa growing national trend. Atlanta-area adults ages50 and older are invited to come learn about sharediving on April 26, 3-5 p.m. at Mimi’s Café, 1221

Ashford Crossing in Atlanta.This free educational event will launch the

Georgia regional affiliate of Golden Girls Network,a company dedicated to helping mature adults findoommates and ease their way into shared living.

Shared living is on the rise nationally as thenumber of baby boomers grows and many strugglewith affordable housing in the wake of the reces-ion. Adults 45 and older comprise 34 percent ofhe region’s population, according to Census data

compiled by the Atlanta Regional Commission.Speakers will include Golden Girls Network

Founder Bonnie Moore, who will discuss how toet up a Golden Girls home, and Georgia Regional

Director Beth Hogan. The agenda will include aquestion and answer session with Moore, whosebook about shared living will be published in a sec-ond edition later this spring.

There is no charge to participate in the work-hop, but registration is recommended. For more

nformation or to register, visit www.goldengirl-network.com/events/group-discussion-shared-

housing.

Avondale Estates

City to host fishing derby

Avondale Estates will host a fishing derby May2, 8:30 a.m. to noon at Lake Avondale. Residentswill compete for the best “catch” of the day, andprizes are awarded for the largest fish caught andhe most fish caught. The youngest and oldest peo-

ple to catch a fish and the top three people in five

age categories also receive awards. For more infor-mation, visit www.avondaleestates.org.

Swim team to host swimming lessons

The Avondale Estates Tidal Waves will hold its firstRipples Pre-Team Swim Lessons May 11, 4-4:30p.m. The lessons cost $35 and run for two weeks onMondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through May20. Mid-level coaches lead the lessons, with headcoach Mandi Bell’s supervision and direction. Thelessons are open to children ages 4 to 6 who havenever been on the team before and are water-safe,but cannot yet swim the required length of the poolon their own. For more information, email VirginiaJames at [email protected].

Brookhaven

City to host Earth Day cleanup

Brookhaven will host its second annualPeachtree Creek Greenway Earth Day CleanupApril 25 at North Fork of Peachtree Creek. Theevent will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. For moreinformation, visit www.northforkconnectors.org.

Clarkston

City to host community festival

The 2015 Clarkston Community 5K Festivalwill be held on April 25th. It begins with a health/exercise/dance workshop and 5K race/walk start-ing at 7-9 a.m, Milam Park, 3867 Norman Road,Clarkston, and will continue where the race ends, atthe Atlanta Area School for the Deaf parking lot, 10a.m.-3 p.m, 890 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston.

The theme is “Educating, Appreciating, andCelebrating Clarkston,” one Georgia’s most diversecommunities. The community is invited to partici-pate and experience the cultural diversity withinClarkston. There will be a Zumba class, perfor-mances, a children’s zone, food trucks, sports activi-ties, and various vendors.

For more information, call 404-292-5686, Ext.239. To sign up for the 5K or to volunteer, visitwww.clarkston5kfestival.org.

DecaturCreative writing, comedy and improv summercamps announced

DeKalb History Center has announced itsschedule of summer camps for 2015.

The first of two camps is a creative writingcamp and workshop designed to teach childrento write creatively and view writing as fun. Led byaward-winning children’s book author Mary AnnRodman, the workshop will teach children to telltheir stories clearly while engaging the audiencewith guided exercises and creative thinking. Camp-ers will use exhibits at the DeKalb History Center

and Decatur square area as inspiration.Session 1 runs June 8-12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; session

2 will be June 29-July 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Both sessionsare for ages 9-14.

The improv and comedy history camp is sched-

uled for July 6-10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for ages 8-14.Campers spend a week at the historic courthouse

playing improvisation games, role playing as his-toric figures, and learning the basics of improv andstagecraft. Campers learn about character develop-ment, voice and diction, storytelling, public speak-ing and performance. Campers will create flash per-formances of some of their favorite characters andwill recreate historical events with a twist.

All camps are $275/week or $250 for DeKalbHistory Center members at the household level.After care is available until 5 p.m.at $10 per day.Advance registration is required. For additional in-formation call (404) 373-1088, ext. 20 or visit www.dekalbhistory.org.

Rock fracturing workshop scheduled

DeKalb County Department of WatershedManagement will host a rock fracturing workshopon Thursday, April 28, 6:30 p.m. at the CommunityAchievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Pkwy., Deca-tur. Attendees will be provided information aboutPhase 2 construction of the Snapfinger AdvancedWastewater Treatment Facility Expansion project.The workshop is free and local participation is en-couraged. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call (404) 684-7031.

Lithonia

DeKalb 100 Black Women to host free

homebuyer seminarOn April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Deca-

tur-DeKalb chapter of the National Coalition of 100Black Women will host “My Sisters Keeper,” a freeseminar focused on economic empowerment.

Attendees will receive information on effectivestrategies to purchase a home, or to keep their resi-dence.

The seminar will be held in the Flock Roomof Stronghold Christian Church, 724 Rock ChapelRoad, Lithonia. RSVP by calling Donna Payne at(706) 250-0353 or via email at [email protected].

Stone MountainFree shredding event announced

Residents are encouraged not place documentsin garbage cans or recycling bins that containpersonal or proprietary information that could beharmful to you if they fell into the wrong hands.

A free document shredding event will be heldApril 24 at Sue Kellogg Library, 925 Leon Avenue,Stone Mountain, from 10 a.m. to noon.

During the event, individuals or businesses arelimited to five boxes per. A box is defined as the sizethat holds 10 reams of letter sized paper. Paper clipsand staples do not have to be removed, but all othertypes of fasteners will not be accepted. Three-ring

binders, hardcover books, newspapers, magazines,plastic objects, metal objects or electronic media arealso not accepted. This service is on a first-come,first-served basis.

AROUNDDEKALB

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

8/20


LOCAL

Family of man killed by police meets with DA by Andrew [email protected]

The family of a man killed by police in De-cember 2014 met with District Attorney Robert James to keep fighting for justice in the case ofKevin Davis.

“It’s important for us that [James] sees the fac-es and the pain that this family is going throughas a result of what we believe is an unjustifiedshooting,” said Mawuli Davis, who is represent-

ng the family. The family requested the meetingafter being notified by the GBI that the investi-gation was complete and that the file had beenturned over to James.

“We felt as though the meeting was positive,”Mawuli Davis said. “DA James had an opportu-nity to hear directly from the family about whattheir concerns were.”

According to police, on Dec. 29, 2014, OfficerJoseph Pitts was dispatched to an apartment on100 Pine Tree Circle at approximately 9 p.m.

Upon hearing yells inside the apartment,police said, Pitts knocked on the door and an-nounced himself as a police officer, police said.When there was no response, Pitts pushed openthe unlocked door and allegedly was charged by apit bull.

