the DeKalb
23, NO 16 • FREE
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
The Rust-N-Dust building at the corner of Broad Street and Peachtree Road in Cham-
blee will soon have a plaque commemorating its place in Chamblee history.
Chamblee to capture its history
with new historical markers
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Chamblee is taking steps
to further recognize its
history.
City staff is working
to identify historically
significant areas in the
110-year-old city and
design historical markers to
place at the sites. The idea
came from a discussion
between Chamblee city
councilmembers Darron
Kusman and John Mesa
about extending a sidewalk
project along Pierce Drive
past Mt. Zion Cemetery.
“It’s a historically
African-American cemetery
that’s been there forever, so
I said it’d be really cool if
while we’re doing some of
these projects revitalizing
downtown, we told the story
of some of the landmarks
and historic structures
and places that are there,”
Kusman said.
Developer Taylor Smith,
who restored the Rust-N-
Dust antique store building
on Peachtree Road, also
offered inspiration for the
project.
“We were talking about
how it was kinda cool that
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • VOL.
he saved that wall mural that
was there as he redeveloped
the site and kept that history
as best he could,” Kusman
said.
The repainted wall
mural on the west side of
the building is one way
to identify a historically
significant place, but
Kusman said the city wants
to take historic recognition
a step further, creating
a uniform system of
markers that caters more to
pedestrian traffic.
“The plan is really to
identify historic sites within
the city, but really in the
downtown core district,
and to create a program
of markers to identify
these places and tell the
story…and particularly,
try to integrate it on these
pedestrian connections that
we’re creating,” Kusman
said.
New sidewalk projects
and the Chamblee Rail Trail
will provide pedestrians
with pathways around the
new markers. The city’s
partnership with IDEA
(Innovate, Design, Exhibit,
Art) Chamblee and the
Chamblee History Project
helps too, Kusman said.
IDEA Chamblee opened
in May 2016 to give local
SEE MARKERS ON PAGE 5
• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
ELECTION COVERAGE
No change in District 3 county commission seat
DeKalb County Commis- infrastructure, pave our roads,
sioner Larry Johnson held on continue to be an advocate
to his District 3 county com- for increased pay and benefit
mission seat after a victory packages for our public safety
over Felton Wright in the pri- personnel and build a world
mary election. class parks and recreation sys-
Johnson, who has been in tem to better the health of the
office as a commissioner for residents of DeKalb.”
nearly two decades, defeated Johnson said making sure
Felton with 80 percent of the the county’s public safety of-
vote May 22 at press time. ficials receive pay increases is
In an email exchange with one of his top priorities. Other
The Champion, Johnson said expressed priorities are build-
he’s committed to “results you
can see.”
Johnson
continue to connect the un-
ing infrastructure and making
sure residents live a healthy
“I believe in District 3,” life.
Johnson said. “ I want to connected, strengthen our
Fourth, sixth Congressional incumbents
to face challengers in November
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
After wins in the May 22 primary
election, Congressman Hank John-
son and Congresswoman Karen
Handel will both face a challenger in
the November general election.
Johnson won the Democratic
Johnson Profit
race for the 4th District Congres-
sional seat after beating challenger
Juan Parks. Johnson received 81
percent of votes and Parks received
19 percent, as of press time. Johnson
will face Republican Joe Profit in the
general election. Profit ran unop-
posed in the Republican primary.
Handel, who ran unopposed in
the Republican primary, will face
either Kevin Abel or Lucy McBath
in November. Abel and McBath will Handal Abel
face each other in a runoff for the
Democratic 6th District Congressio-
nal seat. Abel received 32.32 percent
of votes and McBath received 32.40
percent of votes, as of press time.
Congressman John Lewis re-
claimed the 5th District Congressio-
nal seat after running unopposed in
the primary and having no Republi-
can challenger in November. McBa th
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 2

DeKalb County Fleet Management department was awarded the best fleet department in North America. Photos provided

DeKalb’s fleet management wins top award

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County’s fleet
management department has
the best fleet department in
North America, according to
the 100 Best Fleets in America
and Governing Magazine.
DeKalb County won
first place in a “best fleet”
competition out of 38,000
public fleets. The department
was recognized for quality
customer service, sustainability
practices and employee
training.
DeKalb County CEO
Michael Thurmond praised
fleet management Deputy
Director Robert Gordon for
the award.
“DeKalb County is pleased
to recognize the leadership
of Robert Gordon, deputy
director of fleet management,”
said Thurmond. “His
commitment to excellent
service, environmental
stewardship and creating
a high-trust culture is an
example for all of us to follow.”
Gordon and DeKalb’s fleet
management department
are no strangers to success.
In 2015, 2016 and 2017
DeKalb placed second in the
competition.
This year the department
received the top honor.
Gordon said he’s very proud
of the employees within the
department.
“I was extremely happy and
a little bit shocked. We had
been second place in ‘15,’16 equipment. Gordon said the
and ‘17,” Gordon said. “I was county also changes between
extremely proud of my team. 700 to 900 tires a month.
It legitimizes all the things “[This award] is very
that we do. It gives you a lot of special,” Gordon said. “I’ve
pride and confirms that you’re been in the business for a
doing things correctly.” long, long time and to get this
Gordon said he’s proud of award and to be able to give
the departments 99 percent something positive back to the
positive feedback rate on county feels good.”
customer service surveys it According to county
received last year. DeKalb’s officials, the fleet management
fleet management services upgraded its fueling program,
and repairs approximately opened an environmentally
3,600 county vehicles and friendly above-ground fuel site
SEE FLEET ON PAGE 9

Spend one minute reading this now. Protect your family for a lifetime.

Smell gas?
Act fast!

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless fuel. For safety reasons, a chemical odorant called mercaptan is added for easy detection.
This odorant has a distinctive “rotten egg” type scent. Natural gas odors should be reported right away. Do not try to locate
the source of the smell.

If you smell this odor:

• Alert others and leave the area immediately.
• Leave the door open as you exit.
• Avoid using any sources of ignition, such as cell phones, lighters, matches, cigarettes, flashlights, light switches, landlines or
starting a car engine.
• Call Atlanta Gas Light at 877.427.4321 or 911 once you are out of the area and in a safe place.

