FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
From washing dogs
to selling dogs
Eleven-year-old establishes hot dog business in DeKalb
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
While some 11 year olds are worried
about getting the latest gaming system
or the latest fashion, 11-year-old Mason
Wright, a resident of Stonecrest, has
his eyes set on continuing to grow his
business.
Wright, owner of Masons Super Hot
Dogs, has established himself as a young
business owner in DeKalb County and his
hot dog stand is quickly catching on.
Masons Super Hot Dogs features hot
dogs of Wrights own creation. Wright said
hes proud of what hes done and takes
pride in owning his hot dog stand.
I was surprised at first, being so young
and owning a business. After a few weeks,
I felt that this is what I was supposed to do,
Wright said. I just felt it. It felt good.
Wright said he decided to go into
business because, like some others his
age, he wanted his own money. However,
his parents said if he wanted money, he
would have to get a job.
According to his mother, Kathy Wright,
her son would go into different stores and
ask for an application, only to be told hes
too young to get a job. Thats when he
decided to create his own revenue stream,
she said.
He was like, ya know, Im going to
start my own business. He started out
washing cars and walking dogs and then
he decided the manual labor wasnt for
him, Kathy Wright said.
The idea of Masons Super Hot Dogs
came about when the family took a trip
to New York City. His family was looking
for something to eat one night, Mason
Wright said, but his family couldnt find a
restaurant that wasnt crowded. Eventually
they stopped at a hot dog stand.
Mason Wright thought why not bring a
New York-style hot dog cart to the Peach
state. He first had to save up his own
money to buy the cart by washing cars and
washing dogs.
It was very challenging, Mason Wright
said. When youre washing dogs, they
like to run around and get dirty again. Also,
when youre washing cars, people have
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2017 VOL. 20, NO. 10 FREE
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
tough stains that you need to get out. Im
happy that part is over.
Masons Super Hot Dogs can be found
at different events throughout DeKalb
County such as birthday parties and
various venues.
In the Wright household, age is just a Eleven-year-old Stonecrest resident Mason Wright owns a hotdog
number. Wrights sister, Mary Pat Hector, stand and sells his product across DeKalb County.
made national headlines by becoming one
of the youngest candidates in Georgia to
qualify for a city council race.
Kathy Wright said its difficult managing
the schedules of two active children, but
wants them to not get discouraged if they
hear the word no.
I have been truly blessed with two
extraordinary children. At an early age they
both knew what they wanted to do, Kathy
Wright said. I tell them all the time that yes
they can. I believe in them and I tell them
that they can do anything they want to do.
I think when older people tell young people
that they cant, young people dont develop
like they should.
Mason Wrights father recently
purchased Mason a sausage stuffer so he
can create his own hot dogs without buying
them from a store.
Masons Super Hot Dogs has inspired
other young people in the area to become
entrepreneurs, Kathy Wright said. Mason
Wrights friends have frequently asked if
they can help with his cart and sometimes
he will hire college students to help.
The Atlanta YMCA contacted Mason
Wright and asked him to develop a
program to teach young people about
entrepreneurship with Masons Super Hot
Dogs as the pilot.
While cities are not being able to
expand their youth job programs, this is
something that they can really do. Maybe
they should call Mason, Kathy Wright said,
laughing.
Being a business owner can be tough
at times, especially during the summer
months when school is out. Mason Wright
said his hotdog stand is taking away his
summer.
Nonetheless, it has its benefits. During
an interview with The Champion Mason
Wright sported his new shoespurchased Mason Wright stands with his mother Kathy Wright in their home
with his own money. in Stonecrest. Kathy Wright said she often helps her son run his
business.
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 2

Firefighters urge residents to get involved, advocate for pay increases

they listened to our problems,
by Horace Holloman Owens said. The county cant
horace@dekalbchamp.com afford to lose this experience
walking out the door.
Former DeKalb County
In a YouTube video titled
firefighter Payton Owens
DeKalb County Firefighter
said he fell in love with and
Struggles, the video gives
married his job. However,
examples of what tenured or
the marriage turned one-sided,
longterm fighters go through
resulting in Owens departure
with respect to pay.
from the department.
According to the video,
Leaving the DeKalb
firefighters have not seen
County Fire and Rescue
annual merit raises since
Department was one of the
2008. In 2014, DeKalb
hardest decisions in Owens
County firefighters received a
life, he said.
3-percent cost-of-living raise.
The 10-year veteran
The video states that the raise
of DCFR, making roughly
could not keep up with cost of
$40,000 a year, said a recent
health and retirement plans,
pay scale study paid for by
which increased to more than 4
the county would allow a
percent.
firefighter who has been on the
The video also shows
job less than a year to make
copies of firefighter paychecks
within $2,000 of what he was
and how much they make. One
making. That was the final
paycheck labeled captain
straw. Owens said he knew it
shows a firefighter who started
was time for a divorce. A Youtube video called DeKalb county Firefighters Struggle urges DeKalb County residents to contact their local officials out making $1,092 per pay
It was like a punch in and demand pay increases for firefighters.
period in 2008 and now makes
the face and a kick in the
$1,083 in 2017$10 less per
[expletive], Owens said. Its
I didnt see a future for gym in Watkinsville called commissioners also fueled his pay period.
like being married and your
myself [in DeKalb County] Crossfit Oconee, left the decision. According to the video,
wife starts paying attention
financially. department in May of this I just didnt feel like the a fire medic making $3,407
to some guy that shes only
Owens, who is now the year. A lack of support county supported the fire per pay period who became a
known for a few minutes.
business owner of a crossfit from DeKalb County department. I dont feel like
See Firefighter on Page 17A
2017 Mobile Market Stops
June - September

FRESH ON DEK
Cash, Credit, SNAP/EBT Cards Accepted
DEKALB COUNTY

Tuesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Rd., Lithonia
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Taddas Fitness Center, 2615 Park Central Blvd., Decatur

Wednesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Watershed Management, 1580 Roadhaven Dr., Stone Mountain
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Austin Drive Community at Bethesda Cathedral, 1989 Austin Dr., Decatur
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mainstreet Community Association, 5001 Mainstreet Park Dr., Stone Mountain

Thursday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. DeKalb County Division of Family and Children Services, 178 Sams St., Decatur
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Rd., Decatur (Alternating Thursdays starting June 8, 2017)
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Rd., Lithonia (Alternating Thursdays starting June 15, 2017)
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Redan High School, 5247 Redan Rd., Stone Mountain

Friday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. DeKalb County Extension, 4380 Memorial Dr., Ste. 200, Decatur

For more info, call (404) 298-4080 or go to www.dekalbmobilemarket.com.

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 3

AROUNDDEKALB Milam Parks aquatics and pool area offers

BROOKHAVEN
Dive-in movie night scheduled
Brookhaven will host a dive-in movie
night June 16 at Murphey Candler Park at 8
p.m. Star Wars Rogue 1 will be played at the
event. The park is located at 1551 West Nancy
Creek Drive NE. For more information, visit
www.brookhavenga.gov.
Parents night out announced
Brookhaven will host Parents Night Out
June 16, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Lynwood
Community Center. The event allows parents
to drop off their children on a Friday and have
time to themselves. The event will include
dinner, games, activities and options to
keep children entertained. Pre-registration is
required by the preceding Wednesday and
pickup is promptly at 9.p.m. Cost is $15 per
child; ages: 5-12.
COUNTYWIDE
guests four 75-foot lap lanes, a wading pool
and several fountains for children.
Admission is free for children aged one
and younger. Admission for Clarkson resident
DeKalb to host CASA informational
children ages 2 to 17 is $2 and $3 for non-
session
residents. Admission for resident adults ages
DeKalb Countys Court Appointed Special
18 to 59 is $3 and $5 for non-residents. No
Advocates (CASA) volunteers will be hosting
admission fee is required for adults ages 60
an information session on June 13 from 6:30
and older.
to 7:30 p.m.at the Gregory A. Adams Juvenile
Pool hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May
Justice Center, located at 4309 Memorial
26 to Aug. 7 on Monday, Wednesday and
Drive in Decatur.
Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays. Milam Park Pool is
CASA volunteers are trained individuals
who advocate in the best interests of abused
open 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
and neglected children appointed by the
During this timeframe, adults 40 and older
Chief Judge of DeKalb County Juvenile Court.
may also participate in free lap swims from 6
CASA volunteers make sure all necessary
to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
information is collected and presented to
After Aug. 8, the pool will retain only its
court, including the Division of Family and
Saturday and Sunday hours until Sept. 3.
Children Services and county juvenile courts.
For more information, visit clarkstonga.gov/
These documents allow the judge to
parks-recreation/milam-park-pool.html.
make an educated decision regarding child
placement in a home, foster home or state-run
facility.
The DeKalb County CASA program is

CHAMBLEE
Summer camp sessions offered
The city of Chamblee will be offering
several sessions of summer camp from June
12 to July 30.
Campers ages 6 to 12 will have the
opportunity to participate in arts, crafts games,
swimming, field trips and similar programs.
Camp hours are 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. with camp-
specific activities taking place 9:30 a.m. until 4
p.m.
According to camp officials, the purpose
of Camp Chamblee is to provide recreational
activities in a wholesome and supervised
setting while providing an opportunity to
learn new skills and improve old skills.
DECATUR
VBS to feature Noahs Ark lessons
Vacation Bible School at Gresham Park
Christian Church, 2819 Flat Shoals Road,
Decatur, will be held June 12-16, 6:30-8:30
p.m. each day. The theme, Ocean Commotion,
features Noahs Ark lessons with classes for
all ages. There also will be music, crafts and
refreshments. All activities are free and open
to the public. For more information, call (404)
241-4511.
STONE
designed to give abused and neglected
children in foster care a powerful voice, states
a release.
Additional information will be provided
upon admittance into the volunteer program.
For more information on the upcoming
information session, contact Justine
Ferreira or Heather Mount at (404) 378-
0038 or justine.ferreira@dekalbcasa.org and
heathermount@dekalbcasa.org.
Career center schedule announced
WorkSource DeKalb has announced its
Mobile Career Center schedule for June.
The center will be stationed at locations
throughout DeKalb County to help put
DeKalb County residents back to work.
The mobile unit brings job assistance to
residents of DeKalb by traveling throughout