Pitts then retreated into the hallway, shot thedog, and then walked back into the apartmentand was approached by Kevin Davis and his girl-friend.

The police officer ordered Kevin Davis todrop the firearm he was carrying, police said.When the man did not follow the command, Pitts,feeling that his life was in danger, shot Kevin Da-vis, according to police.

He was transported to Grady Hospital, whereDeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies eventually tookcustody of Kevin Davis, who was charged withaggravated assault on a police officer. Kevin Davisdied in the hospital.

Delisa Davis, the victim’s sister, said she wasgrateful that James listened to the family.

“I feel like the process is going to be fair,”she said. “I’m ready to move forward. I miss mybrother every day, and I’m just glad [James] wasable to listen to us.

“I think that he heard about Kevin’s character,”

Delisa Davis said. “We talked about what a greatguy he was. He didn’t deserve what they did tohim, and we miss him every day. He didn’t have[a] record. He was a hero. He was trying to savehis girlfriend’s life. He was on the phone with 911waiting for them to come and assist him. He dideverything that he was supposed to do, and still

ends up dead.”Delisa Davis said she hopes the case will shedlight on “these officers killing these innocentpeople,” she said. “My brother didn’t deserve whatthey did to him. He was waiting for help. So Ihope that it will bring awareness to some of thesepolice killings that are going on today. It seemsthey are coming fast and furious. We want justicefor my brother. We want somebody to be heldaccountable for what they did to him, and forkeeping him from us until he died, which was thepainful part.

“Once they shot him, they charged him withaggravated assault and they took him to GradyHospital where they had armed guards at his doorso we weren’t able to…see him,” Delisa Davis said.“They held him from us until he expired.”

Attorney Davis said the family talked to Jamesand members of his staff about the audio record-ing of the 911 call by Kevin Davis, which theGeorgia Bureau of Investigation allowed the fam-ily to hear.

“The 911 tape reaffirms for this family andfor us that Kevin Davis was never given an op-portunity to respond to any command made bythe law enforcement officer regarding droppinga weapon—dropping the weapon that he broughtin defense of his home and of his family,” MawuliDavis said.

“As we listened to the entire tape, it was abun-dantly clear Kevin Davis was not given enoughtime to respond to anything,” Mawuli Davis said.“The shooting of the dog and then his shooting

happened at the most within 30 seconds. Oncethe dog is shot, within 30 seconds you hear thesecond round of shots.”

Mawuli Davis said the family told the DA thatthey “were concerned that the warrant that [po-lice] sought out was actually based on false andmisleading information to the judge.”

“It’s our position that [police] violated theiroath of office by even taking the warrant outwhen Mr. Davis never even pointed the gun,never threatened the officer with the gun, and wasnot given adequate time to respond to any com-mand,” Mawuli Davis said. “We believe even seek-ing the warrant was a violation of law.”

Mawuli Davis said he has reviewed the medi-cal record from Grady Hospital which states that“the dying declaration of Kevin Davis was that thepolice came in shooting.”

“That was what he said to the medical per-sonnel when he was at Grady Hospital,” MawuliDavis said. “When they asked what happened, hesaid, ‘The police bust in shooting. They came inshooting.’

“That’s what he perceived and that’s what webelieve the facts will bear out,” Mawuli Davis said.

“The family will continue demanding justice,”Mawuli Davis said. “The family has been speak-ing out at rallies throughout the state of Georgia.They have supported other families who havefound themselves in a very similar situation.They’ll continue being advocates, not only fortheir brother but for other victims of police shoot-ings and brutality.”

Erik Burton, spokesman for the DA’s office,confirmed the meeting with the Kevin Davis fam-ily. He said it is a standard practice of the DA’s of-fice to review all officer-involved shooting deaths.

elisa Davis (center) said she hopes her brother’s death will shed light on “these ofcers killing innocent people.” Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Delisa Davis’ brother Kevin Davis was killed by a DeKalbPolice ofcer who responded to Kevin Davis’ 911 call.

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

9/20



Communication has be-gun between developers andBrookhaven residents on howo develop 10.3 acres of sur-

face parking lots adjacent tohe Brookhaven/Oglethorpe

MARTA station.The Brookhaven MARTA

Citizens Review Board (CRB)held its first meeting with de-velopers April 15. The boardwas created by the city to bea representative voice of thecitizens of Brookhaven.

There are 14 memberson the board, consisting ofrepresentatives from eachof the four council districts,a mayor’s pick from eachneighborhood surround-ng the MARTA station, and

members of the BrookhavenPeachtree Community Al-iance, Brookhaven Devel-

opment Authority and theBrookhaven Chamber ofCommerce.

Brookhaven City Coun-cilman Bates Mattison, theiaison of the board, said the

MARTA CRB is “intended tobe a two-way communicationtreet to allow our citizenso communicate to the de-

velopers about the charrettereports and what specificconcerns the residents of

Brookhaven have.”“It also allows us as a

MARTA Citizens ReviewBoard to communicate what’sgoing on with this process be-cause in absence of that infor-mation people start to assumethings that may or may not betrue,” Mattison said.

In September 2014,MARTA released a Requestfor Quotes (RFQ) to convertthe surface parking lots atthe Brookhaven/Ogletho-rpe MARTA station into amixed-use, transit-orienteddevelopment. A private devel-oper that MARTA will selectthrough a competitive solici-tation process will implementthe mixed-use developmentand structured parking facili-ties.

Seven qualified develop-

ers had been named after theRFQ closed.

“MARTA has said thatthey will allow the MARTACitizens Review Board tomake recommendationsabout which developers weliked and didn’t like,” Mat-tison said. “I’m not sure ifwe’re going to actually get tothose specifics because we asa board don’t really have anypowers enabled by the city.So, we really want to serve inthat communication process,

and help communicate toMARTA what the citizens aresaying about these differentdevelopments.”

The board discussed withdevelopers the concerns citi-zens had list in charrette re-ports that were established in2013. Concerns in the reportsincluded traffic congestion onPeachtree Road, Peachtree-Dunwoody Road and otherroads in the city, cut-throughtraffic in residential areas, af-fordable housing, greenspace

and more.Mattison said creating a

city center seems to be thetype of development the pub-lic would like to see.

“But the city has takenno official position on that,”he said. “Part of this group’stask is to communicate to themayor and council what thesedevelopers needs the city toweigh in on.