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LOCAL
AROUNDDEKALB
BROOKHAVEN
Bark in the Park coming soon
Brookhaven Parks and Recreation will
host Bark in the Park June 2 from 1 to 5
p.m. at Brookhaven Park. Bark in the Park
is a free event featuring music, dog trick
demonstrations, pet-related vendors and
adoptions. Dogs must be leashed. For
information on becoming a vendor, email
phillip.mitchell@brookhavenga.gov.
CHAMBLEE
Summer concert series continues
Departure, a Journey tribute bands will
perform a free concert June 1 as part of
the Chamblee Summer Concert Series. The
concert will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at City
Hall Park, 5468 Peachtree Road. For more
information, visit http://www.chambleega.
com/343/Summer-Concert-Series.
CLARKSTON
Benefits assistance at library
Those who need assistance with
applications for government benefits such
as Medicaid and food stamps can come to
the Clarkston Library June 1, 11 a.m. to 1
p.m. A caseworker from the International
Rescue Committee will assist with
applications on a first-come, first-served
basis. The library is located at 951 N. Indian
Creek Drive. For more information, call
(404) 508-7175.
WE ARE SOCIAL
#ITSINTHECHAMPION
DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 3
DUNWOODY
Free car seat check
The Dunwoody Police Department is
hosting a free car seat safety event May 26
between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Residents may
stop by the Dunwoody City Hall at 4800
Ashford Dunwoody Road to have child’s
car seats or booster seats checked for free
by certified child safety seat technicians.
Memorial Day remembrance
The city of Dunwoody will host its
Memorial Day Remembrance May 28 from
10 to 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial
at Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree
Road.
LITHONIA
BMG Church changes Sunday service
schedule
Big Miller Grove Baptist Church is going
from two services to one beginning June
3. The church elected to change the
service time from two worship services
of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. to one service time
with Sunday School starting at 8 a.m.
and church fellowship at 9:15 a.m. The
church is located at 3800 Big Miller Grove
Way. For more information, visit www.
bigmillergrove.org.
Homeless ministry to hold fish fry
Lady T’s Homeless Ministry is holding
a fish fry fundraiser Saturday, June 2, 1-4
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
p.m. at 3572 Bramblevine Circle, Lithonia.
Food is available for dine-in or takeout. In
addition to fried whiting and tilapia, there
will be baked spaghetti, baked beans, corn
on the cobb, cole slaw, green beans, grits,
desserts and beverages for sale. Plates are
$10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and
younger. There also will be games, dancing
a 50/50 raffle and a kiddie corner. Visitors
can also support the ministry by bringing
cases of bottled water and packages of
white crew socks to be given to homeless
persons. For more information, call (404)
316-0774 or (678) 598-0804.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Tunes by the Track
Yehuda will perform June 1 at Stone
Mountain’s Tunes by the Track series. The
free concert will be held at 922 Main Street
near the gazebo from 7 to 9 p.m. For more
information, visit www.stonemountaincity.
org.
TUCKER
Art exhibit at library
Members of the Southeastern
Photography Society will exhibit their
work June 1 at the Tucker-Reid H. Cofer
Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library
is located at 5234 LaVista Road. For more
information, call (770) 270 8234.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 4

Public safety COO:

‘THIS IS A TEAM EFFORT’
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
When DeKalb County hired Jack
Lumpkin as director of public safety,
Lumpkin said improving the county’s
police and fire recruitment was a “top
priority.”
At a board of commissioners
committee of the whole meeting May
15, Lumpkin updated commissioners
on the county’s recruitment efforts,
stating that improving public safety in
the county would be a “team effort.”
Lumpkin introduced
commissioners and those in
attendance to police applicants who
accepted employment in DeKalb
County, 911 communication officers
and fire service rescue recruits.
“They have helped us develop a
culture of public safety that helps
police and fire work seamlessly
together more than any other
jurisdiction I’ve previously worked
with,” Lumpkin said.
According to Lumpkin, the success
of DeKalb’s public safety will depend
on the leadership abilities of its
“millennial” recruits.
Lumpkin said a large number of
the county’s new fire service recruits
are considered “millennials.
In August of this year, Lumpkin
said there will be county-wide
leadership training for all public safety
personnel.
“We will commence teaching
the international association of
chief of police flagship leadership
development training,” Lumpkin said.
“We want everyone to understand
what leadership is. We have to
manage millennials because that’s our
workforce now.”
In February, DeKalb hired 47 new
fire recruits with the help of a federal
grant.
In 2017, the county received $4.9
million from the federal Staffing
for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) grant. The funding
allowed DeKalb to increase its staffing
levels, according to county officials.
The Special Purpose Local Option
Sales Tax also will fund new fire
stations and improve existing stations.
“This is going to be a team effort
and we’re going to accomplish
the goals that the CEO [Michael
Thurmond] and commissioners have
developed for us,” Lumpkin said.
Thurmond said the county plans
to adjust public safety salaries for the
mid-year budget amendments.
“We congratulate these brave
young men and women who keep
all of us safe and we want them to
continue to do a great job,” Thurmond
said.

A sea turtle painted by Florida artist Jen Callahan on display at Mosaic and crucifix pendants created by Stone Mountain artist LeAnn Christian on display at Dunwoody Art Festival May 13.
Dunwoody Art Festival May 13. Photos by Derek Smith.

Artists flock to Dunwoody Art Festival

BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
More than 140 artists lined each side
of Dunwoody Village Parkway May 12
and 13 for the ninth annual Dunwoody
Art Festival.
Temperatures reached into the 90s
during parts of the festival, but plenty
of patrons still turned out to view and
shop for art.
Dunwoody spokesperson Bob
Mullen said the city estimated 25,000 to
35,000 attendees through the two-day
event.
“It’s very hot, but a very nice crowd,”
artist Jen Callahan said.
Callahan said she is on the show
circuit this year and has traveled from
her home on the coast of Florida to her
first Dunwoody Art Festival this year.
“[The festival is] very nice … and
the people have been very responsive to
my art, so that was nice too,” she said.
Callahan’s art is a mix of water-
based acrylic and watercolor paint,
which she uses to create brightly-
colored sea creatures such as sharks,
dolphins and even mermaids. She said
she draws inspiration from spending
her life living on the East Coast, from
Virginia to Florida.
“I love sea turtles. Those are my
favorite,” she said.
Stone Mountain artist LeAnn
Christian said she was attending her
sixth Dunwoody Art Festival.
Christian creates mosaics with
different colored glass pieces. She cuts
the pieces of glass, then grouts them
together “just like you would grout tile,”
she said.
She uses the technique to create a
variety of decorative items, attaching
mosaics to old window panes, using
them as a base for dog bowls or
fashioning them into crucifix pendants.
She also creates her own glass beads
with a torch.
“Sometimes those find their way
into the mosaics,” she said.
Though she said the festival isn’t
quite as busy as it's been in past years,
she said she still had a good weekend.
“It’s always a good, fun crowd,” she
said.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • Page 5

Runoff for Super

District 7 expected
As of press time, it
appeared incumbent
Super District 7 Com-
missioner Gregory
Adams will compete
in a runoff against
challenger Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson.
Orson Hammonds DaCosta In the primary elec- Adams
McKinley
tion May 22, Adams
held a slight lead over