Camp Chamblee offers weeklong sessions
June 12-16, 19-23, 26-30, July 10-14, 17-21,
24-28, and July 30 to Aug. 4. The cost is $100
for residents and $125 for non-residents.
Space for each week is limited and
registration is mandatory. Camp takes place at
Keswick Park, located at 3496 Keswick Drive in
Chamblee.
For more information, contact Kevin
Farrow at (770) 986-5016 or kfarrow@
chambleega.gov. To register, visit https://
chambleega.myrec.com/info/activities/
program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29838.
CLARKSTON
Milam Park Pool opens
Milam Park Poollocated at 3867 Norman
Roadis now open to the public.
MOUNTAIN
the county. Residents have access to services
such as job search assistance, workshops,
training, resume writing and interviewing
tips. Businesses may also use the mobile unit
Group to host book sale for interviewing, training, pre-employment
screenings or recruiting.
The Friends of Sue Kellogg/Stone The Mobile Career Center is also aiding
Mountain Library will have a used book sale
residents interested in applying for the
June 16-17. The sale is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. DeKalb year-round internship program. The
each day. Paperback books are 50 cents,
program provides short-term internship
hardback books are $1, coffee table books opportunities for low-income young adults,
will sell for $3 to $5 and DVDs, CDs, and
ages 16-24, who are seeking employment and
videos are $1. New this year is a Fill Your Bag not enrolled in school. Two staff members in
sale on June 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. People the unit can assist in the application process.
can bring a bag, fill with remaining books and To look at the updated schedule go to
pay $5.
dekalbcountyga.gov.
All proceeds of the sale go to fund adult
and childrens programs at the library and to
buy supplies for the library. The Friends also
will give a $1,000 scholarship each year to a
person doing graduate work in media and
library Science. The library is located at 952
Leon Street.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 4

MAKING PETS A PRIORITY

Clarkston city officials discuss pet regulations with advocates DeKalb County commissioners
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

Following a successful Pet

Awareness Day on April 29, city
officials in Clarkston are hoping
to continue educating the
public on proper pet care and
develop legislation to benefit
furry family members.
Clarkstons urban
development committee met on
May 30 to discuss pet education
opportunities and review its
current ordinances relating to
pets.
The committeemade up Clarkston is promoting positive health practices with several information-based Jen Wagner and Lila Hunter of Animal Alliance of Georgia spoke to Clarkstons
urban development committee regarding pet safety and best practices within
of council members Beverly and community gatherings involving pets. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
city limits. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
Burks, Jamie Carroll and
resident Debbie Gathmann provide resources and partners or a nearby neighborhood.
kept outside and puppy mills policies that would enhance
engaged with Animal to help our community. Wagner and Hunter said
without having an animal the ability for pet owners to
Alliance of Georgia outreach Mayor Ted Terry said his Clarkstons adoption of DeKalb
control unit. take proper care? Burks asked.
coordinator Jen Wagner and NextDoor account often bears Countys ordinance is great in
From a policy perspective, From a childs perspective,
co-chairperson Lila Hunter to at least one message involving a
are there things we can do as how can we provide education
learn how to address problems stray or vicious dog running
a city to enhance our current to address and deal with pets?
involving stray dogs, dogs
ordinances or make certain We need to see how we can through downtown Clarkston
See Pets on Page 15A

The DeKalb County Board of Education does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the
DeKalb County School District Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia
on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32, does hereby publish
the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy
for the past five years.

CURRENT 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Real & Personal 17,578,034,324 17,512,942,085 18,945,661,424 21,114,929,747 22,708,465,405 24,330,418,024

Motor Vehicles 1,265,293,750 1,359,311,440 1,135,212,830 781,124,040 568,562,240 501,760,240
Mobile Homes 440,056 396,572 355,333 358,733 769,100 1,255,335
Timber - 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Heavy Duty Equipment 77,829 34,308 57,864 2,208 76,000 157,886
Gross Digest 18,843,845,959 18,872,684,405 20,081,287,451 21,896,414,728 23,277,872,745 24,833,591,485
Less M& O Exemptions 2,847,239,428 2,826,254,552 2,923,178,437 3,144,309,260 3,295,536,890 3,224,983,327
Net M & O Digest 15,996,606,531 16,046,429,853 17,158,109,014 18,752,105,468 19,982,335,855 21,608,608,158
State Forest Land Assistance
Grant Value 0 0 0 0 0 0
Adjusted Net M&O Digest 15,996,606,531 16,046,429,853 17,158,109,014 18,752,105,468 19,982,335,855 21,608,608,158

Gross M&O Millage 23.98 23.98 23.98 23.98 23.73 23.38

Less Rollbacks 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.25 -0.35 0.00
Net M&O Millage 23.98 23.98 23.98 23.73 23.38 23.38

Total School Taxes Levied $383,598,625 $384,793,388 $411,451,454 $444,987,463 $467,187,012 $505,209,259

Net Taxes $ Increase ($21,384,338) $1,194,763 $26,658,066 $33,536,009 $22,199,550 $38,022,246

Net Taxes % Increase -5.28% 0.31% 6.93% 8.15% 4.99% 8.14%

NOTES:
1. THE NET LEVY DOES NOT REFLECT ACTUAL REVENUE RECEIVED OR AVAILABLE DUE TO VALUE ADJUSTMENTS RESULTING FROM APPEALS, DELINQUENT TAXES,
COLLECTIONS FROM PRIOR YEARS, AND A FEE OF 1.25% PAID TO THE COUNTY FOR BILLING AND COLLECTIONS.
2. THE 2017 MILLAGE RATE IS THE PROPOSED RATE. THE PROPOSED SCHOOL OPERATIONS MILLAGE IS 23.38 MILLS.
3. 2017 DIGEST FIGURES ARE AN ESTIMATE.
LOCAL
Photos by Arthur Ratliff
Caribbean-American culture comes to DeKalb
libraries during month-long event
by Kathy Mitchell
Designing programs is part
of every librarians job. Monica
Foderingham, currently
manager of the DeKalb County
Librarys Wesley Chapel-William
C. Brown branch, said she
wanted to create a program
that would be interesting,
educational and tied to her
passionCaribbean culture.
When she was with
the Atlanta-Fulton County
Library system, she created a
Caribbean film festival. In its
10th year, the event has moved
to DeKalb and includes not
only films but a photo exhibit,
storytelling, island foods and
other samplings of Caribbean
cultures. The programs will be
at the Wesley Chapel-William
C. Brown and Decatur branches
throughout June, which is
National Caribbean American
Heritage Month.
The Caribbean is more
than one island, one language,
one culture. It is a diverse
region with English, Spanish,
French and Dutch-speaking
countries; and the people are
Black, White, Indian, Chinese,
Lebanese and Aboriginal, said
Foderingham, who is a native of
Jamaica.
Many Americans only know
about the English-speaking
countries in the Caribbean,
she continued. There is so
much more. One of the things
I hope to accomplish with this
event is to introduce people
to the richness, influence and
diversity of Caribbean-American
culture. After one showing of
a film made in the Dominican
Republic, audience members
were stunned. They told me
they had no idea about many of
the things they learned from the
film.
We are so much more
than sun, sea and sand,
Foderingham commented.
There are so many languages,
accents, foods and traditions.
I want to open peoples eyes
to all they might not have been
aware of even if they have
visited. I want to provide a
window into the multifaceted,
multidimensional world that
approximately four million
immigrants to the United States
call home. Food is also a part of
a peoples culture, so attendees
will have an opportunity to
sample Caribbean refreshments
to round out their sensory foray
into the Caribbean experience.
This years movie lineup
includes films from Grenada,
French Guiana, Antigua
and Barbuda, Jamaica and
Barbados. I have been
fortunate to partner with the
Bronze Lens Film Festival and
have been able to get some
excellent films, Foderingham
said.
Throughout the month-long
celebration a photography
exhibit depicting Caribbean
culture in Atlanta by
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 5
photographer and Decatur-
based insurance agent Arthur
Ratliff will be on display at
the Wesley Chapel-William C.
Brown branch.
Among the original programs
Foderingham is bringing to the
event is a spelling bee focused
on Caribbean culture. Now
in its fourth year, the spelling
bee this year will be held in
DeKalb County for the first
time. I just woke up one day
and thought, Why not hold a
spelling bee? I have a geek-like
love of spelling bees and felt it
could be educational and fun.
Sponsors have been generous
with their prizes, she said.
First-, second- and third-place
winners will receive $100, $50
and $25 bookstore gift cards,
respectively, along with trophies
and other recognitions.
Another event that started
in Fulton County and this
year moves to DeKalb is a
storytelling festival featuring
traditional Anansi stories.
Occurring concurrently with
Anansi storytelling festivals in
Florida, Jamaica, New York and
other places, this years event
will feature young performers
from the Kuumba Storytellers,
in addition to adult storytellers,
who will bring traditional
Anansi stories that, according
to the library, are popular in
Caribbean culture but originated
in West Africa.
One event Foderingham
said is especially close to
her heart is My Jamaican
Journey: A Caribbean American
Explores Her Roots, scheduled
for June 13, at the Wesley
Chapel-William C. Brown
branch. According to the
library description, A young
Ivy League graduate leaves
a comfortable life and resigns
from an enviable job as a
New York City management
consultant to spend 10
months living on one-third
of her salary and conducting
research overseas. As a U.S.
State Department Fulbright
Scholar, Jacqui Brown had
a choice of many countries in
the world. She chose Jamaica,
her ancestral home. This is her
story.
That young woman
happens to be my daughter,
Foderingham explained. She
was born in the United States
and she could have gone
anywhere in the world with her
Fulbright Scholarship. I am
proud that she wanted to learn
about her Jamaican heritage.
Foderingham said she
hopes to make Caribbean
American Heritage Month an
annual celebration at the library,
adding, Im already planning for
next year.
A complete list of
programs, times and locations
is available at any DeKalb
County Library branch or
online at dekalblibrary.org/
events/?series=138.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 6

Freelance protections should be nationwide

The impression that many
people have of the professional
lives of freelancers is that we
have a lackadaisical approach
to working and those of us who
work from home spend our day in
pajamas.
While pjs and casual wear
may be part of the workstyle
for many of us, I believe that
most people who earn their
living through freelance work
are serious about the work they
undertake and seek to deliver
quality goods and services to
clients.
While freelancing has
tremendous benefits (freedom to
set ones schedule, the freedom
of choosing clients and projects,
etc.), theres a downside that
is frustrating and can seriously
undermine freelancers stability
payment for services rendered.
Ive been a freelancer writing
Gale Horton Gay
gale@dekalbchamp.com
for newspapers, magazines and
other establishments for about
six years and Ive had plenty
of times when my earnings on
paper looked good but my bank
account didnt. Work was agreed
upon and completed but when
payment was requested, I had
to play the wait-and-see game
followed by calls to the clients
and often sending of additional
invoices and additional follow-
up calls. The back and forth can
stretch out for months, leaving
freelancers without the money
they so desperately need and
fairly earned.
Often the folks who were
so accessible and responsible
throughout the life of the project
suddenly cannot be reached and
take forever to return calls and
emails. One time when I was
doing freelance public relations
work I had to hire a collection
agency to get my client (a well-
known celebrity) to cough up the
cash. (And the agency took 25
percent of my earnings as their
payment.)
Im glad to see that one
city has taken the plight of
freelancers seriously.
On May 15, New York
Citys Freelance Isnt Free Act
went into effect, establishing
and enhancing protections for
freelance workers, specifically
the right to a written contract,
timely and full payment and
protection from retaliation.
The law establishes penalties
for violations of these rights,
including statutory damages,
double damages, injunctive
relief, and attorneys fees. Where
there is evidence of a pattern or
practice of violations, civil action
can be taken to recover a civil
penalty of $25,000 and less.
The law also requires a system
to receive complaints, create a
court navigation program, and
gather data and report on the
effectiveness of the law.
This is clearly a step in the
right direction.
The only issue I have with this
new law is that it only pertains to
those working in New York City.
Freelancers nationwide deserve
these protections and more. I
hope other municipalities and
states follow suit and that one
day freelancers in Georgia will be
equally respected and protected.