“This is a really big op-portunity for the city to createa cultural heart, a great de-

velopment and it’s importantthat we have dialog betweenthese parties and not justhave the conversation takeplace in a vacuum just be-tween MARTA and the devel-opers,” Mattison added. “I’mexcited about the interactiontoday. It was all very high-

level stuff, but I’m optimistic,as this process keeps goingforward that we’ll have anability to deliver the messageof the local concerns to thesedevelopers and MARTA.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee, Georgia will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at

the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341 at 6:00 p.m. to receive public comments

regarding the following matters:

1. 2015V‐09: Darron Kusman, on behalf of Roma Ventures, LLC requests a stream buffer variance pursuant to

Article XV of Chapter 34 in order to develop a subdivision consisting of 4 single‐family residential lots on 1.4

acres of property zoned Neighborhood Residential ‐1 (NR‐1) located at 3062 Park Lane and 3114 Skyland Drive

being DeKalb County tax parcels 18 278 03 127 and 18 278 03 125 in Chamblee, GA.

2. 2015PUD‐05: Tom Andrews, on behalf of St. Joseph’s Mercy Care Services requests approval of a Planned Unit

Development and a Development of Community Impact as provided in Section 207 of the City of Chamblee Code

of Ordinances, Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance in order to develop a health center and senior housing on a 3.99‐

acre site consisting of DeKalb County tax parcel 18 300 03 007 being at 5134 Peachtree Boulevard in Chamblee,

GA. The subject property is zoned Village Commercial (VC). This case will also be heard at the regular meeting of

the Architectural Design Review Board at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 at the Chamblee City Hall located at 5468

Peachtree Rd.

3. 2015V‐06: G. Douglas Dillard of Pursley Friese Torgrimson, on behalf of Talon DN investments I, LLC, requests

variances from the following provisions of the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Zoning

Ordinance in order to provide for a restaurant with drive‐through service on property consisting of 6.46 acres

zoned Corridor Commercial (CC) at 3979 Buford Highway, being DeKalb County tax parcel 18‐236‐05‐017 in

Chamblee, GA:

Sec. 902.A. that requires a 10‐ft. sidewalk along the frontage of Buford Highway.

Sec. 902.B. that requires a 10 ft. landscape zone planted along the frontage of Buford Highway.

Sec. 902.D.1 that requires street trees planted 50 ft. on center in the landscape zone on the frontage of

Buford Highway.

Sec. 902.D.9 that requires pedestrian streetlights 50 ft. on center in the landscape zone on the frontage of

Buford Highway.

Sec. 908.D. that requires dumpsters shall be placed in the rear yard and may be located five feet from the

property line if the adjoining property is zoned nonresidential and five feet from all applicable buffers if the

adjoining property is zoned residential.

Sec. 1202.E.

that

prohibits

Driveways

between

the

sidewalk

and

a building,

and

shall

be

perpendicular

to

any adjacent street.

Sec. 1203.F. that requires one space per 100 square feet of gross floor area for restaurants.

Sec. 1307.B. that limits one principle building sign on each street frontage with a curb.

Brookhaven MARTA Citizens Review Board holds meeting

Stand Up For Transporta-ion” rally on April 9, Parker

mentioned the SMART rest-ooms.

Knight was not pleasedwith the answer.

“That is not going towork when you have massesof people needing to use theestroom,” he said.

Saintil said MARTA’sResearch and Developmentoffice conducted a surveyof 250 customers when theLindbergh restroom opened.The SMART restroom pilot

was a success,” Saintil said.According to the survey,

more than 75 percent ofustomers strongly agree with

all of the advantages that theSMART restroom offers. Theink, toilet paper dispenser

and soap dispenser are allhands-free, with sensors todetect when someone wouldneed them. Safety is of the

utmost concern inside the re-troom, as well as any part ofhe MARTA system.”

The survey also revealedhat customers feel that the

voice-activated restroom is“more convenient to accessthan finding a station agentto open the regular restroom.Roughly, 75 percent of therespondents stated that theyfelt safer inside the restroomcompared to regular rest-rooms.”

Knight said it is a prob-

lem when 420,000 peopleride the rail system and thereare less than 20 bathroomsopened for them.

“The restrooms needto be opened so the peoplewould not use the areas andthe spaces in and around theMARTA stations and insideof the elevators and in otherplaces,” Knight said. “Thesethings are very harmful to thepeople. These are sanitationconcerns and these are healthconcerns. If MARTA is seri-ous about this issue they donot need to continue to tell

us about one restroom wherethey have an electronic pro-gram to monitor that one re-stroom when 420,000 peoplewho is riding the MARTA rail

MARTA Continued From Page 6A

The Brookhaven MARTA Citizens Review Board discusses ideas for the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA sta-tion. Photo by Carla Parker

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

10/20


LOCAL

Saturday, May 16, 2015 - Courtyard Decatur Downtown/Emory

130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 | Workshop: 10:00 to Noon

Family Reunion Capital of the South

Call 770-492-5000

Pre-registration is required

FREE Family Reunion Planning

Workshop & Showcase

AtlantasDeKalb.com

FREE Customer Service Class Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Discover DeKalb offers FREE CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAININGfor hospitality industry employees. Classes are held at theDiscover DeKalb Conference Room.

1957 Lakeside Pkwy, Suite 510, Tucker, Georgia 30084

404.373.7779TheChampionNewspaper.com.

Enjoymentfor All AgesFind it in ourLifestyle sectionevery week. Get abreakdown of theweek’s events, plusa sneak peek ofwhat’s to come.

by Kathy Mitchell

Terresa Ford said that afew years ago she was able todo no more than was neces-ary to care for her son.

“I was not taking care ofmyself. I had no interests andno activities beyond whatwas absolutely required. Iwas sleeping 12 to 14 hoursa day. I was suffering fromanxiety and having auditoryhallucinations. I really didn’thave a life,” she recalled.Even her doctor expresseddoubt that she would ever beable to function normally.

Ford, now 45, said shetruggled with bipolar disor-

der most of her adult life but

esisted getting help. “I wasn denial. I didn’t want peo-ple to know what I was goinghrough for fear of what they

would think and what mighthappen to me,” she said.

Her life changed dra-matically after she becamenvolved with the DeKalb

County branch of the Na-ional Alliance on Mentalllness (NAMI), an organiza-ion the describes itself asthe nation’s largest grass-oots mental health organi-

zation dedicated to buildingbetter lives for the millionsof Americans affected bymental illness.”

The nonprofit’s websitetates, “What started as amall group of families gath-

ered around a kitchen tablen 1979 has blossomed intohe nation’s leading voice on

mental health. Today, we arean association of hundredsof local affiliates, state orga-nizations and volunteers whowork in your community toaise awareness and provideupport and education that

was not previously available

o those in need.”The organization arrang-es for people with mentalllness and substance abuse

problems to interact withothers facing the same issues.People at NAMI modeled

for me what my life could be.They showed me that I couldbe a fully functioning mem-ber of society,” Ford said.