Latest results for contested

Johnson with 44 per-
cent of the vote com-
pared to Johnson’s 41
percent according to

board of education seats

BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Two contested DeKalb
County School District (DCSD)
Board of Education seats had
not been decided by press time
May 22.
In District 2, challenger
Marshall Orson held 51.67
percent of the vote over
challenger Candice McKinley,
who had 48.33 at press time.
Orson originally won his seat in
2012, then again in 2014.
The District 6 seat currently
held by Melvin Johnson is
between two candidates, with
Johnson deciding to vacate
the seat. Diijon DaCosta was
defeating Lance Hammonds
55.25 percent to 44.75 percent
at press time.
Allyson Gevertz, who ran
unopposed for the District 4
seat, will replace Jim McMahan,
who decided not to run for
reelection.
polling reports at press
time.
The District 7 race
was a competitive field
with four individuals Cochran-Johnson
competing for the seat.
Challengers Jared Tolbert and Ed Williams
also ran for the District 7 seat.
As of press time, Tolbert had 7 percent of
the vote and Williams had 5 percent.
Adams, who was elected as District 7 com-
missioner in December of 2016, said he was
more experienced with allocating taxpayer
money than any other individual running for
the seat.
“I have successfully handled constituent
concerns for over 350,000-plus residents. I cur-
rently oversee hundreds of millions of dollars
that are allocated for DeKalb’s infrastructure
and growth,” Adams said. “I am the only candi-

Johnson reclaims Superior Court seat

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Courtney Johnson will remain
a DeKalb County Superior Court
judge after being reelected to the
seat.
With 71 percent of precincts
reporting at press time, Johnson
won the election with 65 percent of
votes, defeating Genet Hopewell,
who received 53 percent of votes.
During the campaign, Johnson
emphasized how she ran a “posi-
tive campaign” after Hopewell’s
camp sent flyers about Johnson’s
bad press. The mailer mentioned
Johnson’s handling of the criminal
trial of former DeKalb County
Johnson
CEO Burrell Ellis and an incident
in which Johnson allegedly refused
to grant a bathroom break for a
defense attorney, which resulted in
an accident in the courtroom.
“Shame on my opponent for
trying to conceal her lack of experi-
ence by running a negative and
misleading smear campaign against
me,” Johnson said in an email blast.
“We do not need that kind of nega-
tivity in DeKalb County.”
In the other Superior Court race
to succeed Judge Daniel Marshall
Coursey, Jr., LaTisha Dear-Jack-
son and Tunde Akinyele will head
into a runoff election after finishing
in the top two spots of the six-
person race. Dear-Jackson received
37 percent of votes and Akinyele
received 23 percent of votes, as of
press time.
Ken Hodges defeated Ken Shig-
ley for the Court of Appeals seat.
Hodges received 70 percent of votes
and Shigley received 30 percent, as
of press time.
date in this race who has successfully managed
and allocated millions of dollars of taxpayer
funds. I have faithfully served all of DeKalb
County.”
Johnson, a journalist and associate pub-
lisher of Who’s Who In Black Atlanta, said she
wants the county to thrive under her direction.
“I have a vision for DeKalb where busi-
nesses and communities thrive,’ Johnson said.
“A vision where residents have a renewed sense
of community pride, property values increase,
and all people prosper and enjoy safe streets
and improved infrastructure. As your commis-
sioner, I commit to always being informed and
educated on issues that affect us both. It’s time
we change DeKalb.”