Subscribe to The Champion Newspaper

To subscribe, visit TheChampionNewspaper.com or call 404.373.7779
OPINION
Well always have Paris
I was elected to represent
the citizens of Pittsburgh, not
Paris, declared President
Donald Trumpduring his
statement and press conference
announcing U.S. withdrawal
from the Paris Climate Accord.
With regard to a non-binding,
non-treaty, treaty, I am in
agreement with President Trump
that the U.S. needed, at the very
least, to re-visit its own voluntary
emission reduction goals set
by President Barack Obama in
2005 as our nation joined the
Paris Climate Accord.
The U.S. commitment was
to reduce carbon emissions by
25-28 percent, as well as join a
host of other developed nations
in contributing $100 billion
over a 10-year period to less
developed nationsalso parties
to the accordto help them
reduce their own emissions, as
well as make reparations for
environmental damage caused
by the more-developed Western
economies.
The Paris Accord was too
much feel-good and not enough
substance.That said, protecting
our environment remains a
priority, and since Obama
committed to the accord, U.S.
carbon emissions have dropped
by 13-15 percent.Though
Obama-era air emission
standards did drive many utilities
away from coal and toward other
energy sources, they were as
much, if not more, influenced
by innovations in fracking and
access to cheap, domestically
produced natural gas.
Trump campaigned on pulling
the U.S. out of bad treaties,
including the Paris Accord, as
well as bringing coal mining jobs
back to Kentucky and the Rust
Belt.The former may cost the
U.S. in terms of reputation and
global standing among other
nations, but will actually save us
money.As for the coal-mining
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
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DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 7
later cemented in the national The mayor of Pittsburgh, long
One Mans security expansions and policies Americas capital of the steel
Opinion after 9/11, but the surprise
abandonment did help to cement
industry and the pollution which
that generated, has already
Bushs global reputation as an announced that the Steel City
Bill Crane American cowboy operating will continue efforts there to
bill.csicrane@gmail.com unilaterally and willing to go it further reduce carbon emissions
alone. and comply with the Paris
Trump correctly points out Accord. The states of California
jobs, and much of the U.S. that as the U.S. commander in and Washington, many
manufacturing job base, it was chief, his first responsibility is to major U.S cities and national
not the Paris Accord that killed the citizens of this nation, but as employers have made similar
jobs, it was again capitalism, with the in-the-face criticism of pronouncements, and again, all
market forces and labor costs our NATO allies about increasing voluntarily.
all at play in our global macro- their defense payments and Bush does not regret
economy. expenditures during a meeting leading U.S. withdrawal from
And while in this instance I of the G-7, Trump should the Kyoto Protocol, but he does
support and agree with Trump know from business that you regret the way that he handled
that distancing or withdrawal seldom close a deal with a hand the matter.Smart men and
from the Paris agreement and that slaps. Trump may be a women typically learn from their
resetting our emission standards germaphobe, and a bit wary of mistakes.
is the proper path, I strongly handshakes, but he does know
disagree with his path to that that business gets done more
goal.And, we have been here with relationships and trust built Bill Crane also serves as a
before. over time, than with posturing, political analyst and commentator
Early in the presidency of threatening and bullying. for Channel 2s Action News, WSB-
George W. Bush, the president And again, listen to this echo AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
similarly inherited an agreement from the recent past, The way FM, as well as a columnist for The
from his predecessor, in that they did it was just flipping the Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
case a full-fledged treaty, the bird to the rest of the world, said Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
Kyoto Protocol, which imposed then Bush Administration E.P.A. native and business owner, living
binding limits on emissions Administrator (and former New in Scottdale. You can reach him
by the United States and the Jersey governor), Christine or comment on a column at bill.
European Union.The protocol Todd Whitman. csicrane@gmail.com.
did not include some of the
worlds largest polluters, and still
developing economies in China
and India. Less than two months
into Bushs first term, Vice
President Dick Cheney, armed
with a letter to Congress, critical
of the protocol, engineered an
end-around and the subsequent
abandonment of the protocol.
Many of Bushs closest
advisors such as then Secretary
of State Colin Powell and
National Security Advisor
Condaleeza Rice were
blindsided and remain very
critical of the move, as well as
its timing.Bush failed to give a
heads up to our global allies in
Europe or to his own team. The
move was not a major departure
from the Bush Doctrine,
Publisher: Photographer: STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, R. Scott Belzer The Champion was founded in 1991
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P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Kemesha Wadley on all sides of an issue. We have no
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
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LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 8

County officials announced plans to replace the countys nearly 102,000

outdated or faulty meters.

County works to replace outdated,

defective water meters
A Fulton County judge denied DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Manns request to halt Gov. Nathan Deals executive order to
investigate Mann. by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com

Judge upholds governors DeKalb County officials are working to replace nearly 55
percent of the countys small water meters that may contribute to

investigation into Sheriff Mann inaccurate water bills.

by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County Sheriff
Jeffrey Mann made his first
court appearance after allegedly
exposing himself to an officer
in Atlantas Piedmont Park on
May 6.
Mann and his attorney,
Noah Pines, appeared in Fulton
County Superior Court on
May 31 to request halting Gov.
Nathan Deals executive order
to investigate the sheriff under
Georgia statute O.C.G.A. 15-16-
26.
Fulton County Superior
Court Judge Eric Dunaway
denied Pines request to stop the
investigation.
On May 16, Deal issued
an executive order for a
committee of Attorney General
Christopher Carr, Newton
County Sheriff Ezell Brown
and Peach County Sheriff Terry
Deese to investigate Mann for
allegations of criminal charges,
alleged misconduct in office and
alleged incapacity of the sheriff
to perform the functions of his
office.
compared his violations to
walking a dog without a leash.
Pines also argued in court
that at the time of Manns arrest
he was not in the capacity of
DeKalb County sheriff.
The governor has no
authority in this matter. He
doesnt have any power unless
its granted in this statue, Pines
said.
During the proceedings,
Dunaway asked Pines how he
planned to address alleged
misconduct in Deals executive
order.
The alleged misconduct
wasnt while Mann was in
office, Pines responded. [The
executive order] says while in
office.
The attorney generals office
argued that if Mann allegedly
exposed himself in public,
that could eventually lead to
misconduct while in office.
If someone is exposing
himself in public, he has the
capability of exposing himself
[at the sheriff s office] as the
next likely step, a lawyer with
the attorney generals office said.
Dunaway said the real issue
for the court is deciding whether
investigation, Dunaway said.
The statute doesnt mention
it being a public trial and any
charges that this committee
is looking at...they will give a
recommendation, but its not
binding upon the governor.
They will be making a non-
binding recommendation. Its in
the nature of an investigation.
In a letter sent to employees
of the DeKalb County Sheriff s
Office, Mann announced that he
would suspend himself for one
week starting May 27 and would
give a weeks pay to charity.
This self-imposed
discipline should not be
construed to suggest or imply
guilt of the Atlanta municipal
ordinance charges alleged. I
will continue to vigorously
defend myself as it relates to the
charges. However, the mere fact
of placing myself in a position to
be arrested is sufficient reason
for this self-imposed discipline,
Mann wrote in the letter.
Mann pleaded not guilty to
the charges at Piedmont Park
and is scheduled to appear in
court July 7.
DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond announced that the county
has developed a plan to replace more than 100,000 water meters
that are at risk of failure.
Implementing a large-scale meter replacement program
will take time, but this is a substantial step to restore faith in the
accuracy of meter readings and water bills, Thurmond said in a
statement.
Thurmond said he plans to replace roughly 62,000 small
meters that are outside of their 15-year life cycle and 40,000
iPerl meters manufactured before 2014 that have potential
factory defects.
According to Reginald Wells, deputy director of operations
See Water on Page 17A
DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
2nd PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2018
Monday, June 12, 2017
TIME LOCATION
5:30 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold a public budget
hearing to solicit feedback from the public regarding the 2017-
2018 school systems budget. The proposed FY20172018 General
Fund Tentative Budget contains full funding for the salary
increases granted by the Board during mid-year FY2017 (1.5% and
.5%).
FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069.