She explained that noone at NAMI gives instruc-ions or advice. “They tell

you, ‘Here’s what I did whenwas in that situation.’ Ifomething sounds like it

might work for you, you tryt; otherwise you don’t.

“I learned new copingmechanisms, ways to gethrough my symptoms,” she

recalled. Ford, who was re-ferred to the organization byher therapist, said she hadlow expectations when shefirst went to NAMI. “I thinkI had been going for three orfour months before I realizedit was helping—I really wasgetting better.”

Ford also received helpat the Decatur Peer Supportand Wellness Center. “I wasso impressed with what wasgoing on there that I toldthem ‘I want to work here,’”she recalled.

Today, Ford works fulltime as a certified peer spe-cialist, assisting others whoface challenges similar tohers. “I didn’t even know

there was such an occupa-tion and hadn’t dreamed thatI would actually be able tohold down a full-time jobagain,” she said.

Among the areas of herlife that have gotten muchbetter is Ford’s relationshipwith her son, who is now ateenager. “Before I got helpI saw myself as a victimand that really damaged myrelationship with my son.After the pity party ended,he could see me as a strong,motivated person,” she said.

Ford, who has a graduatedegree in fine arts, also againtook an interest in activi-ties she used to enjoy. “I’mpainting again and going toart shows and I’m running.I used to love running. I’mpreparing for a 5-K race andI’m planning to run in thePeachtree Road Race thisyear. I am now as vigilantabout my leisure activities asI am about taking my medi-cation.”

Alisa Porter, programdirector of NAMI DeKalbwho also struggles with

mental health issues, saidNAMI had been “a gamechanger” for her. “Familyand health professionals haveall been very helpful to me,but there’s nothing like thesupport of others who aregoing through what you’regoing through to give youhope.”

Porter said she hopesthe community will comeout in large numbers toNAMI’s vigil May 1 at 7:30p.m. on the Decatur Squarebandstand. “The purposeis to raise awareness in thecommunity and encouragepeople to speak the namesof those who are living withmental illness and thosewho support them. It’s a

Peers guide one anotheron road to recovery

celebration of life. We wantto spread the word that thestruggle for mental healthis nothing to be ashamed ofand there’s nothing to keepthose with mental health is-sues from having a full life.”

Certied Peer Specialist Terresa Ford visits the bandstand at DecaturSquare, which will be the site of the May 1 vigil to support persons withmental health issues.

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

11/20


WEEKPICTURESIn

Photos brought to you by DCTV

23

DCTV Channel 23

@DCTVChannel23

DeKalb County Gov

Ustream.tv/channle/DCTV-Channel-23

VISIT US AT WWW.DCTVChannel23.tv E-mail us at [email protected]

Get your front row seat to all things DeKalb County

through your EMMY Award-winning station

2323

Among the many signs of spring around DeKalb County are the abundance of white and pink dogwoods in bloom. Photos by John Hewitt

School Board members, Superintendent Michael Thurmond, past council presidents, Gladys Cook Scholarship recipients and their families, membership award recipients and DeKalbCounty PTA council board gather on April 16 for a scholarship and awards dinner meeting at Chamblee Charter High School

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

12/20


LOCAL

Decatur offeringpickleball


Pickleball, a racquet sport thatcombines elements of badminton,tennis and table tennis is now in De-catur. Two, three, or four people canplay, and players use solid paddlesmade of wood or composite materi-als to hit a wiffle ball over a net.

Portia Langley , Decatur ActiveLiving program supervisor for Bea-con Municipal Center, is responsiblefor bringing the sport to Decatur.

“I played pickleball in college atFort Valley State University, and itwas so much fun and it really stuck

with me,” Langley said. “It was lowimpact, it wasn’t as strenuous as ten-nis, and a lot more people can play.I’ve always enjoyed pickleball frommy college years.”

Langley said when she was hiredlast year, she saw that there was pick-leball program in the city.

“I wanted to see if people inDecatur would be interested inpickleball and the response was allpositive,” she said. “So, I set it up. Wehave nets through USA PickleballAssociation, and we’re able to play.”

Pickleball will take place at Eb-ster Gym every Wednesday from 4-7p.m. for ages 18 and older.

Photos by Travis Hudgons

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

13/20


New development authority president touts local assets

STONE MOUNTAINVILLAGE CITY-WIDE

YARD SALEFirst Baptist ChurchLawn. Sat., April 25,

8:30 am-3pmSetup begins 7:30 a.m. on

day of sale.For info call City Hall770-498-8984

by Andrew [email protected]

The new president ofhe Development Author-ty of DeKalb County will

provide the “leadership andhe vision that we need as aounty to be proactive, to beompetitive, to implementhe vision that we have in

DeKalb County.”That’s what interim

DeKalb County CEO LeeMay said about Ray Gilley ,president of the develop-ment authority. May intro-duced Gilley to the Lithoniabusiness community at theLithonia Chamber of Com-merce April 15.

“DeKalb County is oneof the best places to live

n this country,” May said.In terms of our assets, our

diversity, the geographicalocation, infrastructure, we

win…but we have to have aplan.

“We’ve written the plannd we’ve got somebody toead it now in the develop-

ment authority and in Ray

Gilley who will now runwith that plan and…makesure DeKalb County and allthe greatness that we have inthe diversity, in the geogra-phy, in the infrastructure…work on our behalf,” Maysaid.

The Florida State Uni- versity graduate served

as president of the MetroOrlando Economic Devel-opment Commission fornearly a decade, leading “ateam of 35 professionalsthat produced 41,000 jobsand $2.69 billion in capitalinvestment,” according to aDeKalb County news releaseby the county.

“Gilley led high-profilecorporate expansions thatincluded the JetBlue Uni-

versity Training Facility atthe Orlando InternationalAirport and the corporate

headquarters for Darden –known for brands such asOlive Garden and LonghornSteakhouse,” the news re-lease stated.

“During Gilley’s ten-ure, Sanford Burnham, arenowned West Coast bio-medical research institute,was recruited to Orlandoto expand their cancer, dia-betes and obesity research.Along with his years ofexperience in economic de-

velopment, Gilley, who hasan extensive background inmarketing and branding,

tourism development andstrategic planning, serves onthe board of the Internation-al Economic DevelopmentCouncil, the University ofCentral Florida Board ofTrustees, and the advisoryboard of BBVA CompassCentral Market, a multi-national Spanish banking

group.”“When I was thinking

about coming to this region,I did some homework andresearch and I quickly real-ized it was one of the crown

jewels of the metro Atlantaregion,” Gilley said.The metro Atlanta area

has many assets, includ-ing “the airport, the vibrantbusiness climate that ishere, the overall positive at-titude of the entire region,all of the collaboration andpartnerships that are takingplace, and all of the won-derful that have happenedhere,” Gilley said. “It’s a plea-sure to be here.”