MARKERS Continued From Page 1

artists a place to showcase their art. In October
2016, the city partnered with the art group for
the Chamblee History Project. The idea was to
collect historical information about Chamblee
and organize it in a digital archive, allowing
the city to fill in “historical gaps” according to
the contract. The contract also directs IDEA
to propose appropriate reuse potential for the
historical material in public spaces.
Thanks to that project, much of the work has
already been done, Kusman said.
“We have a lot of the information that we
didn’t have six months or a year ago, and we’re
actually able to move forward,” he said.
At its May 15 meeting, the Chamblee City
Council formalized the process of establishing
the markers, directing city staff to begin the
work. Kusman said the project is part of an
ongoing effort to make Chamblee more vibrant.
“A lot of what we’re trying to do is capture
the history of the city as we look to create a
vibrant downtown,” he said.
OPINION
“When used at closer ranges,
the average bird-hunting shotgun is
actually more deadly than the much
villified AR-15. Banning AR-15s will
do nothing to stop disturbed and
deranged shooters,” Dudley Brown,
President of the National Association
of Gun Rights.
Regardless of where the next
attack occurs, we simply need to
do more to protect our children,
and harden the targets which our
public schools have become. I will
not mention the name of the most
recent confessed killer, as I don’t
have the space here to share the
stories of the two brave educators
and eight students he gunned down
with a shotgun and a handgun.  father of this killer took normal
I learned long ago as a parent,
though the phenomenon was
pointed out to me by an older
colleague, in times of crisis and
challenge, natural disasters, etc.;
children immediately look at adults
for their reaction and response. A
calm demeanor, direct instructions
and responding while maintaining
composure can make all the
difference between a panicked run
and perhaps worse injury, and a
planned, protected, defensive move
toward safety or higher ground.
And after the storm passes,
the children are still paying
attention. Screaming at each
other about gun access laws and
regulation, or other aspects of
these tragedies, helps no one. We
need to collectively focus on those
aspects of this multi-pronged
problem which we agree on, and
build solutions, at the local and
community level, as well as state
and federal governments.
Many societal trends well
beyond access to firearms have
brought us to this firing point, and
it will take redirection and refocus
in many different areas to repair
this damage.
This most recent killer
apparently also placed pipe
bombs on the school campus
FREEPRESS
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • Page 6
Worthy of repeating
just among the handful of students our children. All of these security
‘One Man’s who might have actually witnessed enhancements begin at home,
an embarrassing lunchroom helping our children understand
Opinion’ pratfall. Bullying is occurring and what to do in a time of crisis. 
is enabled by multiple social media We had family friends with a
Bill Crane offerings.  bomb shelter in those days decades
bill.csicrane@gmail.com An armed and trained public ago; our family was invited to join
safety officer should be a part of each our neighbors there if that day ever
and nearby. Type “building pipe school campus. A protocol raising came. I can still picture that place.
bombs” into your favorite search the priority level for response to These may be initially difficult
engine, and you will easily find 911 calls from any school campus discussions to have, in our desire to
10-15 video tutorials explaining should be established and regularly deliver our children an experience
cheap ingredients and the easiest tested. School lockdown drills are better than our own, but like the
explosive combinations for making now a near universal reality, similar ‘sex talk’ which now precedes
pipe bombs at home.  to the nuclear bomb drills in my adolescence for most…better safe
Legal gun ownership is a reality day. Children remember what they than sorry.
for millions of American families practice, as my youngest can easily
and households. I’m sure the explain and easily demonstrate “Stop, Bill Crane also serves as a political
drop and roll” or “Stranger danger." analyst and commentator for Channel
precautions to secure his legally As with the greater personal 2’s Action News, WSB-AM News/Talk
purchased rife and handgun, responsibility to be more vigilant and 750 and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
but no parent is omniscient, to "See something, say something" columnist for The Champion, DeKalb
nor able to monitor all of their in our post-911 world, we need to Free Press and Georgia Trend. Crane
children 24 hours a day. Part of re-build the spirit of neighborhood is a DeKalb native and business owner,
that responsibility lies within the and community which helped living in Scottdale. You can reach
broader community. empower neighbors and friends to him or comment on a column at bill.
Spending considerable time with assist in raising and watching out for csicrane@gmail.com.
students today in several volunteer
capacities, I’ve noted that the young
women mature earlier and are often
more focused on achievement. In
many ways, today’s children are
more accomplished, but they are
often less experienced in common
sense and the practicalities of
day-to-day living. Helicopter and
over-protective parenting can
create unrealistic expectations for
the many harsh and challenging
realities of life.
Add in easy access to violent
video games, pornography that
creates unrealistic visions of male/
female relationships, many children
being raised in either single-parent
or dual-parent households where
both parents work; and you have a
recipe for secrets, hidden hobbies
and perhaps plans of retaliation
against those who have caused
one pain. Social media provides a
geometric platform for spreading
the adolescent social faux pas of
the day across an entire nation, not
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Derek Smith We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: Donna Seay The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; on all sides of an issue. We have no
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc., a more educated citizenry that will
Thursday, one week prior to publication date. 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 ultimately move our community
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www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
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us that is known to be false and/or
DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
OPINION
DeKalb needs diverse industry, zoning to thrive
DeKalb County has come a long way
since its humble beginnings as farm
country carved out of Henry County.  in the offing to convert many of these
Even its first generation of growth as a
bedroom community is long in the rear
view, leaving a legacy of a residential-
heavy tax base.
Our national and Georgia
economies as well as most all of metro
Atlanta are approaching official ‘full
employment.’  DeKalb County lags
slightly, while our population continues
to grow, and we need our jobs base
to stay broad and wide, and not just
growing among lower and minimum
wage positions within the retail and
service industries.
Fortunately, DeKalb’s maturity
also means multiple light and heavier
industrial districts countywide.  to level out the site’s uneven topography
Ranging from Scottdale’s steel mill to
the Big Green Egg HQ in Doraville,
DeKalb still has manufacturing jobs,
particularly within packaged foods
and building materials/supplies. We
also have great opportunity in skilled
technical trades, technical fabrication,
and the creative arts, as these industries
have been displaced from the urban
core, and from Decatur, Chamblee and
other DeKalb cities by newer housing
and specialty retail.  These industrial
occupations, some with lower skill
level requirements, are often found
in DeKalb among small to mid-sized
family owned enterprises in operation
Guest Editorial
for decades.
But there are short sighted plans
smaller job centers and light industrial
districts to other uses, most frequently
multi-family residential housing.  and open for leasing in 2019, while a
One such planned 9-acre assemblage
in unincorporated DeKalb at the
City of Decatur’s eastern boundary
on Ponce de Leon Avenue at Sam’s
Crossing defies logic, and was rejected
for re-zoning by the DeKalb County
Commission before withdrawal by
the developers.  Those speculators
are now shopping for annexation and
permission from the City of Decatur for
up to 450 apartments, crammed into
a 9-acre site, and requiring a 40-foot
retaining wall, facing east at street level,
on a hillside.
Students living in this annexation
would attend City of Decatur Schools,
well known for its low student teacher
ratio and class sizes.  The system’s
smallest elementary school, Glennwood
Elementary, which has been at or near
its capacity of 250 students since 2014,
is a short walk from the proposed
walled apartment complex.  And these
new housing units, with hundreds
of parking spaces, will generate even
more congestion for the Sam’s Crossing
choke-point.
There are already apartments with
nearly 500 units currently open or
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • Page 7
under construction within a three
block walk of this proposed annexation.  that Decatur’s Mayor and City Council
Decatur cannot be characterized as
apartment-poor.  Two projects, just
across Sam’s Crossing will come on line
third and fourth complex, north of the
site on North Arcadia Drive, seldom
reach 70 percent occupancy.  This glut
of new luxury apartments will likely
hasten their decline.  Vacant apartments
do not age well, tax laws allow them
to depreciate quickly and drop off the
property tax rolls in roughly a decade.  care options, and expansions plans for
Not so with industrial property,
factories or even warehouses, which
also generally continue to employ for
generations
So why does this site seem so
derelict?  The diverse group of property
owners a party to the assemblage are
bound by a restrictive contract, only
allowing a transaction to proceed with
the permission of the developer, who
continues to demand zoning changes
to maximize profit on the project.  The
existing contract even calls for other
willing buyers at higher price points
to be turned away in favor of this
apartment scheme.
Decatur’s Mayor, and our friend
Patti Garrett, has been suggesting that
DeKalb complete its Comprehensive
Annexation Plan, to prevent knee-jerk
zoning and annexation land grabs
by DeKalb’s increasingly aggressive
municipalities.  We agree, and hope
hear their own Mayor’s words in
consideration of this most recently
proposed annexation...with five years of
failure by this project fully factored in.
We think there is a better path ahead
for this area, with the DeKalb Medical
Center main campus and VA service
and rehabilitation center each within
a few hundred yards of the proposed
site.  Given Congressional support and
the V.A.’s plans for Veteran’s Choice
DeKalb Medical expected to follow
its successful acquisition by Emory
University Health Care, new area
medical services, professional buildings
and specialty centers seem a much
more logical fit and a significantly
greater center of employment
than another block/box filled with
apartments.
DeKalb County has turned a
corner, along with a renewed sense of
purpose and open dialogue, the county
is working with its municipalities
towards all ships rising.  It only takes a
few rowing in the wrong direction to
change the positive flow of currents.
DeKalb County Commissioners
Jeff Rader (District 2), Kathie Gannon
(Super District 6) and Steve Bradshaw
(District 4)
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 8
Republican governor candidate Michael Williams made stops in DeKalb County during his “deportation bus” tour. Williams’ bus was met by protesters.
‘Deportation bus’ makes stops in Clarkston, Decatur
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Although the “deportation bus” was
not filled with illegal immigrants as
indicated on the signage, a candidate
running for governor of Georgia made
quite a stir in what some called a
“campaign stunt.”
Republican candidate Michael
Williams unveiled his customized
deportation bus in DeKalb County May
16 during stops on his campaign tour.
The bus has warning labels stating
that it is filled with “killers, rapists and
murderers.” The bus also encourages
illegal immigrants to follow the bus “back
to Mexico.”
Williams’ bus stopped in two DeKalb
cities that he referred to as sanctuary cities
that follow certain procedures to shelter
illegal immigrants.
The arrival of the deportation bus was
met with multiple protesters. Williams
said the protests turned violent. Protesters
gathered around the bus at its arrival
in the Thrift Town shopping center in
Clarkston. Protesters waved signs and
chanted “immigrants make America
great,” among other things.
“Today’s violent protest proved that
sanctuary city policies breed violence
and enable criminal illegal aliens to harm
Georgians with minimal repercussions.
My heart goes out to families that have
lost a family member at the hands of
SEE BUS ON PAGE 12
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 9