According to Pines, the the order is a quasi-judicial

governor does not have the
authority to investigate Mann
under statute O.C.G.A. 15-
16-26 because the statute
would only apply if Mann was
facing criminal charges. At the
time of his arrest, Mann was
charged with two city ordinance
violationswhich, by definition,
are not crimes.
At one point during the
hearing, Manns attorney
tribunal.
Dunaway said Deals
committee will not issue
criminal charges, but will
give a recommendation to
the governors office. Because
the recommendation of the
committee is non-binding, it
does not violate Manns due-
process, he said.
My ruling is that the writ of
prohibition does not lie for the
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL TO
ADOPT ATLANTAS FISCAL YEAR 2018 BUDGET
Notice is hereby given that the Atlanta City Council will meet on Monday, June 19,
2017 to consider and adopt the City of Atlantas fiscal year 2018 budget (17-O-1171).
The meeting will be held at the Atlanta City Hall Complex, 55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta,
Georgia in the City Council Chamber located on the second floor beginning at 1:00 p.m.
All concerned citizens are invited to attend. A copy of the proposed budget legislation
(17-O-1171) is on file in the Office of the Municipal Clerk, Suite 2700, City Hall 55 Trinity
Avenue, S.W. Atlanta, Ga. 30303 for public inspection. This document is also available
online for public inspection at http://www.atlantaga.gov (the file can be found under the
Department of Finance: Office of Budget & Fiscal Policy documents).
LOCAL
County approves sewer
improvements, cleaning
by Horace Holloman
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County CEO
Michael Thurmond said hes
committed to adding capacity
to the countys sewer lines.
According to Thurmond,
its been more than 50 years
since DeKalb County cleaned
its major sewer lines.
We believe the cleaning
of these major sewer lines will
allow us to recapture capacity
and potentially reduce costs,
he said. This is a significant
moment for the taxpayers
and residents of this county
because our government is
working to address capacity
issues in our sewer system
and reduce sanitary sewer
overflows.
The countys board of
commissioners approved
two contracts totaling an
estimated $35.4 million to
improve sewer capacity. A
$7.2 million contract will
restore gravity sewer line
capacity by cleaning main
sewers at 19 critical areas
around the county. A second
contract provides $28.25
million for sewer replacement,
pipe bursting, sewer lining,
point repairs, manhole interior
coating or lining, manhole
height adjustment, manhole
frame and cover adjustment
or replacement, connection
sealing and manhole
replacement, according to
county officials.
At a press conference May
17, Thurmond said changes
would be coming to the
watershed department.
Contracts have been
signed and the work schedule
is being developed. Our hope
is that by cleaning the lines,
we will immediately restore
much-needed capacity,
Thurmond said. All issues
related to sewer capacity and
policies and procedures are
under review.
Thurmond said he
has heard developers and
residents complain about the
countys sewer capacity and
understands their concerns.
DeKalb County resident
Joseph Hennessey said
REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said his administration is working on
restoring sewer capacity across the county.
staying in his home is
uncertain because of the
countys sewer capacity.
Hennessey, and four
neighbors are attempting
to have their sewer system
put on the countys public
sewer lines. Hennessey and
his neighbors, who live in
Creekwood Terrace, are
currently using an outdated
septic system that could fail
any day, Hennessey said.
Hennessey and his
neighbors filed a petition
with the county to connect to
the countys sewer line, but
were told that the area did not
have proper sewer capacity to
accommodate Hennessey and
his neighbors.
The Department of
Watershed Management
(DWM) informed Hennessey
it would cost him roughly
$17,700 to connect to the
countys sewer line along with
a $1,811.93 sewer access fee.
We are not affluent. This
is all we have. Our homes are
our futures and without access
to public sewer like all our
neighbors in the community,
the futures are being
destroyed, Hennessey said.
Its very frustrating.
In addition, DWM said
Hennessey would not be able
to connect to the sewer line.
A letter to Hennessey from
the county said, additional
flow capacity is not available
at this time. In the event that
sewer system infrastructure
improvements are required
to accommodate the new
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 9
flow contribution and ensure
adequate sewer system
capacity, the petitioners will
be responsible for the cost
associated with installing
any such improvements to
the existing sewer system
infrastructure.
Hennessey, who tried
to sell a lot of his land to
developers last year, said he
Workers remove a root from a sewer line. Photo provided
lost three purchase contracts
from builders.
The builders didnt share DEKALB COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
much of their interaction with
watershed management. One 1ST PUBLIC
said they were told no and the MILLAGE RATE HEARING
other two said that DeKalb
County was too difficult
to deal with after consulting
with their own engineers, Monday, June 12, 2017
Hennessey said.
A spokesperson for the TIME LOCATION
county said Hennesseys 6:15 p.m. J. David Williamson Board Room
petition process is currently Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
under review. 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.
In the future we will be Stone Mountain, GA 30083
reviewing the policies and
procedures and I think will Citizens interested in reviewing a detailed copy of the program
based budget may do so by visiting the DeKalb County School
relieve hopefully some of
the pressure and frustration, District website at www.dekalbschoolsga.org.
Thurmond said. FOR INFORMATION, CALL THE OFFICE OF THE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AT 678-676-0069.
Coming to Decatur, Tucker,
and Stone Mountian
in June!
Register now to check the health of your arteries
5 important screenings for only $149
Carotid artery screening (plaque)
Heart Rhythm Screening (A Fib)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
Osteoporosis risk assessment
June 13 Greenforest Community Baptist Church; Decatur
June 26 First Christian Church; Tucker
June 29 Memorial Event Center; Stone Mountain
Pre-registration is required call 1-888-653-6441 to receive a $10 discount
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 10

Childhood literacy celebrated in DeKalb

Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams and Redan-Trotti libraries kick-off 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

For the second year in a

row, DeKalb County adults
and children came together to
engage in storytelling, reading,
writing and celebrating literacy
at two local libraries.
May 30 and June 3 marked
two kick-off events for the
second celebration of 1,000
Books Before Kindergarten,
a childrens literacy program
founded by the DeKalb Library
Foundation and DeKalb
County Public Library.
The kick-offsat Toco
Hill-Avis G. Williams Library
in Decatur and Redan-Trotti
Library in Lithoniaincluded
storytelling by Veronica
Winley, book giveaways,
See Books on Page 11A Storyteller Veronica Winley transformed Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library into a young readers environment through imagery, enthusiasm and oration. Photo by R.
Scott Belzer

CITY OF DORAVILLE
CITY OF DORAVILLE
NOTICE NOTICE OF FIVE
OF FIVE YEAR YEAR HISTORY
HISTORY
Pursuant
Pursuant to the requirements
to the requirements of O.C.G.A.
of O.C.G.A. Sectiondoes
Section 48-5-32 48-5-32
herebydoes hereby
publish publish the
the following followingofpresentation of
presentation
the current
the current years years taxand
tax digest digest
levy,and levy,
along withalong with the
the history history
of the of theand
tax digest taxlevy
digest andpast
for the levyfive
foryears.
the past five years.
All citizens
All citizens of Doraville
of Doraville aretoinvited
are invited attend.to attend.

CURRENT 2017 TAX

CURRENT DIGEST
2017 AND FIVEAND
TAX DIGEST YEAR LEVY
FIVE YEAR LEVY
2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 20142015 20152016 2017
2016
Real &Real
Personal
& Personal 361,679,814 395,990,311
361,679,814 416,515,498416,515,498
395,990,311 582,014,025 582,014,025
586,820,583 586,820,583
669,265,983 669
Motor Vehicle 15,848,630 15,906,220 14,025,040 9,332,050 7,001,920 6,360,280
Motor Vehicle 15,848,630 15,906,220 14,025,040 9,332,050 7,001,920 6
Mobile Homes 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mobile Homes 0 0 0 0 0
Timber 100% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Timber 100% 0 0 0 0 0
Heavy Duty Equipment 4,530 4,530 0 0 2,222 2,222
Heavy Duty Equipment 4,530 4,530 0 0 2,222
Gross Tax Digest 377,532,974 411,901,061 430,540,538 591,346,075 593,824,725 675,628,485
Gross Tax Digest
Exemptions 377,532,974
35,478,708 411,901,061
35,478,708 37,551,588430,540,538
64,281,530 591,346,075
62,253,978 593,824,725
78,870,899 675
Exemptions
Net Tax Digest 35,478,708
342,054,266 376,422,35335,478,708
392,988,95037,551,588
527,064,545 64,281,530
531,570,747 62,253,978
596,757,586 78
Net Tax Digest
Net Millage 342,054,266 9.00
9.00 376,422,353 8.75392,988,9508.50 527,064,5458.371 531,570,747
8.951 596
NetLevy
Net Tax Millage
100% 3,078,488 9.00
3,387,801 9.00
3,438,653 8.75
4,480,049 8.50
4,449,779 8.371
5,341,577
Net Increase/(Decrease)
Net Tax Levy 100% 144,285 309,3133,387,801
3,078,488 50,852 3,438,653
1,041,395 30,270
4,480,049 891,798
4,449,779 5
Net Levy %
Net Increase/(Decrease) 4.92% 144,28510.05% 309,313
Increase/(Decrease) 1.50% 50,852
30.28% 1,041,395
0.68% 30,270
20.04%
Net Levy %
Increase/(Decrease) 4.92% 10.05% 1.50% 30.28% 0.68%
LOCAL
More than 100 DeKalb County children and adults attended events at the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library and Redan-Trotti Library to celebrate 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, an early childhood literature
initative. Photo by R. Scott Belzer
BOOKS Continued From Page 10A
snacks and more for attending children and adults.
Winley transformed Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams
Library into a young readers environment with
imagery, enthusiasm and oration.
Whos ready to get silly? Winley asked a room
filled with children and accompanying adults. Story
time is not a spectator sportits fun for everyone!
Event officials said the goal of the program is to
support parents and promote reading to children as a
gateway to literacy.
Families are told to read 1,000 books before their
child reaches kindergarten, said Jill Joplin, executive
director of the DeKalb Library Foundation. That
doesnt necessarily mean 1,000 different books. It can
mean one book 50 timesbabies like repetition. This
helps build brain cells early in children.
Families are given one book, instructions on
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 11
engaging children with reading and a 250-book
reading log as a participation kit to promote reading
and develop literacy before a child reaches public
school.
Joplin said kits have been distributed through all
DeKalb County libraries as well as the DeKalb County
health department and DeKalb Medical Hospital,
resulting in more than 30 families finishing the 1,000
book challenge.
Joplin said early literacy can make a positive
difference in an early learning environment.
If children are not reading on grade level by third
grade, they get way behind in school, Joplin said.
This is our attempt to close that reading gap.
DeKalb County Public Library director Alison
Weissinger said the county is proud of early
childhood literacy initiatives such as 1,000 Books
Before Kindergarten. She said positive feedback from
the community in 2016 led to the programs return in
2017.
Its about building a love for books in children
thats really what were all about, Weissinger said.
This is fundamental to our mission. Were about
information, books and stories. Theres nothing
more important that we do than encourage the next
generation of leaders, community members and
workers to read.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is independently
funded through donations. To learn more about
the program, including information on donating,
visit www.dekalblibraryfoundation.org. For more
information on similar events at your local DeKalb
County library, visit www.dekalblibrary.org.
LOCAL
Tiny houses
welcome in Clarkston
City updates cottage ordinance
to welcome smaller homes
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
Residents of Clarkston or
those interested in becoming
residents soon may have the
option of living in 1,200 square
feet of space, as city officials
have begun promoting the tiny
house market.
On May 30, Clarkstons
housing and infrastructure
committeemade up of
Mayor Ted Terry and council
members Jamie Carroll, Dean
Moore, Mario Williams,
Beverly Burks and Awet
Eyasudiscussed updating its
city code to allow cottage (tiny)
housing developments.
According to Terry, tiny
housescottage homes of 250
to 1,200 square feet in total
follow the trend of downsizing
homeowners, affordable
housing and starter homes for
millennials.
Terry said tiny homes
may be a solution to some of
Clarkstons failing housing
infrastructure. He referenced a
community survey conducted
by students from Georgia Tech
which revealed Clarkstons
rental rates are at odds with
resident income. Terry
said many land owners in
Clarkston sold their property
to apartment developers in the
1970s and, today, a majority
of the apartment units are
unacceptable.
The rent is too damn
high in Clarkston, Terry
said. We have a lot of renters
in Clarkston. We have a
deteriorating multi-family
housing stock and a lag time
in home buildingnot just in
Clarkston but metro Atlanta.
City officials, developers
and residents championing
tiny houses and tiny house
developments often face
ordinances prohibiting
anything fewer than 1,500
square feet for permanent
residences, Terry said.
Clarkstons current cottage
housing ordinance allows
one house per 2,904 square
feet of lot area and requires a
minimum lot area of 11,616
REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 12
square feet. Other regulations
include a minimum porch
area, maximum height and
proximity to a common area.
According to Carroll,
Clarkstons city code may allow
for cottage houses but requires
two changes to provide
incentives to developers and
homeowners.
The current code allows
tiny houses to be built in
a common space or lot
but requires the care of a
municipal organization, such
as a homeowners association.
Carroll said an amendment
allowing owners to maintain
their own building is more
ideal.
Its easier to finance [a
home] if the individual is
responsible for their own
building, Carroll said. Its also City officials in Clarkston are discussing an amended ordinance to allow tiny houses and tiny house developments.
easier for code enforcement. Photos by Travis Hudgons.
The second amendment will
change the minimum number
of units on a cottage housing
development or community
maria Clark
from eight to two. Carroll said soprano
this will allow developments
to be built on larger lots rather
June 20, 2017, 8 PM
than multiple lots and provide
cost incentives for real estate In Residence at
professionals. Clarkston Campus
Moore said a lot at the end
of Vaughn Street in downtown Georgia State University
Clarkston is already zoned for Perimeter College
tiny house development.
Somebodys looking to
build about eight houses at the Fyodor cherniavsky
end of Vaughn Street, Moore Music Director & conductor
said. The original purpose of
the revision would allow that
and take into consideration the
problems that might arise.
Both amendments will need performing arias from
to be approved by Clarkstons Mozart: Marriage of Figaro
planning and zoning Puccini: Tosca
committee before being voted Verdi: Aido
on by Clarkston City Council also on the program
as an official amendment. The Orchestral operatic favorites by
committee meets June 20. Berlioz, Tchaikovsky & Verdi
Clarkston is on track to be
the first city to allow tiny house
developments in Georgia, First Baptist Church of Decatur
Terry said. [Were] going one 308 Clairemont Avenue
step further in allowing this Decatur, Georgia 30030
new and growing trend that is
not only high in demand, but a
small solution to the enormous
Free Admission
affordable housing crisis.
For additional information
please visit us online at
www.DeKalbSymphony.org
or call 678-891-3565
LOCAL