Gilley said he plans toincrease the staffing thedevelopment authority, and

a name change is being con-sidered.

The development au-thority will find “a moreexciting way to tell our story.We do have a great story,”Gilley said.

The developer of a pro-posed south DeKalb resortaid an independent poly-

graph test proves he had noole in a controversial ethics

board advisory opinion.According to Vaughn

rons, CEO of APD Solu-ions and former chairman

of the Development Author-ty of DeKalb, he passed the

April 9 polygraph test byLancaster Information Ser-vices in Lawrenceville.

“He passed the test,”aid polygraph examiner

Gary Lancaster, in a state-ment. “In my opinion, hewas truthful. He had goodharts. On a scale of 1 to 10,

my comfort level is at 9 or0. He was telling the truth.don’t think any other poly-

graph examiner could comeo any other conclusion.”

In a statement, Ironsaid he took the lie detec-or test to show that he

had nothing to do with thedvisory opinion that heequested in 2009 from the

DeKalb County ethics board

to prove that there was noconflict of interest in do-ing business with DeKalbCounty.

“It’s unfortunate thatbureaucratic inefficiency hascreated this situation,” Ironsstated. “I’m glad that anyonewho questioned my charac-ter now knows the truth.

“As I have always main-tained, I have done nothingwrong and at all times I haveacted within the rules andregulations as it relates to mybusiness and personal activi-ties with the county,” he said.

APD Solutions, a neigh-borhood revitalization firm,is planning to develop a10.15-acre resort that wouldinclude restaurants, “bar-cades,” and 24 furnished

villas.An investigation by the

Atlanta Journal Constitution discovered that Irons soughtadvice from the county’s eth-ics board on whether he, asa member of the Develop-ment Authority of DeKalbCounty, could be a govern-

ment contractor and receiveNeighborhood StabilizationProgram grant funds.

Records obtained by the AJC show that although theethics board never votedon the matter, the county’spurchasing departmentobtained a legal opinion inDecember 2011 stating thatthe ethics board ruled thatIrons could be a governmentcontractor. The documentwas never filed in the countyclerk’s office, had an incor-rect reference number andhad a possibly forged signa-ture, according to the AJC ’sinvestigation.

Former Development Authority chair says polygraph clears him

Ray Gilley, president of the Development Authority of DeKalb County.Photos by Andrew Cauthen

The DeKalb CountyEthics Board confirmed thatit never provided Irons witha copy of the opinion, ac-cording to a news release byIrons.

“First and foremost,Irons has not and did notcommit any ethical or legal

violations,” said DwightThomas, legal counsel forIrons, in a statement. “Thelegal opinion that authorizedAPD Solutions is not a forg-ery and was in fact preparedby the DeKalb ethics boardattorney and signed by thechair of the board of ethics.There is no ‘stamped’ signa-

LEGAL NOTICE

MANUEL J. MALOOF CENTER, 1300 COMMERCE DRIVE, MALOOF AUDITORIUM,

DECATUR, GA 30030-3221

Notice of Public Hearings For Sketch Plat Approval(s)

Notice is hereby given by DeKalb County Board of Commissioners that the hearings on the following

application(s) will be held by the DeKalb County Planning Commissioners in the Auditorium of the Maloo

Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia, on the following date(s): WEDNESDAY 6:30 P.M.,

May 13, 2015

South Howard Street Commission District: 03 Super Districts: 06# P-Plats 19655

15-179-06-024

Application request of Lawton Jordan to subdivide 1.75 into 5 lots under R‐50 (Single‐Family

Residential) Zoning District. The property is located at 219 South Howard Street and has approx.

284.74 feet of frontage.

ture. There is no altered orforged signature. There is nocontrary legal opinion thatwas ever communicated toMr. Irons or APD Solutionsor the DeKalb purchasingdepartment.”

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

14/20

The Champion Free Press, Friday, April 24, 2015 Page 14ABUSINESS

Couple finds sandwichbusiness has right ingredients

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce • Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite, Decatur, GA 30030 • 404.378.8000 • www.dekalbchamber.org

INFLUENTIAL

by Kathy Mitchell

When Gary Birnberg was an undergraduate stu-dent at Georgia Tech hedecided it would be great toopen a sandwich shop nearthe campus. He discussedthe idea with his parents,who advised him to continuefocusing on his studies.

Birnberg completed hisengineering degree, got amaster’s degree in businessfrom Mercer University andlaunched a successful corpo-rate career. Still the idea ofoperating his own business

stayed with him.“I read an article abouta new sandwich restaurantchain headquartered in Dal-las, Texas, and it intriguedme. I went to Texas and talk-ed with the founder. I hadbeen looking at options for along time, but when I cameback from Dallas, I told mywife, ‘This is it. This is whatI want to do.’” The chain wasWhich Wich; it originatedin 2003 and is now an inter-national chain with approxi-mately 350 restaurants.

After convincing hiswife, Melynda, the couplein 2008 became the ownersof the first of eight WhichWich restaurants they wouldopen in the Atlanta area.Among them are ones inBrookhaven and at EmoryPoint. The Emory Point res-taurant in 2012 was amongthe first businesses to openin the mixed-use communitynear Emory University andthe Centers for Disease Con-

trol and Prevention.Birnberg recalled that

he immediately warmed tofounder Jeff Sinelli’s conceptfor his sandwich restaurants.The customer goes to a wallboard of brown bags, onefor each sandwich category,including chicken, turkey,ham, pork, seafood, pro-cessed meats, vegetablesand other options. There’s aspecialty called “the Wicked”that includes five meats andthree cheeses. The customer

marks the bag to indicate thesize sandwich, the type of

bread, topping, spreads andsauces, etc., and writes his orher name on it, then leavesthe counter with a drink ora shake and waits to hear hisor her name called.

“It’s low-tech, but it’shigh-touch,” Birnberg said.“I love that it’s so interactivefor customers. They chooseexactly want they want.Sometimes they scribblecomments or artwork on the

bag. It’s so much fun.” Withthe wide variety of fillings,spreads, toppings, breadsand add-ons, the number ofpossible sandwiches reachesthe billions and includes let-tuce-wrap sandwiches withno bread and “the skinny,” inwhich the middle is scoopedout of the bread, reducingthe sandwich’s calorie countby about 90.

Which Wich, which alsooffers chips, cookies andsalads, does a good deal ofcatering as well, according toBirnberg.

In 2006, Atlanta maga-

zine named Which Wich“best new sandwich shopin Atlanta.” In 2010, Sinellicaught the attention of na-tional media—including TheTonight Show with Jay Leno–when he flew to Atlanta to visit a customer who dislo-cated his jaw trying to biteinto a double-meat Wicked,according to the WhichWich website.