Family meets at GBI headquarters regarding inmate death

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
After a 22-year-old
man died in a Rockdale
County prison, the family
of the deceased held a press
conference at the Georgia
Bureau of Investigation
headquarters in Decatur
to ask the GBI for answers
surrounding his death.
Shali Tilson was arrested
by Conyers police for two
misdemeanor charges March
3. Days later, after being placed
on suicide watch, Tilson was
found dead in a cell March 12.
Mawuli Davis, a Decatur-
based attorney representing the
family, said the family wants to
know what happened to Tilson.
“There have been a couple
of reports which concern me.
We understand that at this
point Rockdale County can’t
talk about certain facts of the
case,” Davis said. “We don’t
know if there’s another way
to get answers other than us
moving forward with either a
criminal prosecution or some
civil litigation to get to some
core answers.”
According to Davis, Tilson
was “severely dehydrated”
“Some people [would]
rather not wait on the facts
and would much rather
use their own conclusions
and judgments as to what
happened to Mr. Tilson. Also,
most of you know I can not
and will not discuss this case
since I need to know facts
as well. RCSO [Rockdale
County Sheriff ’s Office]
has worked hard to build a
professional reputation and we
will continue to stand by that
reputation because we have
nothing to hide,” Levett said.
Members of Tilson’s family
and the GBI director Vernon
Keenan met for an hour on
May 14 at GBI headquarters in
Decatur. Davis said the family
still has questions that were not
answered.
“They can’t tell us why
he died. He died in the jail
and somebody must be held
responsible. Someone has to
step up and be honest about
it,” Davis said. “If there is
Family members of Shali Tilson, who died in a Rockdale County jail in March, met with Georgia Bureau of Investigation officials in malicious intent, there’s a
Decatur to ask for answers regarding Tilson’s death. failure of Rockdale County
Sheriff ’s Office that resulted in
this young man’s death.”
when he was found. An Following Tilson’s death, on social media asking people Davis said the GBI's
autopsy showed Tilson died Rockdale County Sheriff Eric to not jump to conclusions investigation could be
from natural causes. Levett released a statement online. complete by May 21.

Stonecrest gets mailing address City expands website options FLEET

Continued From Page 1A
BY CARLA PARKER Stonecrest’s building officials introduced an online portal that
carla@dekalbchamp.com will allow residents and builders to obtain building permits and
schedule inspections. and reduced gasoline and fuel
Stonecrest residents can now put the city’s name in their New business owners and residents interested in remodeling consumption.
mailing address when mailing packages. their homes can also use the online service to determine “The DeKalb Fleet
The city announced May 17 that the U.S. Postal Service added if a business license or permit is needed, obtain submittal Management Department
Stonecrest to their list of acceptable city and state designations. requirements, apply and pay the licensing and permitting fees and exemplifies all that is right
Instead of using Lithonia, residents can use Stonecrest when view the status of their application. Existing business owners can about public service,” said
mailing packages using the postal service. Stonecrest zip codes renew their business licenss online provided the existing license Tom Johnson, founder
will remain the same. was issued by the city of Stonecrest rather than DeKalb County. of the 100 Best Fleets in
“This is one more step that will help put Stonecrest on the Starting June 1, the Stonecrest website will provide a way for America program. “The
map,” Mayor Jason Lary said. residents to file and track code enforcement complaints. Last year, county has developed best
Although Amazon, United Parcel Service and FedEx have code enforcement officers handled more than 900 complaints, practices that reduce the
not added Stonecrest to their list of acceptable cities, city officials most of which were submitted by email or phone. Complaints need for unscheduled repairs,
said the USPS change will make it easier to bring the other three soon will be submitted and tracked online. Later this summer, maintenance costs and negative
shipping services up to date. City staff is also working with the website will provide a planning and zoning feature that will environmental impacts.”
Google Maps to recognize Stonecrest as a designation. Lithonia is give developers the document requirements and the ability to Gordon said the
still the default address for Stonecrest in Google. apply online. department also has outreach
“The process of updating Google is a lengthy, arduous one,” “Our website is a constant work in progress,” said Stonecrest programs to help youth
Stonecrest Communications Director Adrion Bell said. “The Communications Director Adrion Bell. “Our goal is to use interested in the industry.
city’s GIS manager submitted the necessary information to technology to make doing business with the city of Stonecrest a DeKalb Fleet officials speak
Google last summer. Google periodically verifies and updates quick, easy and convenient process.” at high schools and technical
their records. In February the city’s Google classification was The link to start the online building permit process may be schools and tell students about
upgraded from a ‘new submission’ to ‘under review.’ We hope found on the city’s website under the Building Permitting and careers in fleet management,
this process is completed by the summer.” Land Use section or by visiting http://stonecrestga.gov/building_ Gordon said. The department
permit.php also speaks at military bases to
help recruit people leaving the
military.