WEEKinPICTURES
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 13

The board leadership of the Central DeKalb and Fulton Perimeter community improvement districts contribute a
check for $10 million to be used toward construction costs of the new I-285 and Ga-400 interchange. Pictured Staff members at Chamblees annual summer camp receive their first day of
from left are Bill Baker, Perimeter Mall; R.L. Brown, GDOT and 4th District Representative; GDOT Commissioner, training on June 1. Photo submitted.
Russel McMurry; Peter Dunn, Le Meridien Hotel; Diane Calloway, Fulton CID; Alex Chambers, KDC Real Estate; Bob
Voyles, Seven Oaks Company and Perimeter Business Alliance; Dean Patterson, Bridge Investment Group, Senator
Brandon Beach of the Senate Transportation Committee

Jakwai Johnson and Elijah Haynes received Certificates of Achievement for

the 2017 SECME National Student Competition for Engineering and Design for
Dunwoody Nature Centerlocated at 5343 Roberts Driveheld its first successful week of summer camp crafting a water rocket alongside Sheria Enahora from the Tabala of Clarkston
despite frequent rains. Photo submitted. Community Center. The students will compete at the international competition at
the University of Alabama in June. Photo submitted.

Have you created programming youd like to air on TV?

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

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 14

Dunwoody High
quiz bowl team
sets local standard
DeKalb County academic team
ranks in top 100 in United States
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

It starts with a question individual questions, toss-

involving math, history,
English, science, current
events, sports or pop culture.
It continues with two,
three or four students coming
together as a team and
answering the question as
quickly as possible.
It ends with glorya team
answers the question before
another and claims a range of
points.
Its known as quiz bowl, and
its something Dunwoody High
School has repeatedly excelled
in. Following the 2017 High
School National Championship
Tournamentheld at the
Atlanta Marriott Marquis in
Atlanta on May 28 and 29
Dunwoody High ranked 97 out
of 304 competing teams and
ninth of 26 in the state.
Quiz bowl teams are given
up questions and more in
a tournament style format.
Teams that answer the most
questions correctly advance to
the next round until a winner
is ultimately declared.
This years winner was
Hunter High School from
New York, who finished
with a record of 17-2, losing
Dunwoody High Schools quiz bowl team placed 97th out of 304 teams at the 2017 High School National
to Detroit Catholic Central Championship Tournament on May 28th and 29th. Photo submitted.
(Michigan) and Liberal Arts
and Science Academy (Texas).
Dunwoody High Schools Mission San Jose (California), placed 565th (Clinch), 922nd high schools. Dunwoody
quiz bowl teamPatrick State College (Pennsylvania), (Lee) and 1,257th (Wirtz). qualified for the competition
Clinch, Matthew Desoutter, Waukee (Iowa) and Eden The only player from by placing second in its
Nathaniel Lee and Ryan Prairie (Minnesota), the last of DeKalb County to place higher division.
Wirtzbested Strake Jesuit which beat Dunwoody twice. than Desoutter was Ben Wise Chattahoochee High
(Texas), Hudson (Wisconsin), The Dunwoody team from Marist, who placed 43rd. School, which placed first in
Southside (Alabama), Lincoln finished with a record of 6-5 Dunwoody High ranked Dunwoodys division, went on
(Florida), Community School and 2,715 points. Desoutter, higher than other DeKalb to claim fifth in the national
of Naples (Florida) and St. a graduating senior, placed County schools, including competition.
Paul Academy (Minnesota) 47th overall individually out of Decatur (147), Marist (161), For more information, visit
before suffering defeats to 1,474 players. His teammates and Chamblee Charter (181) www.naqt.com.

DeKalb County School District offers NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

free summer meals to students
The Governing Authority of the City of Avondale Estates has
Families with children in need will have the opportunity to tentatively adopted a 2017 millage rate which will require an
eat at three DeKalb County schools throughout the summer.
As part of a partnership with the United States Department increase in property taxes by 4.84 percent. All concerned
of Agriculture, any DeKalb County School District (DCSD) citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax
school offering summer courses will also offer meals to
students from 8 to 9 a.m. for breakfast and 11:30 a.m. to noon
increase to be held at City Hall, 21 North Avondale
for lunch, Monday through Friday, June 1 to July 31. Plaza, Avondale Estates, Ga. 30002 on the following
Three centrally located sitesLakeside High School (3801 dates:
Briarcliff Road NE in Brookhaven), Columbia Middle School
(3001 Columbia Drive in Decatur) and Bethune Middle School
(5200 Covington Highway in Decatur)will also offer summer Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.,
meals.
We welcome the opportunity to serve nourishing meals
Monday, June 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., and
to the children of DeKalb County this summer. Last year, Monday, June 26, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
we served approximately 394,524 meals and look forward
to continuing this needed service, said Joyce Wimberly,
executive director of DCSDs School Nutrition Services. It is This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 9.957 mills
our goal to provide a source of nutrition while school is out (which is the current millage rate), an increase of .46 mills. Without
and continue the ongoing process of readying students minds this tentative tax increase, the mill rate will be no more than 9.497
and bodies for learning during the upcoming school year.
For more information, contact the School Nutrition mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value
Services office at (678) 676-0162 or visit www.dekalbschoolsga. of $305,056 is approximately $56. The proposed tax increase on
org.
non-homestead property with a fair market value of $244,929 is
approximately $45.
 LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 15