Like Sinelli, the Birn-bergs make themselveshuman sandwich boardsas they move around thecommunity nearly alwayswearing Which Wich shirts.“Sometime people comeup and say, “Oh, I’ve eatenthere; it’s awesome’ andsome ask what is it and that’sa chance to tell our story,”Birnberg said.

The Birnbergs first busi-ness venture together wasa parking lot in downtownAtlanta during the 1996Olympic Games the yearthey married. “We both have

worked at major corpora-tions, but operating our ownbusinesses is the right thingfor us,” Birnberg said.

The Birnbergs said a partof the Which Wich corporatephilosophy that appealed tothem from the start was be-lief in involvement with thecommunity. “We form eventpartnerships with schoolsand nonprofits with a shareof sales going the nonprofit,”Birnberg said. The Birnbergswill be a major sponsor ofthe Special Olympics Sum-mer Games in Atlanta thisyear and are holding Give

Back Day every Monday inApril, when 10 percent ofsales from all of their eightstores will go to support theSpecial Olympics.

When the state SpecialOlympic Games come to theEmory University CampusMay 29-31, the Birnbergswill be on hand to supportthe event with food andmore. “We enjoy interactingwith the athletes,” Birnbergsaid. “Special Olympics issuch a cool organization,”

Special Olympics Inc.was founded in 1968 byEunice Kennedy Shriver,sister of President John F.Kennedy . It is the first andthe only organization to of-fer training and competitionfor people with intellectualdisabilities. In 1970, 500 ath-letes gathered in Atlanta toparticipate in the first-evertrack and field event heldunder the Special OlympicsGeorgia banner.

Barry Stepe, Discover DeKalb’smarketing & communications man-ger, has earned certification as aTravel Marketing Professional”TMP) after completing the three-ear program of the Southeast Tour-sm Society (STS) Marketing College.

Stepe is among 37 new TMPsecognized at the STS spring meetingn Charlotte, N.C. STS Marketing

College started in 1992 and to datehas awarded 879 TMP certifications.

The STS Marketing College is a

professional development programthat for one week each summer turnsthe facilities of North Georgia Col-lege and State University in Dahlone-ga into a laboratory to teach tourismmarketing.

Instructors are working profes-sionals in the travel industry such asconvention and visitors bureau exec-utives, public relations practitioners,sales and marketing consultants andresearch experts.

“There is not another program

like ours in the country; we are theenvy of travel professionals in otherregions,” said Bill Hardman, presi-dent and chief executive officer ofSTS.

Tourism ranks as the first, secondor third-largest industry in the 12STS states that stretch from Virginiato Louisiana. Course topics includespecial event marketing, media rela-tions, tourism advertising, vacationresearch, crisis management, heri-tage tourism and community/rural

tourism. After the classroom work,students also must complete a projectthat relates to their employment.

“Our curriculum is practical.What students learn can be put touse as soon as they get back to theirworkplaces,” Hardman said.

The newest group of TMPs raisedenough to fund 12 scholarships forfuture STS Marketing College stu-dents.

Stepe earns ‘Travel Marketing Professional’ certification

Gary and Melynda Birnberg left corporate jobs to follow their dream ofbecoming business owners. Photo provided

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

15/20


House Continued From Page 1A

DeKalb woman to benefit from medical marijuanaby Ashley Oglesby

[email protected] with sickle cell disease

are among those covered in Geor-gia’s medical marijuana bill. Gov.Nathan Deal signed HB 1, legisla-ion that permits the use of medical

cannabis oil to treat certain medicalconditions, on April 17 at the Geor-gia State Capitol.

Deal signed an executive orderast month instructing state agen-

cies, physicians and law enforce-ment officials to prepare for the law’senactment.

Deal said, “For the families en-during separation and patients suf-

fering pain, the wait is finally over.”He added, “I applaud the efforts

of the Department of Public Healthand the Georgia Composite Medi-cal Board to see that this legisla-ion is implemented safely and in aimely manner. Now, Georgia chil-

dren and their families may return

home while continuing to receivemuch-needed care. Patients such asHaleigh Cox , for whom this bill isnamed, and others suffering fromdebilitating conditions can now re-ceive the treatment they need, in theplace where they belong–Georgia.”

Lillie Tomas, a DeKalb sicklecell advocate, said she and her fam-ily have fought hard for this day–al-most 26 years.

“I’ve been advocating for mydaughter’s disease and trying to getpeople to understand that these kidssuffer so much from sickle cell pain.”

Tomas said her daughter whowas born with sickle cell disease has

been prescribed various drugs sinceshe was three years old.

“With this new cannabis oil mybaby will not have many side effectsfrom the medicine when she goesinto a pain crisis.”

Tomas said the most common

misunderstanding about sickle cell

patients come from the fact that be-cause they do not look sick, peoplebelieve they are well.

“Unlike cancer where the evi-dence is on the outside of the bodyand you can see the changes of achild that has cancer–sickle cell ismore internal.”

She added, “I want to make surethat the people in the sickle cellcommunity get access to this oil andit’s going to be much better than thenarcotics that they’re currently pre-scribed because there are so manyside effects with the medication thatthey’re currently on.”

Forms created by the Georgia

Medical Composite Board may beobtained through the Departmentof Public Health. Once certified bythe appropriate health care provider,patients meeting the law’s criteriawill be provided with documenta-tion allowing for possession of low-

HC cannabis oil. DPH has already

issued temporary cards to seven in-dividuals and anticipates the perma-nent statewide system will be onlinein the coming weeks.

Tomas’ daughter Jessica Smithsaid “this moment means a lot. Mymom is my support. Without herI’m not sure that I would have beenable to make it to the age of 26.”

Smith said, “We’ve been sufferingfor a while. o be able to have a littlehelp with our suffering coming toGeorgia means a lot.”

Smith said the biggest strugglewith advocating for the cannabis oilhas been trying to show others that“our disease is important and it mat-

ters.”“We need help just like any other

people affected by diseases and it’sbeen a long journey but just to beable to get through and have this billsigned means a lot,” Smith said.

McNair Principal RonaldMitchell said Pusha was awonderful educator.

“She cared about the totaltudent, she taught sixth grade

cience, she helped with the scienceclub, she stayed late, she came inearly–she was just an advocate forhe total being.”

He added, “She was very vocal.

She would speak to you, and if youwouldn’t speak, she’d follow you andmake you speak. She’d sit down atlunch and talk to the kids. If shesaw a kid was having a bad day, she’d

sit down and talk with that kid.”he district sent grief counselors

to the school for students and staff.Mitchell described the tone of

her classroom once the students and

teachers were notified of her deathas somber.