Visit us Online at
“Our motto is ‘keep DeKalb
rolling,’” Gordon said. “We’re

www.TheChampionNewspaper.com
proud of what we do and we’re
proud of our team.”
LOCAL
Witness states
Anthony Hill had hands
up before shooting
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
A key witness for the legal
team of Robert Olsen, a
former DeKalb County police
officer who shot and killed
unarmed veteran Anthony
Hill, said Hill appeared to
have his hands up moments
before he was shot by Olsen at
Chamblee Heights Apartment
Complex.
On May 21, attorneys
for Olsen met with Judge
J.P. Boulee for an immunity
hearing to determine whether
the charges against Olsen
should be dropped or if the
trial should proceed.
During the hearing, witness
Pedro Castillo, who was
employed as a maintenance
worker at the apartment
complex where Hill was shot,
said he witnessed the shooting
and described the events that
took place.
According to Castillo, when
Olsen arrived at the complex,
Hill was naked and did not
follow verbal commands issued
by Olsen.
Hill began to jog toward
Olsen, “with his hands up.”
Olsen told him to stop, but Hill
continued to approach. Olsen
began to back up slowly and
Hill slowed his jog to a “walk”
and put his hands behind his
back before being shot, Castillo
said.
Hill served in Afghanistan
and was later discharged after
being diagnosed with bipolar
disorder. Hill’s family said he
suffered from mental health
issues and was having a mental
health episode at the time of
the shooting.
Hill’s shooting death
received national media
attention.
One witness described
Hill as a “well-mannered
gentleman” who was always
polite and kind.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 10
Grisselle Torres, who
worked at the Chamblee
Heights Apartments as the
property manager, said she
called 911 when she witnessed
Hill acting strange.
Torres said she called the
police because she feared for
Hill’s safety.
“I wasn’t afraid that he was
going to attack me,” Torres
said. “It wasn’t fear, it was just
a precaution. He wasn’t acting
aggressive.”
Torres said that because
Hill was naked, she feared
that a resident in the complex
would try to “beat him up.”
“I heard the residents
talking and I was afraid
someone would have a weapon
and if [Hill] would go close to
the kids or a woman, they may
do something to him,” Torres
said. “He was naked walking
around the property. I didn’t
want anyone to hurt him.”
Witness Randall Murphy
testified as a general expert
on police training during the
hearing. Murphy said Olsen
used proper judgment during
the incident and that he did
not have enough time to use
weapons such as pepper spray
or a baton because Hill was
too close at the time of the
shooting.
Protesters gathered outside
of the courthouse in downtown
Decatur asking for justice for
Hill and his family. The protest
was organized by several
nonprofit organizations.
Keisha Braswell with the
Alliance for Black Lives said
she wanted to support Hill’s
family during the trial.
“I’m here to seek justice
for our hero Anthony Hill,”
Braswell said. “We’re here to
offer our support. It shouldn’t
take three years to get to this
trial and I don’t understand
why it takes so long to
determine whether or not
someone followed protocol.” Protesters gather outside of the DeKalb County Courthouse as the trial for Robert Olsen began May 21.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 11

WEEK in PICTURES

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) held its 18th Annual Run Walk ‘n Roll at Stone Mountain Park. The event raised more than $27,000 for FODAC’s mission to provide home medical equipment. Photo by L.A.
Dison

The Chamblee Police Department Auxiliary was honored May 15 at the Chamblee City Council meeting after completing
a 10-week course.

Narvie J. Harris Elementary School first grader Jasmine Wadley poses with her teacher Ms. The DeKalb County Police Department Tucker precinct held a night time coffee with a cop event at Boston Market on
Cutter after receiving the Principal Scholars Award. Photo by Kemesha Wadley Redan Road. Photo provided.

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

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

(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com

404.373.7779 x 110
DeKalb25.com
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 12

Sen. Tonya Anderson, center, is presented the 2018 Champion of Georgia’s Cities award by GMA Rep. Michele Henson received the 2018 Champion of Georgia’s Cities award at the Tucker City Council meeting.
Governmental Relations Associate Michael McPherson, right.

Anderson, Henson receive ‘Champion of Georgia Cities’ awards

BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Two DeKalb County state legislators
were honored with the 2018 Champion
of Georgia’s Cities award from the
Georgia Municipal Association (GMA)
May 14, the organization announced.
The award is given at the end of
every two-year legislative term to state
legislators who actively support major
GMA initiatives and goals. Sen. Tonya
Anderson (D-Lithonia) was presented
with her award at the Mall at Stonecrest
and Rep. Michele Henson (D-Stone
Mountain) received her award at a
Tucker City Council meeting.
Anderson received the award for
her work on Senate Bill 333, which
allows state or local government
employers to pay the cost of their
employee participating in a deferred
compensation plan and allows
employee contributions to be
established in an automatic enrollment
arrangement. GMA officials said
studies show that roughly 85-90 percent
of employees who are automatically
enrolled into a deferred compensation
plan continue contributions toward
their retirement.
“In contrast, studies show that
participation in plans without
automatic enrollment is, on average,
less than 50 percent,” Kelli Bennett of
GMA said.
The bill passed in the general
assembly and was signed by Gov.
Nathan Deal on May 8.
“It is truly humbling to be
recognized by GMA and their
membership,” said Anderson in a
released statement. “This legislation
will help so many by allowing the cost
of their deferred compensation plan
to be covered by their employer. I am
thankful for GMA’s support of this bill
and look forward to working with them
in the future to ensure that legislation
that champions Georgia’s cities is
supported in the Senate.”
“We greatly appreciate Sen.
Anderson’s strong support for city
government and her willingness to
listen to our issues and concerns,” GMA
Executive Director Larry Hanson
said. “Due to her strong leadership, the
citizens of all of Georgia’s cities will
benefit.”
GMA officials said Henson was
recognized for her leadership shown in
defending home rule, fighting against
Senate Bill 2. The bill was known as the
“FAST Act—Fairness, Accountability,
Simplification, and Transparency.”
“We greatly appreciate Rep. Henson’s
strong support for city government and
her willingness to listen to our issues
and concerns,” Hanson said. “Due to
her strong leadership, the citizens of all
of Georgia’s cities will benefit.”
GMA is a voluntary, nonprofit
organization in Atlanta that provides
legislative advocacy, educational,
employee benefit and consulting
services to its 521-member cities.