PETS Continued From Page 4A

not allowing dogs to be tethered hybrids or one of many breeds feel in danger, Wagner and checking problematic areas of city manager and move forward
outside and requiring dogs be of dogs, including bull terriers, Hunter recommends calling the city and developing a social with a plan for the community.
leashed when walked. Staffordshire terriers, American DeKalb Countys animal control media presence. For more information on
It creates a significant safety bullies, the American bulldog department. We have to educate before proper dog care, tips on pet
concern, Hunter said. A dog and various mastiffs. Burks said the next steps we legislate, Burks said. Well safety and more, visit www.
that is tethered or routinely You cant regulate will be working with DeKalb take the information, follow animalallianceofgeorgia.org.
tethered is an unnatural way for something you cant define, County animal control, double- up with code enforcement, the
an animal to live. If it gets loose, Wagner said. Youre profiling
its five times more likely to dogs [with breed specific
bite a child, which is a statistic legislation]. CITY OF DORAVILLE
from the [Centers for Disease Hunter and Wagner PUBLIC NOTICE
Control and Prevention]. recommended Clarkston code Fiscal Year 2018 Budget
According to Wagner, enforcement identify owners
miscommunication between who may be toeing the line Notice is hereby given that the proposed budget for the City of Doraville shall be
available for public inspection beginning Friday, June 2, 2017, in the City Clerks
humans and canines is often on infractions or frequently office from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue,
what makes a dog dangerous, violate ordinances. The pair Doraville, GA.
especially when it involves also recommended browsing
a dog that is not spayed or Craigslist for people frequently A Public Hearing shall be held on the 12th day of June at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 3725
neutered. Other factors, such as selling dogs from Clarkston Park Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City of Doraville at
a lack of education in owners homes. which time public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 through
as to what to recognize as These are the dogs that are June 30, 2018) budget shall be sounded. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend.
aggression, also play into bad out there, these are the dogs
dog stories, she said. youre going to see, Wagner A Public Hearing shall be held on the 19th day of June at 6:00 p.m. at Doraville Civic
In general, dogs dont just said. Its a symptom of a bigger Center, 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the City
snap or bite, Wagner said. situation. There are laws against of Doraville at which time public comment pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1,
2017 through June 30, 2018) budget shall be sounded. All citizens of Doraville are
Owners are responsible for the both of these things. invited to attend.
teeth at the end of the leash. The pair also recommended
In addition, according to the city partner with a nonprofit A Regular Meeting shall be held on the 19th day of June at 6:30 p.m. at Doraville
of Decatur Georgia Ad
Wagner, dangerous Valorem
breeds, Tax Digest
specializing in freeHistory
fence Civic Center, 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville, GA before the Mayor and Council of the
such as pit bulls, dont exist. building to better protect pets, City of Doraville at which time the Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 through June 30,
atur -She said pit bulls are often
Digest dogs and owners. When people 2018) budget shall be approved and the budget ordinance adopted in accordance with
O.C.G.A. 36-81-5. All citizens of Doraville are invited to attend.
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 20
City of Decatur Georgia Ad Valorem Tax Digest History
essment Ratio 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50
Decatur - Digest
al Property $ 1,137,427,809
2012 $ 1,168,516,500
2013 $ 1,326,596,200
2014 $ 1,594,612,800
2015 2016$ 1,693,241,200
2017 $ 1,835,
sonal Property $ 22,174,136 $ 23,211,680 $ 22,248,300 $ 22,322,600 $ 23,627,600 $ 25,
Assessment Ratio
lic Utilities $ 50%
14,297,200 $ 50%
14,639,953 $ 50%15,152,700 $ 50% 50%
17,209,600 $ 50%
15,658,700 $ 16,
or VehicleReal Property
$ $49,311,000
1,137,427,809
$$ 1,168,516,500
52,979,900$ 1,326,596,200
$ 47,331,600 $ 35,521,587 $ 26,623,700 $
$ 1,594,612,800 $ 1,693,241,200 $ 1,835,249,100
23,
Personal Property $ 22,174,136 $ 23,211,680 $ 22,248,300 $ 22,322,600 $ 23,627,600 $ 25,448,800
al Digest
Public Utilities $1,223,210,145
$ 14,297,200 $1,259,348,033
$ 14,639,953 $ $1,411,328,800
15,152,700 $ $1,669,666,587
17,209,600 $ $1,759,151,200
15,658,700 $ 16,521,530$1,900,
Motor Vehicle $ 49,311,000 $ 52,979,900 $ 47,331,600 $ 35,521,587 $ 26,623,700 $ 23,481,400
Operations
Total Digest $1,223,210,145 $1,259,348,033 $1,411,328,800 $1,669,666,587 $1,759,151,200 $1,900,700,830

neral Fund
City Exemptions
Operations $ 126,914,000 $ 126,332,000 $ 125,393,000 $ 130,639,000 $ 128,646,080 $ 169,

General Fund
City Operations Exemptions
Digest $ 126,914,000 $1,133,016,033
$1,096,296,145 $ 126,332,000 $ $1,285,935,800
125,393,000 $ 130,639,000 $ 128,646,080
$1,539,027,587 $ 169,825,080$1,730,
$1,630,505,120
Net City Operations Digest $1,096,296,145 $1,133,016,033 $1,285,935,800 $1,539,027,587 $1,630,505,120 $1,730,875,750
Operations Millage 11.680 11.580 11.580 11.080 10.680
City Operations Millage 11.680 11.580 11.580 11.080 10.680 10.880
Operations Levy $12,804,739 $13,120,326 $14,891,137 $17,052,426 $17,413,795 $18,
City Operations Levy $12,804,739 $13,120,326 $14,891,137 $17,052,426 $17,413,795 $18,831,928
cent Change -0.60 2.46 13.50 14.51 2.12
Percent Change -0.60 2.46 13.50 14.51 2.12 8.14
ar Amount
DollarChange
Amount Change ($76,947)
($76,947) $315,587
$315,587 $1,770,811 $2,161,289
$1,770,811 $2,161,289$361,369 $361,369
$1,418,133 $1,

The Decatur City Commission

The Decatur announces
City Commission announces that
thatthe
the 2017 tentative
2017 tentative millage
millage rate rate was adopted
was adopted at theiron
at their meeting meeting
Monday,on Monday, May
May
15, 2017. Hearings on the budget and millage rate
15, 2017. Hearings on the budget and millage rate will be held on: will be held on:
Monday, Monday,
June 12, June 12, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
2017 at 6:00 p.m.
Monday, June 19, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Monday, AJune 19, 2017
separate hearingaton3:30 p.m. and
the budget only 7:30
will bep.m.
held Monday, June 5, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
A separate
Thehearing
hearingson willthe budget
be held only will
at Decatur City be
Hall,held
509 Monday,
N. McDonoughJuneStreet,
5, 2017 at 7:30
Decatur, GA. p.m.
Final adoption of the 2017 millage
The hearings willfiscal
rate and be held at Decatur
year 2017-2018 City is
budget Hall, 509 N.forMcDonough
scheduled Street,
consideration at Decatur,
the Decatur GA. Final meeting
City Commission adoption of the 2017 millage
on Monday,
June 19, 2017. The above table is presented pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 showing the
rate and fiscal year 2017-2018 budget is scheduled for consideration at the Decatur City Commission meeting estimated current year's digest and
on Monday,
proposed millage rates along with a five-year history of the tax digest and millage rates.
June 19, 2017. The above table is presented pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 showing the estimated current year's digest and
proposed millage rates along with a five-year history of the tax digest and millage rates.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 16

Drivers have complained about illegal maneuvering at the

intersection of Fellowship Road and Lawrenceville Highway.
Photo from tuckerga.gov

Tucker, DeKalb working toward solution at busy intersection

For several months, drivers have
complained about illegal rush-hour
maneuvering at the intersection of
Fellowship Road and Lawrenceville
Highway in Tucker.
Southbound drivers on Fellowship
Road can be seen cutting across traffic
from a left-turn-only lane to go straight
across Lawrenceville Highway toward
Idlewood Road, and some can be seen
making right turns from the left turn
lane. These moves have led to numerous
close calls and have gotten the attention
of Tucker elected officials.
We cant stop selfish drivers from
doing stupid things, but we can punish
them when they do, Tucker Mayor
Frank Auman said. And we can do
some things in the short term to reduce
the frustrations faced by even the most
conscientious drivers. The first priority is
to ensure the safety of drivers in Tucker
and the second is to keep traffic moving
at a reasonable pace while maintaining
those safe conditions.
While city leaders are working with
DeKalb County Public Works and the
Georgia Department of Transportation
(GDOT) on a long-term solution, there
has been a noticeable improvement at the
intersection in recent weeks, according to
the city. One factor has been the work of
DeKalb County Police officers, who have
written several hundred tickets at the
intersection since the start of 2017.
Eventually drivers get the message
that dangerous driving isnt worth the
expense of a ticket, said Lt. R.S. Smith,
Tuckers police liaison. This kind of
ticket is costing drivers anywhere from
$200 in fines all the way up to $1,000. Its
just not worth it.
Another factor is a change to the
timing of the stoplights along the
Lawrenceville Highway corridor. In
the wake of the I-85 bridge collapse,
GDOT extended the length of time for
green lights along major arteries such
as US 29 to help the extra traffic move
along. Cross streets such as Fellowship
Road saw shorter green light cycles and,
therefore, bigger back-ups at rush hour,
according to the city.
Those lights are now back to their
original timing, which is helping to
See Intersection on Page 18A
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 17