“She stood out to the teachers,she helped the new teachers andwas an advocate for all teachers. She

was a big part of the leadership teamso that’s a board that’s going to beimpossible to fill,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said on the Fridaybefore her death Pusha held a

big celebration for her studentsin preparation for the GeorgiaMilestone test.

McNair middle school studentsmade significant improvements to

their math and science scores lastyear and are aiming to continuallyimprove.

Mitchell said Pusha led thatcharge.

Gov. Nathan Deal signing the medical marijuana bill into law. Sickle cell victim Jessica Smith poses with state representative Allen Peake and her mom, sicklecell advocate Lillie Thomas.

Haleigh Cox, for whom the bill is named and her mom were recognized by the governor for their advocacy. Patients affected by epilepsy and other diseases with seizureshowed their support with posters and fyers that read, “Thank you” and “Hope to stop seizures.” Photos by Ashley Oglesby

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

16/20


LOCAL

DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are notbona-de job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on color,religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.

Te Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales final.

RATES: $30.00 for up to 40 words, each additional word $0.60.All ads are prepaid! All Major credit cards accepted!

For Prices, Deadlines and Information

Visit www.championclassieds.com

ClassifiedsTheChampion

Ads Due By Friday - Noonfor next publication date.

AUCTIONS

Upcoming Auctions Antique Gun Auction –200+Live Auction April 18th @ 10AM. Win-chesters, Henry’s, Lamat, Colts, Spence, Hall,Buttereld, Gwynn, Sharps, Springeldandmuch more!Georgia National Fairgrounds401 Larry Walker Pkwy, Perry, GA

Modern Gun Auction – 300+ Live Auc-ion April 25th @ 10AM Ries, Shotguns,

Handguns, ARs, accessories and lots ofammo!107 Oak Valley Drive, Macon, GAOnline Bidding Available! L.W. Benton Com-pany, Inc. 478-744-0027 www.bidderone.com #3215

ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in over 100newspapers for only $350. Your 25-wordclassied ad will reach more than1 millioneaders. Call Jennifer Labon at the Georgia

Newspaper Service, 770-454-6776.

DRIVERS

ATTN: Truck Drivers! Covenant Transport isHIRING! Team & Solo Drivers Needed. No

CDL? We can help! 3wk training avail. CallCareer Trucker today! N. GA 866-494-7434;S. GA 866-557-9244.

B.A.H. Express hiring Local-Regional-OTRClass A drivers. Great pay and benets, paidvacation and holidays. Home Weekly. 12months experience. Apply at www.bahex-press.com. 800-852-6641 ext. 111

Drivers – No Experience? Some of LOTSof experience? Let’s talk! No matter whatstage in your career, its time, call CentralRefrigerated Home. (855) 973-9344. www.CentralTruckDrivingJobs.com

Are you ready to kick-start your new ca-eer? Now Interviewing Accredited Truck

Driving School Graduates (With CDL-A) forour Entry Level Apprentice Program. Musthave good MVR, Work history and Criminalbackground history. Call Chris Blackwell at843-266-3731 to discuss pay and benets.www.bulldoghiway.com EOE

25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become adriver for Stevens Transport! NO EXPERI-ENCE NEEDED! New drivers earn $800+ perweek! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens coversall cost! 1-888-749-2303. Drive4stevens.com

Experienced OTR Flatbed Drivers earn 50 up

to 55cpm loaded. $1000 sign on qualieddrivers. Home most weekends. Call: 843-266-3731 / www.bulldoghiway.com EOE

Drivers: Run FB with WTI. Be home throughthe week and weekends. Start up to 28%plus fuel bonus. New equipment. BCBS. Ex-perience needed. LP available. Call 877-693-

1305.

EDUCATIONAL

TRAINING

AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing,NASA and others – start here with hands ontraining for FAA certication. Financial aidif qualied. Call Aviation Institute of Mainte-nance (866) 564-9634. www.FixJets.com

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Be-come a Medical Ofce Assistant! No Experi-ence Needed! Online training can get you

job ready! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internetneeded! 1-888-407-7162.

WELDING CAREERS – Hands on training for

career opportunities in aviation, automo-tive, manufacturing and more. Financial aidfor qualied students – Job and Housingassistance available. CALL AIM (877) 205-2968.

MISCELLANEOUS

DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT children$125.00. Includes name change and prop-erty settlement agreement. SAVE hundreds.Fast and Easy. Call 1-888-733-7165, 24/7.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397.00 – MAKE &SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cutlumber any dimension. In Stock, ready to

ship! FREE info/DVD: www.NorwoodSaw-mills.com. 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

VACATION

RENTALS

ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY, tomore than 1 million Georgia newspaperreaders. Your 25-word classied ad willappear in over 100 Georgia newspapers foronly $350. Call Jennifer Labon at the Geor-gia Newspaper Service at 770-454-6776 oronline at www.gapress.org/georgianewspa-perservice.html

Get FAA approved hands on Aviaon training.

Financial aid for qualied students – Job placement

assistance. CALL Aviaon Instute of Maintenance

(866) 564-9634www.FixJets.com

AIRLINEMECHANIC

CAREERS

START HERE

ABSOLUTE EQUIPMENT AUCTIONTuesday April 21, 10 AM

3987 Moreland Ave. Conley, GA – Complete Liquidation Auction for

Pro Maintenance Services – NEW and Used tools, welders, shop equipment,

trucks, trailers and forklifts.

Joeymartinauctioneers.com678-673-9194 GA Lic #2627

Hands on training for career opportunies inaviaon, automove, manufacturing and more.

Financial aid for qualied students –Job placement assistance.

CALL AIM

(877) 205-2968

WELDING

CAREERS

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

17/20

The Champion Free Press, Friday, April 24, 2015 PAGE 17AEDUCATION

DeKalb County kicks off recycling programby Ashley Oglesby [email protected]

The DeKalb SanitationDivision, in collaborationwith the county school dis-rict launched its DeKalb

Makes Recycling Simple campaign on April 15 as aneffort to increase recycling.

The signing of the in-ergovernmental agreementook place at the DeKalb

County School District

boardroom and includedperformances by RedanHigh School’s jazz ensembleand marching band.

Commissioners Stan

Watson, Ron Johnson,Larry Johnson and KeepDeKalb Beautiful directorGordon Burkette served asfeatured guest for the event.

The campaign stemsfrom an intergovernmentalagreement recommendedby interim DeKalb CountyCEO Lee May and ap-proved by the Board ofCommissioners on Jan. 13as a contingency for solidwaste management and dis-

posal services to the county’sschools and facilities.