BUS Continued From Page 8A Proposed Substantial Amendment to the 2014-2018

an illegal alien who should have never been in our country,”
Williams said.
Williams claimed protesters would not allow the bus to leave
its Decatur stop at a Burger King on N. Decatur Road.
The DeKalb County Police Department was called but
according to a police report, no violence occured.
“There was an anonymous 911 call made that stated protesters
were ‘getting violent,’” the report said. “Upon a police supervisor
and officers’ arrival at the scene, they did not observe any
violence or criminal activity.”
Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry said Williams is welcome in
Clarkston any time he wants to visit. Terry said the protesters
were showing support for its large immigrant population.
“Clarkston has been very diverse for a very long time and I
think in a lot of ways [Clarkston] is the future of what America
will look like,” Terry said. “The reality is our American way of life
hasn’t been wiped out by foreign invaders as some would have
you believe.”
Decatur officials have gone through a “sanctuary city” debate
with another Republican candidate for governor.
Casey Cagle accused Decatur of being a sanctuary city and
filed a complaint with the Georgia Immigration Enforcement
Review Board Nov 6. Decatur officials have denied Cagle’s claims.
“As I reflect on the conference and our own city’s efforts to
cultivate a diverse and inclusive community, I am perplexed and
saddened that the lt. governor has chosen to characterize Decatur
in this seemingly self-serving and inflammatory way, accusing
Decatur of harboring dangerous criminals when he knows
that is simply not true,” Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said in a
statement.
Consolidated Plan, including the
2016 Annual Action Plan
“DeKalb County Small Business Loan Fund”
DeKalb County is proposing to amend to the 2014-2018 Consolidated Plan,
including the 2016 loan fund for DeKalb County small businesses. Specifically,
the Community Development Department seeks to add an additional $250,000
of CDBG funding to the existing contract amount of $450,000; with Access to
Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) increasing the contract amount to $700,000
and extend the contract term date to August 26, 2019.
This action will enhance the department’s ability to better serve the
entrepreneurial community of DeKalb County and allow loans to be made with
no interruption of service.
All citizens are invited to view the proposed substantial amendment to
this programs from May 24, 2018 to June 8, 2018 on the DeKalb County
Community Development website, https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/community-
development/public-notice.
DeKalb County Community Development Department
750 Commerce Drive, Suite 401, Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 371-2727
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Comment forms may be obtained and completed at the above listed location. Comments
may also be faxed or emailed to the Community Development Department.
Fax: (404) 371-2742
Email: bbwilliams@dekalbcountyga.gov
Follow us on Social Media @Dekalbchampnews
LOCAL
PET
WEEK
STRUDEL
Meet Strudel (ID# 37636502)! This four year
old pup is full of happy, fun personality. She loves to
dance around with toys, practice her commands (she
knows sit, shake, and down!), and is a rockstar in our
play groups! If you are looking for an all-around great
pup, come meet Strudel!
If you would like to expand your family by 4 furry
little feet; ask to meet this great pup and have a
loving friend forever. All adoptions include spay/
neuter, vaccinations and microchip! If you would
like more information about Strudel please call (404)
294-2165 or email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.
com All potential adopters will be screened to ensure
Strudel goes to a good home. Hours: Mon-Fri; 11am-
7pm / Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
GOT A NEWS TIP? We’d love to hear from you.
HORACE HOLLOMAN
Horace@DeKalbChamp.com
CARLA PARKER
Carla@DeKalbChamp.com
Local news editor: covers county government/ Sports editor: covers sports plus Stonecrest,
crime/courts plus Decatur and Avondale Estates. Clarkston, Lithonia, Stone Mountain and Tucker.
DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 13
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE 2018-2019 PROPOSED BUDGET
FOR THE CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA
There will be public hearings on the proposed 2018-2019 budget for the City of Decatur at
7:30 p.m. on June 4, 2018 and, at 7:30 p.m. on June 18, 2018 in the City Commission Meeting
Room at City Hall, 509 N. McDonough Street, Decatur. The proposed budget is summarized
below and is available in its entirety for public inspection at Decatur City Hall and at the Decatur
Library on Sycamore Street. After May 22nd, the budget will be available on the City’s website
at www.decaturga.com/budget. All citizens are invited to attend the public hearings, to provide
written and oral comments, and ask questions concerning the entire budget.
FY 2018-2019 PROPOSED GENERAL FUND REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
REVENUES
Taxes 20,950,000
Licenses, Permits & Inspections 1,153,550
Penalties, Fines & Forfeitures 1,106,000
Interest Income 2,000
Charges for Current Services 2,089,460
Intergovernmental Revenues 530,780
Miscellaneous Revenue 116,000
Sale of Fixed Assets 10,000
Operating Transfers (687,550)
Appropriation From (To) Fund Balance 1,481,030
TOTAL REVENUES $26,751,270
EXPENDITURES
Governmental Control Department 211,480
General Government Department 1,301,340
Community & Economic Development Department 2,648,490
Administrative Services Department 4,675,070
Police Department 6,068,990
Fire & Rescue Department 3,607,330
Public Works Department 3,529,160
Design, Environment & Construction Division 2,147,520
Active Living Division 2,561,890
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $26,751,270
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Mayor and City Council of the City of Chamblee, Georgia will hold a public hearing on
Thursday, June 14, 2018 at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA
30341 at 6:00 p.m. to receive public comments regarding the following matters:
•PZ2018-278: Applicant: Frank L. Gray, Eagle Engineering; Owner: Ashton Woods
Healthcare Properties, INC requests approval of multiple variances, to allow for the addition of
surface parking spaces, from the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified
Development Ordinance, Section 250-7(a)(1) to allow parking between the building and the
street; Section 250-7(a)(12)(b) from pedestrian circulation requirements; Section 230-6(d)(1)
to allow a retaining wall taller than four feet to be located in the front yard; Section 250-4 to
remove the bicycle parking requirement; Section 250-2(a)(3)(b) to allow parking spaces above
the minimum required parking space count to not be pervious paving. The property is located
at 3535 Ashton Woods Dr, being DeKalb County tax parcel 18 307 01 076 and zoned Village
Residential.
•PZ2018-279: Applicant: Lauren Maloney, Eberly & Associates; Owner: Highwoods
Realty Limited Partnership requests a variance, to allow for the addition of surface parking
spaces, from the City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development
Ordinance Section 250-7(a)(1) to allow parking spaces to be located between the building and
the street. The property is located at 2635 Century Parkway, being DeKalb County tax parcel 18
204 01 113 and zoned Mixed Use-Business Center.
•PZ2018-280: Applicant: Gary Caraway, Breedlove Land Planning, INC; Owner: Adam
Caskey, Brookhaven Innovation Academy requests approval of a Development of Community
Impact along with associated variances, to allow for the development of a new school, from the
City of Chamblee Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance Section
230-6(d)(1) to allow a retaining wall taller than four feet to be located in the front yard; Section
230-9(d)(1) to not provide sustainable certification for new construction over 20,000 square feet;
Section 230-26(g)(1) to allow more than 20% of the supplemental zone to not be accessible by
pedestrians; Section 230-27(a)(2) to provide fenestration on less than 65% of the front façade;
Section 230-30(a)(3) to remove the requirement that at least 50% of open space shall be
accessible to the public; Section 250-5(d) to remove the requirement of electric vehicle charging
stations on site; and Section 250-8(a) to remove the requirement of compact parking spaces on