FIREFIGHTERS
Continued From Page 2A

master firefighter in 2016 made $65 more per paycheck over a

four-year period and did not receive compensation for obtaining
additional certificates.
At the end of the day, we want to show what the county says
theyve done and show the real impact is, said Tom Burrell,
secretary for DeKalb Professional Firefighters Local 1492.
While the county may have worked to stabilize benefit cost...at
the end of the day the effect was zero. [The video] gives a real-
life look at what firefighters are seeing in their paychecks.
Burrell said qualified firefighters are leaving the department.
Since 2011 more than 200 firefighters have left DeKalb County,
according to the video. The video concludes with a message
to DeKalb County residents urging them to contact the CEOs
office and commissioners.
Weve had some veteran firefighters with 10 years of
experience on the job leave. People have lost hope, Burrell said.
Captains are starting to leave the department, which is unheard
of.
County officials said they plan to address pay raises for public
safety officials in the mid-year budget.
Owens said as much as he loved being married to the
DCFR, he has no plans of going back.
WATER Continued From Page 8A I would love to walk back in the door, but at this point its
kind of like a broken relationship. Its like your wife cheated
on you and they want you back. I cant leave my future up to
in the countys watershed management may have been covered during construction and DeKalb and the commissioners, Owens said.
department, the county has 184,000 residential thats going to be an issue for us.
customer meters and 102,000 of those meters Thurmond said after the meters are replaced,
are at risk of failure and may contribute to the county plans to replace its meters at a rate
inaccurate water bills. of 7 percent per year based on the age of the
Of the 62,000 small meters outside of their meter. According to Wells, a rate of 7 percent is
15-year life cycle, Wells said roughly 10,000 of the industry standard.
those meters were installed before 1991. This will ensure that we never have NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX
What that means is that the newest of those deficient, out-of-life-cycle water meters again, INCREASE
meters are roughly 26 years of age. I personally Thurmond said.
seen in my short time here one meter that has The replacement of old or outdated meters
been in the ground since 1979, Wells said. should begin by the fourth quarter of 2017. The The City of Brookhaven has
Thats close to 40 years. That 10,000 plus the defective meters will be replaced on an ongoing tentatively adopted a millage rate for
other 52,000 have the potential to under bill basis, county officials said. the General Fund which will require
you because its not registering consumption. Thurmond publicly apologized to DeKalb an increase in property taxes by 5.63
Wells also said the county is missing some residents who have experienced problems with
of its water meters. their water meters and water billing. Thurmond percent over the Rollback Millage
We have approximately 3,000 small meter said DeKalb County residents would not be rate. This increase is due solely to
accounts that are suspected to be hidden, lost punished due to mistakes of the county. the revaluation of real property tax
or have misaligned data, Wells said. They assessments.
All concerned citizens are invited
CITY OF DORAVILLE to the public hearings on this tax
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE increase to be held at Brookhaven
City Hall at 4362 Peachtree Road,
The City of Doraville has tentatively adopted a millage rate of Brookhaven, GA 30319. The first
8.951 which will require an increase in property taxes by 16.23 public hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m.
percent. The proposed millage rate is .58 mills more than the prior on June 15, 2017.
year millage rate of 8.371 mills. The second public and third public
hearings will be held June 29, 2017 at
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. After the final
increase to be held at the Doraville City Hall located at 3725 Park public hearing, the millage rate will be
Avenue, Doraville, GA 30340 on June 12, 2017 at 6:00pm. formally adopted at the June 29, 2017
meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase The tentative increase will result in
are at the Doraville City Hall on June 12, 2017 at 11:30am and at the a millage rate of 2.74 mills, a millage
Doraville Civic Center located at 3770 Central Avenue, Doraville GA rate equivalent increase of 0.146 mills.
30340 on June 19, 2017 at 6:00pm. Without this tentative tax increase,
the millage rate will be no more than
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 8.951 mills, 2.594 mills. The proposed tax increase
an increase of 16.23 percent over the rollback rate. Without this for a home with a fair market value of
tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 7.701 $426,054 is approximately $20.51 and
mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market the proposed tax increase for non-
value of $150,000 is approximately $43.75 and the tax increase for homestead property with a fair market
a non-homestead property with a fair market value of $675,000 is
value of $1,003,694 is approximately
approximately $337.50. $58.62.
LOCAL
From left, Brookhaven Deputy Director of Public Works Andrew Thompson,
Assistant City Manager Steve Chapman, City Manager Christian Sigman, Mayor
John Ernst, and Public Works Director Hari Karikaran
Brookhaven begins
summer paving project
by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Several roads in Brookhaven
are getting new looks this
summer.
Paving contractors and city
officials put down fresh asphalt
on Woodsdale Road to kick
off the citys summer paving
season. Brookhaven Mayor
John Ernst and Mayor Pro Tem
Bates Mattison assisted with
spreading the new asphalt on
Woodsdale Road to celebrate
the beginning of the project.
The Brookhaven City
Council April 12 approved a
$4.72 million contract to pave
59 roads. City officials call the
road-paving project the most
aggressive in city history. City
Manager Christian Sigman
said during the council meeting
that after many years of neglect,
maintaining the citys road
infrastructure is a key factor for
the long-term success of the city.
Its a quality-of-life issue for
our residents, its a public safety
issue for first responders and its
an economic development issue
for our business community,
Sigman said.
Since the city incorporated
in 2012, city officials said, 18.8
percent of the citys 120 miles
of roads have been repaved.
With an additional 10.7 miles
of resurfacing, rehabilitation
INTERSECTION Continued From Page 16A
alleviate the back-ups down
Fellowship toward Lavista
Road, Tucker Assistant City
Manager Cindy Jenkins said.
We expect to see it improve
even more now that school is
out for the summer.
The city of Tucker handles
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 18
Mayor Pro Tem Bates Mattison steamrolls fresh asphalt on Woodsdale Road.
or reconstruction planned
in 2017, nearly 28 percent of
Brookhavens roads will be less
than four years old, according to
city officials.
Brookhavens Public Works
Director Hari Karikaran
said the overall quality of
Brookhavens roads has
improved.
In 2013, the average PCI
(pavement condition index)
of all roads was a 60, which is
considered in the fair range,
Karikaran said. By 2016 the
PCI improved to a 64, which
is one point below the good
range.
Karikaran said they want to
move that average into the very
good and excellent ranges
across the board.
As it stands now, we are Mayor John Ernst smoothing asphalt edges on Woodsdale Road.
only dealing with the worst
roads, Karikaran said. After we
clear this list, well have a new NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
list of critical roads to address.
C.W. Matthews was awarded
the road paving contract.
Weather permitting, the city The Decatur City Commission has tentatively adopted a combined
expects all 59 streets to be paved millage rate of 10.88 mills for maintenance and operations which will
by September, with final repairs require an increase in property taxes of 4.06% for fiscal year 2017-
and punch list items complete 2018. This millage rate generates revenue necessary to fund the City
by November, according to city
of Decaturs general operations, downtown development authority and
officials. capital improvements.
Among the 59 streets to be
paved are Alden Place Drive,
Club Drive, Dunwoody Terrace, All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax
Haven Glen Lane, Park Avenue increase to be held at the City Commission Meeting Room, Decatur City
and Wilmont Drive. Hall, 509 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, on Monday, June 19, 2017 at
3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This tentative increase will result in a millage
rate of 10.88 mills, an increase of 0.424 mills over the rollback millage
rate. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more
than 10.456 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair
market value of $425,000 is approximately $37.50 and the proposed
public works through an tax increase for a nonhomestead property with a fair market value of
intergovernmental agreement $575,000 is approximately $57.50.
with DeKalb County. The two
municipalities work together
to address traffic issues such as Based on the tax digest that was received from DeKalb County after
the one at Fellowship Road and the adoption of the tentative millage rate, final adoption of a combined
Lawrenceville Highway. millage rate of 10.68 mills, which is the same as the current millage rate,
will be recommended.
LOCAL
Dunwoody selects Richard McLeod as community development director
Dunwoody has selected
Richard McLeod as the new
community development
director.
McLeod comes to
Dunwoody after holding
senior level community
development positions in
Woodstock and Alpharetta.
In his new position,
McLeod will help implement
the comprehensive plan
that was adopted by the city
council on Oct. 12, 2015 as
well as the perimeter center
zoning code draft that was
adopted May 22.
Richards technical coordinator and then took
expertise and prodigious
knowledge has shaped
many successful plans
throughout his career,
City Manager Eric Linton
said. Richard is passionate
and knowledgeable, and I
am confident Richard will
be a tremendous asset to
Dunwoodys future. numerous awards.
McLeod earned a master
of public administration and
bachelor of science degree
in geographic information
sciences from Kennesaw
State University. He began
his career with the city of
Woodstock where he worked
McLeod
as a planner/downtown
on the role of director of
community development.
While with the city of
Alpharetta, McLeod worked
as the director of community
development and as a senior
planner. While with both
cities McLeods work and
achievements received
I am honored to be
chosen to work for such
a wonderful city, and I
am looking forward to
serving Dunwoody and
its citizens, McLeod said.
My approach embraces
collaborative planning
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 19
which requires community development department is development regulation, code
input, communication and responsible for managing compliance and sustainability
consistent customer service. the planning and zoning programs.
Dunwoodys community functions of the city as well as
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The DeKalb County School District has tentatively adopted a millage rate
which will require an increase in property taxes by 5.06 percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to
be held at 6:15 p.m. June 12, 2017, DeKalb County School District J. David
Williamson Board Room, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain,
Georgia
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at:
11:30 a.m. June 27, 2017, DeKalb County School District J. David
Williamson Board Room, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone
Mountain, Georgia
6:15 p.m. June 27, 2017, DeKalb County School District J. David
Williamson Board Room, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain,
Georgia
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 23.38 mills, an increase
of 1.127 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be
no more than 22.253 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a
fair market value of $225,000 is approximately $87.34 and the proposed tax
increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $325,000 is
approximately $146.51.
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 20

TURNING THE PAGEONLINE

DeKalb County School District
streams grad ceremonies online
by R. Scott Belzer
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com

Individuals who missed DeKalb County School District

(DCSD) graduation ceremonies the week of May 22 can now
watch them in their entirety online.
DCSD announced June 2 that each high school graduation
ceremony in the district that took place at the Georgia World
Congress Center can now be viewed on either Facebook or
YouTube.
Towers and McNairs graduation ceremonies have been
published on DCSDs YouTube account, @1DeKalbSchools.
The following schools can be found on DCSDs Facebook
page: Columbia, Cedar Grove, Redan, Lithonia, DeKalb School
of the Arts, Elizabeth Andrews, Stephenson, DeKalb Early
College Academy, Stone Mountain, Miller Grove, Destiny
Academy, Chamblee Charter, Dunwoody, Martin Luther King
Jr., Arabia Mountain, Southwest DeKalb, Druid Hills, Tucker and
Lakeside.
This is the first year DCSD held graduation ceremonies at the
Georgia World Congress Center and at one location. In recent
years, graduation ceremonies have taken place at government
buildings, arenas, and houses of worship located close to each

school, according to school officials.
Students, family members, teachers and faculty have spoken

See DCSD on Page 24A DCSD announced on June 2 that all graduation ceremonies that took place at the Georgia World Congress Center are now
available on the districts Facebook and YouTube pages. Photo submitted.