May said, the county is“acknowledging the partner-ship between DeKalb Coun-

ty government and DeKalbCounty schools which iscritical where our sanitationdepartment is concerned.Even though many peopledon’t partake in recyclingit’s a simple effort that reallywould yield great benefits inour lives.”

The program is intendedto increase recycling effortsand recycling education toreduce the amount of wastebeing sent to the county-

owned Seminole RoadLandfill.

Additionally, the sanita-tion department has imple-mented single-stream col-

lection of recyclables andreduced pickup service–forall waste–to once per week.

“That’s major for us tobecause it allows for us tobe more sustainable -- makeour sanitation departmenta lot more efficient and costeffective as well,” May said.

“We have 50 schoolsthat are participating in ourrecycling efforts in DeKalb.Our goal is to increase [theparticipation] from 50 to

139 schools which wouldrepresent over 10,000 class-rooms,” May said.

Public information of-ficer for DeKalb’s sanitation

division Pauline Andreasaid their mission in thecampaign is to “facilitatecost effective, timely, sus-tainable recycling and solidwaste collection and dispos-al services.

She added, “We aredelighted to advance thismission for collaborationwith the school district andencourage communities toengage in the dialogue pro-moting the importance and

benefits of recycling.”

DeKalb Board of Commissioners Presiding Ofcer Larry Johnson and Toney Blackmon, director, Business & Warehousing Services, DeKalb School District, sign the intergovernmentalgreement Photos by Ashley Oglesby

Dancers from Redan High School marching band perform for attendees.Redan High School jazz ensemble performs for guests.

Reverend Dr. William E. FlippinSr. delivers an inspirationalmessage to attendees.

Interim CEO Lee May shareshis vision for the DeKalb MakesRecycling Simple initiative.

Commissioner Stan Watson speakson behalf of the DeKalb Countydistrict 1 commissioner NancyJester regarding the county recy-cling efforts.

DeKalb’s sanitation division publicinformation ofcer Pauline Andreagreets and welcomes guests to thepartnership event.

Keep DeKalb Beautiful director GordonBurkette updates DeKalb students, staffand administration about the schoolrecycling partnership.

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

18/20

The Champion Free Press, Friday, April 24, 2015 Page 18ASPORTS

Dunwoody sweeps county golf championshipsby Mark Brock

Despite the wet condi-tions, the Dunwoody Wildcatsset a county record with ateam score of 300 to capturethe 2015 DeKalb County Boys’Golf Championship April 14at the Sugar Creek Golf Club.

The Wildcats, led by lowmedalist Peter Trask , had fourplayers shoot under 80 on theway to the their seventh con-secutive title, including lastyear’s tie with Arabia Moun-tain.

Trask won low medalisthonors after a two-hole playoffwith Arabia Mountain’s NoahKuranga after the two endedthe day tied at 73.

Kuranga came up just shyof the low medalist honors ashis putt on the first hole of theplayoff rolled to the lip of thecup and stopped just short offalling in for the winning shot.Trask, who had putted fromthe fringe, put in a short puttand the two remained tied af-ter getting a par 4 on the No.1 hole.

Trask took the momen-tum by stroking a long drive

down the middle of the par 5,No. 2 hole to set up his even-tual win as he put his secondshot on the fringe of the green.

Kuranga’s third shot waswell short of the green, buthe would not go easily as heput his fourth shot just shortof the hole to force Trask intogetting up and down with abirdie to be able to win thematch.

Trask’s first putt rolledeven with the hole and Kuran-ga sank his par putt easily.Trask then rolled in his shortputt for the birdie and win inanother exciting finish to theCounty Championship.

Dunwoody’s other lowscores for the team came fromDavis Brainard with a 74 (37-

37) for third, Corey Sullivan

in fourth with a 75 (40-35)and Tim Trembath in sixthwith a 78 (39-39). The 300score broke the record of 301set in the 2013 Champion-ships by Dunwoody.

Defending individualchampion Cameron Wyatt ofMartin Luther King Jr. cameup short in the individualhonors taking fifth with a 76(42-34) on the day.

The Lakeside Vikingscame in second for the sev-enth consecutive year with ateam total of 362, five strokesbetter than in 2014. Last year’sco-champion Arabia Moun-tain finished third with a scoreof 385, Druid Hills finishedfourth with 403, Chambleecame in fifth with 411 and Ce-dar Grove in sixth with 429 toround out the teams with fourqualifying scores.

Lakeside was led by TonyBryant with an 83 (43-41),good for seventh place. Tuck-er’s Donald Miller was eighthwith an 84 (45-39) followedby Dunwoody’s Brox Labus with an 85 (41-45) in ninth,and Lakeside’s Brennan Cox

round out the Top 10 with an89 (48-41).The Dunwoody Lady

Wildcats made it two titles ina row as the only girls’ teamto qualify for the team cham-pionship. The Lady Wildcatsshot a team total of 211, whichwas 12 strokes (223) betterthan a year ago.

Arabia Mountain’s Mari-ah Kuranga captured hersecond consecutive DeKalbCounty individual title witha round of 75 (40-35). Shechopped eight strokes off her2014 winning score of 83.

Dunwoody’s Lauren Cal-lahan shot a 104 (55-49) tofinish second overall whileteammate Olivia Vergura shota 107 (49-58) to take third.

Dunwoody boy’s golf team won its seventh consecutive DeKalb County golf title. Photos by Mark Brock

Dunwoody’s Peter Trask won the boys individualitle.

Arabia Mountain’s Mariah Kuranga captured hersecond consecutive individual title

The Dunwoody Lady Wildcats won its second consecutive county title.

8/9/2019 FreePress 4-24-15

19/20

The Champion Free Press, Friday, April 24, 2015 Page 19ASPORTS

Southwest DeKalb alum ready for NFL draft

Druid Hills softball player commits to Claflin University by Carla [email protected]

After having one ofher best softball seasons atDruid Hills, senior KaylaCato will take her talents

o Claflin University in Or-angeburg, S.C.The senior shortstop

igned her national letter ofntent April 15. Cato said

Claflin has been recruitingher since she was 14 yearsold.

“I played with someof the players who are al-eady at Claflin,” she said.[While] looking at them

playing [Claflin coaches]aw me, and since I was 14,hey have been talking to

me.”Cato said the coaching

tyle and team chemistry iswhat attracted her to Claflin.

“I really like how they’reogether,” she said. “It’s notust, ‘You’re my player.’ It’s

more like, ‘You’re a part ofour team and you’re likefamily to us.’ That’s a big

part of why I chose Claflin.”

Cato, a power hitter, fin-ished her senior season thirdon the DeKalb County bat-ting leaders list with a .645batting average. She had 40hits with 62 at

Date post:	01-Jun-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	champion-newspaper
View:	223 times
Download:	0 times

FreePress 4-24-15

Documents