NOTICEOFPROPERTYTAXINCREASE
The Governing Authority of the City of Avondale Estates has tentatively adopted a 2017 millage rate which will require an
increase in property taxes by 4.84 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to
be held at City Hall, 21 North Avondale Plaza, Avondale Estates, Ga. 30002 on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.,
Monday, June 26, 2017, at 10 a.m. and Monday, June 26, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. This tentative increase will result in a millage
rate of 9.957 mills (which is the current millage rate), an increase of .46 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the mill
rate will be no more than 9.497 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $305,056 is
approximately $56. The proposed tax increase on non-homestead property with a fair market value of $244,929 is
approximately $45.
CURRENT 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
CITY 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Real & Personal 133,021,745 141,146,248 148,072,403 178,050,508 191,456,685 203,036,721
Motor Vehicles 8,014,980 8,451,460 7,456,190 5,564,760 4,306,900 3,998,710
Mobile Homes
Timber - 100%
Heavy Duty Equipment
Gross Digest 141,036,725 149,597,708 155,528,593 183,615,268 195,763,585 207,035,431
Less M& O Exemptions 231,089 138,061 268,311 371,490 466,802 512,749
Net M & O Digest 140,805,636 149,459,647 155,260,282 183,243,778 195,296,783 206,522,682
State Forest Land Assistance Grant
Value 0
Adjusted Net M&O Digest 140,805,636 149,459,647 155,260,282 183,243,778 195,296,783 206,522,682
Gross M&O Millage 10.957 10.957 10.957 9.957 9.957 9.957
Less Rollback (LOST)
Net M&O Millage 10.957 10.957 10.957 9.957 9.957 9.957
Total City Taxes Levied $1,542,807 $1,637,629 $1,701,187 $1,824,558 $1,944,570 $2,056,346
Net Taxes $ Increase $94,822 $63,558 $123,371 $120,012 $111,776
Net Taxes % Increase 6.15% 3.88% 7.25% 6.58% 5.75%
CLASSIFIED
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BUSINESS
Senior care service helps older people live at home
by Kathy Mitchell
As baby boomers, those
born during the 20 years
following World War II,
become the largest senior
population the nation has
ever had, they are boosting a
relatively new industrysenior
home health care.
The need for professional
help in caring for older adult
family members is not new,
but has expanded, according
to Doug Smith who has
recently become a franchisee
with Always Best Care Senor
Services, a national service
providing a range of service
designed to help older people
living at home maintain a safe,
independent and dignified
lifestyle, according to Always
Best Cares website.
I remember how difficult
it was for my mom who was
caring for her grandmother
while working full time. With
people living longer and the
baby boomer generation
entering their senior years,
more and more people are
facing the challenges she
struggled with, Smith said.
As my parents age,
investing in Always Best Care
gives me the assurance that
I will be preparedwhenever
my family is faced with that
inevitable need for quality
care, Smith continued.With
this thought top ofmind, I
realized that a growing number
of local families are in search
of reliable and affordablehome
care for their loved ones. I am
excited to bring a nationally
recognized brand like Always
Best CaretoAtlantaand hope
to help shape the future of
senior care in the area.
He said his franchise, which
will serve primarily DeKalb
and Fulton counties, is now
staffing up and plans to employ
40 to 50 caregivers. It is the first
Always Best Care in Georgia.
We will start serving all of
DeKalb and Fulton counties
right away and parts of other
metro counties, Smith said,
adding his franchise allows
him to serve 10 metropolitan
Atlanta counties.
Smith anticipates that most
clients will be adult children
concerned about their aging
parents. They may visit for
the holidays and decide their
parent is not doing as well as
they had thought and want to
take steps to be sure they are
safe and such matters as regular
meals, taking medicines on
schedule and personal hygiene
are being taken care of,
DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 22
to proceed with confidence
even if you have no background
in healthcare services.
Prior to joining Always Best
Care, Smith worked in retail
sales and management and his
sister, who is joining him in the
business, has a background in
accounting. Smith said he will
handlethe daily operations
of the business and maintain
contact with service providers
and clients.
While we have a policy of
visiting clients at least every
60 days to check on the quality
of service they are receiving, I
Doug Smith says the services offered
by Always Best Care help older people expect to be out in the field a
remain at home as long as possible, good deal and will pop in on
which is what they usually prefer. clients from time to time to be
sure they are getting what they
Jake Brown, president need from us, he said.
of Always Best Care, said Smith said as he hires
in a released statement he caregivers he is looking for
is thrilled to offer Always compassionate people who
Best Cares home health care enjoy being around seniors,
services in theAtlantaarea for listen well and make older
the first time. We arepleased people feel comfortable.
to expand our brand footprint Some will be certified nursing
with individuals like Doug, assistantsand thats always
who share a passion for success a bonusbut even those with
andproviding the community no healthcare background will
Best Care offers assisted For those who dont need
with such an invaluable complete a 40-hour training
living placement services for in-person visits, Always Best
service. program, he said, adding
clients.We research the area Care offers Always in Touch,
Smith said he and relatives that the company offers an
to find an assisted living facility which it describes as a
who will partner with him array of non-medical services,
that best matches the persons telephone reassuranceprogram
chose Always Best Care including meal preparation
needs, Smith said, adding that provides a daily phone
because they were impressed assistance, light housekeeping,
the company works with case call to seniors and disabled
with the business model companionship and grooming.
managers, social workers, adults who are living alone and
created by the 20-year-old Smith said that while the
discharge planners, doctors havelimited contact with the
California-based company. companys goal usually is to
and families to find affordable, outside world. Always in Touch
They provide you with a assure the senior has what he
comprehensive solutions that is the only absolutely free
detailed roadmap that allows or she needs to live at home,
can be specifically matched national telephonereassurance
you to build a successful sometimes the person must
tomeet a clients particular program of its kind anywhere
company and they provide be moved to an assisted living
physical or social needs. in theUSAandCanada.
quality training that allows you facility. In such cases, Always
NOTICE
The City of Lithonia, Georgia does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be
held at the Lithonia City Hall on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 7:00 pm and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section
48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax
digest and levy for the past five years.
CURRENT 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
INCORPORATED 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Real & Personal $ 18,958,213 $ 17,690,700 $ 20,095,784 $ 22,172,872 $ 26,527,218 $ 29,294,531
Motor Vehicles $ 1,690,000 $ 1,853,380 $ 1,554,440 $ 981,640 $ 794,580 $ 765,330
Mobile Homes $ 117,094 $ 117,094 $ 93,990 $ 93,990 $ 93,990 $ 87,151
Timber - 100%
Heavy Duty Equipment
Gross Digest $ 20,765,307 $ 19,661,174 $ 21,744,214 $ 23,248,502 $ 27,415,788 $ 30,147,012
Less M& O Exemptions $ 561,518 $ 552,462 $ 526,915 $ 536,850 $ 550,783 $ 572,747
Net M & O Digest $ 20,203,789 $ 19,108,712 $ 21,217,299 $ 22,711,652 $ 26,865,005 $ 29,574,265
State Forest Land Assistance
Grant Value $ -
Adjusted Net M&O Digest $ 20,203,789 $ 19,108,712 $ 21,217,299 $ 22,711,652 $ 26,865,005 $ 29,574,265
Gross M&O Millage 16.552 17.869 17.869 17.000 15.768 14.074
Less Rollbacks (LOST)
Net M&O Millage 16.552 17.869 17.869 17.000 15.768 14.074
Total City Taxes Levied $ 334,413 $ 341,454 $ 379,132 $ 386,098 $ 423,607 $ 416,228
Net Taxes $ Increase $ 10,906 $ 7,040 $ 37,678 $ 7,671 $ 37,509 $ (7,379)
Net Taxes % Increase 3.26% 2.11% 9.94% 1.99% 8.85% -1.74%
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 23

Grant Walker Maurice Campbell Jadon Haselwood

Jelani Woods Head Coach Jermaine Smith. Photos by Travis Hudgons

CEDAR GROVE RECEIVES FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS

by Carla Parker
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The blue carpet and luxury cars
were brought out May 30 for the 2016
Cedar Grove football team members
to celebrate receiving their state
championship rings in style.
The Cedar Grove Saints received
their rings at 4th & 1 Sports Bar Grille
and Lounge in Ellenwood in front of
family and friends. The Saints won
the Class AAA state title after beating
Greater Atlanta Christian 30-19 in
the Georgia Dome Dec. 9, 2016. Head
coach Jermaine Smith said getting the
rings was a long time coming.
They really deserve it, Smith said.
Im just glad to see them get [the
rings], glad to see their families come
out and support them.
Wide receiver Jadon Haselwood
said it is a blessing to finally get his
ring.
I didnt expect for all of this to just
happen, Haselwood said. Its all the
man above and I give all the glory to
him.
Once players and coaches got their
rings, they walked on the blue carpet
and took photos in front of a banner
that featured the ring design.
The top of the ring features the
teams new logo and one side of the
ring features the final score of the
championship game. Smithwho
is also the coach of the boys track
and field team, which won its third
consecutive state titlesaid the ring
was a little difficult to design.
Its a nice ring, but it was hard
because I had already designed two
track rings before that one so I had to
think of something different, he said.
Now I have another track ring [to
design], so I have to think of something
different. Im not complaining but I
want to make the guys happy and get
something they like.
Along with the rings, the players
received an envelope from Smith that
included a letter telling them to cherish
the ring and a warranty for the ring.
Its more than just a ring, Smith
said. It means something; it means you
did something special that no one [else]
can say they did.
Haselwood said every time he looks
down at the ring he will remember the
game and the atmosphere.
Just being in the dome, how hot
it was, how hard it was and when the
clock read 00:00, Haselwood said.
Although he has a state track and
field ring and another on the way,
Haselwood said he plans to wear
his football ring often. Smith, who
has several high school and college
championship rings, said he doesnt
wear them out much and keep them in
a safe place.
Now that he has this one, Smith said
he is eager to win another one.
Its funny, people always say you
want something so bad until you get
itnow that I got this championship I
want another so bad, he said. Youre
never satisfied.
LOCAL
Champion management and staff attending the 2017 Georgia Press Association annual convention included: Front from left- Kathy Mitchell, Horace Holloman and
Gale Gay; back row from left-Dr. Earl Glenn, Scott Belzer, John Hewitt, Carolyn Glenn and Bill Crane
The Champion again recognized for journalistic excellence
At the 131st Annual Georgia Press
Association Convention held June 1-3
at Jekyll Island, The Champion was
recognized for the ninth consecutive year
as a newspaper of excellence with a first-
place in General Excellence.
Competing against all weekly
newspaper in the state, The Champions
website was recognized as best
overall; Welcome to DeKalbthe 2017
newcomers guidewas recognized as
the best magazine product published
by a weekly newspaper in Georgia
and a photo published on www.
thechampionnewspaper.com was
recognized as the second best online photo
published by a weekly newspaper.
Competing against 23 other
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DEKALB FREE PRESS Friday, June 9, 2017 Page 24
DCSD
Continued From Page 20A
out in various ways against the
decision.
According to deputy
superintendent Vasanne
Tinsley, the district faced legal
opposition of such practices
from the American Federation
of Labor and Congress of
Industrial Organizations (AF-
CIO) during the 2015-2016
school year.
The AFL-CIO challenged
the practice of holding
graduation ceremonies in
religious facilities.
As a substitute, DCSDs
Facebook and YouTube
accounts streamed the
graduation ceremonies to
better serve those who could
not attend, which cost the
district more than $200,000.
In December, DCSD
approved a $204,663 contract
newspapers, The Champion won first- to purchase audio and video
place in education, news photo, sports services including an 80 by
photograph, investigative writing, 40 foot stage, camera mounts,
humorous writing, headline writing and podiums, lighting, a sound
page one design. Second-place awards system, video displays, cameras
were received for editorial writing, serious and staff.
column and photo essay. Third-place DCSD has not announced
awards editorial writing, lifestyle and where graduation ceremonies
religion coverage. for the 2017-2018 school year
will take place.