site. The property is located at 3031 Shallowford Rd, being DeKalb County tax parcel 18 268 05
024 and zoned Corridor Commercial.
DEREK SMITH
Derek@DeKalbChamp.com
Education editor: covers all things education-
related plus Brookhaven, Doraville, Chamblee,
Dunwoody and Pine Lake.
EDUCATION
City Schools of Decatur declines to pay for special needs report, citing concerns
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
City Schools of Decatur
(CSD) superintendent David
Dude said the district has
not paid for a report on the
district’s special education
program prepared by Georgia
State University (GSU).
In a statement, Dude said
the district has not paid for the
report, despite a school board
vote in December 2016 that
approved a payment to GSU
of $92,947 in four installments
in January, April, July and
October 2017.
The report, presented at the
County board of education approves $10,000 donation to feed homeless students
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
The DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) Board of
Education unanimously
approved a $10,000 donation
from Publix to help the district
feed its reported homeless
children and their families.
According to DCSD
officials, Publix gift cards
will be purchased with the
donation. The amount of each
gift card will not exceed $25.
Families in need are identified
by school social workers with
the assistance of counselors
in the schools. Upon an
assessment of needs, parents
and students are provided with
donated gift cards, with one for
each school-age child in the
family.
The donation is part
of Publix “Food for All”
campaign, designed to fight
hunger and promote self-
sufficiency. According to its
website, the campaign raised
more than $6.4 million in
donations in 2017. Tim
Hilton, store manager of
Publix on Flat Shoals road, said
at the meeting that donations
to the campaign are collected
at registers during the holiday
season.
According to DCSD
Deputy Superintendent
of Student Support and
Intervention Vasanne Tinsley,
approximately 1,800 homeless
students and families within
the district were identified
during the 2016-17 school
year by DCSD’s Homeless
May 8 CSD Board of Education
meeting, was based on nine
months of research, according
to executive director of GSU
Urban Child Study Center
Nicole Patton-Terry..
The report was not well
received by some parents.
“I left with more questions
than answers,” president of
the CSD Special Education
Parent Teacher Association
Kara Campbell wrote on her
organization’s Facebook page.
“Will we have access to the
whole report? Or were the
slides the whole report?”
Comments on Campbell’s
post echoed her dissatisfaction.
Campbell suggested the
Education Program. That
number has increased to
around 2,000 in the 2017-
18 school year. Tinsley
emphasized that these are
reported cases because families
are not obligated to report
homeless status to the district.
“Homeless children are
twice as likely to experience
hunger when compared to
their non-homeless peers,”
Tinsley said. “Many of these
students receive their only
balanced meals while they are
at school. Providing this extra
support will help our needy
students receive healthy food
after school hours.”
Tinsley said DCSD
accepted a $5,000 donation
from the “Food for All”
campaign in 2017, which
allowed it to provide gift cards
to 200 students in 125 families.
“With this larger donation,
we’re hopeful that we will
be able to provide support
to more of our students and
families,” she said.
According to DCSD school
board policy, all monetary gifts
for special projects that exceed
$5,000 must be presented
to the board for formal
acceptance and approval.
Tinsley said, any DCSD
parent or student that is
homeless or economically
disadvantaged may request
assistance for food. To
determine eligibility, an
assessment of the student’s
needs is completed by the
school social worker.
DCSD board member
Vickie Turner noted the
reported increase in homeless
students in the district and
suggested the district seek
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • Page 14
formation of an independent
committee of parents and
stakeholders to form a plan of
action beyond public comment
at the next board meeting June
14.
“When we received the
report, we identified concerns
similar to those shared by
others and are working with
GSU to address those areas
where we believe the contract
was not fully realized,” Dude
said in a statement. “No funds
have been paid to GSU to
date and will continue to be
withheld pending resolution of
these concerns.”
CSD officials declined
to comment beyond the
more partnerships to help feed
students and families. Tinsley
said DCSD currently has a
Supporters continue to
advocate for fired bus drivers
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
A group of parents, DeKalb
County School District
(DCSD) bus drivers and
community organizers are
continuing to express concerns
nearly a month after seven bus
drivers were fired for staging a
sickout that resulted in 670 bus
driver absences through three
days.
Several bus drivers
and supporters attended a
community input session
during the May 14 DCSD
Board of Education meeting
in an effort to persuade the
district to rehire the drivers
and address concerns that led
to the sickout.
“I didn’t participate in the
sickout, but if it means having
another sickout to get these
guys their jobs back, then let
me say it now that I will be a
part of that one,” school bus
driver John Crear said during
the session.
The sickout was in response
to concerns drivers said they
have raised with the district
statement at press time. Dude
has not revealed how the
district has avoided paying
GSU.
Patton-Terry did not return
The Champion’s request for
comment.
The report, which is
available on the CSD website,
presented several findings and
recommendations, including
that CSD is growing rapidly.
This growth has resulted in
an increase in the number of
students with special education
needs. Since 2011, the number
of students served by CSD
schools with special education
needs has nearly tripled,
according to the report.
partnership with the Atlanta
Community Food Bank and
the district is working to
for years, such as the safety of
the buses, fair pay and quality
working conditions.
“We do a lot of jobs and it
appears we aren’t considered
when it comes to the budget
and raises,” Crear said.
DeKalb parent Heather
Sabel-Sowers attended the
session and read from a
petition she started on the
website change.org in support
of the bus drivers. The petition
asks DCSD superintendent
Stephen Green to reinstate
the fired drivers and work
with drivers to resolve their
concerns.
“We want to be able to
continue to say that we support
your administration and your
policies,” the petition reads.
“We want to know that our
childrens' drivers are happy
and proud at work, rather than
afraid of the administration or
their future.”
Sabel-Sowers said she
started the petition with
the intention of gathering
100 signatures. So far, it has
gathered more than 200
signatures.
A supporter who spoke
said the district’s response to
The report also found
that shifts in the disability
populations served has created
challenges with service delivery
and communication between
families, teachers, schools, and
administration.
The contract between
CSD and GSU approved by
the board of education in
December 2016 stipulates that
GSU representatives should be
made available to meet with
CSD officials at times and
places mutually agreed upon
to discuss the project during
the time the project is being
performed. It is not clear that
any such meetings occurred.
expand the number of schools
the food bank supports.
the sickout sends a message to
students that “they must not
stand up for their rights or the
rights of others unless they
want to face swift and cruel
punishment.”
“Is this the message we want
to send to our children?” she
asked.
In a press conference April
19, Green cited a Georgia
law against public employee
strikes and said the sickout
jeopardized the safety of
students. DCSD officials
released a document April 23
stating that DCSD bus drivers
are the second-highest paid
school bus drivers among
their peers in metro Atlanta
school districts, including those
in Cobb County, Gwinnett
County, Atlanta and Fulton
County. The district also said
bus drivers have received five
cost-of-living pay raises since
2014.
After the session, Green
cautioned drivers against
staging another sickout, saying
it “wouldn’t be wise.”
He also said rehiring of fired
drivers “will not be happening.”
EDUCATION
Future of Cross Keys High still on minds of Brookhaven officials, students
BY DEREK SMITH
derek@dekalbchamp.com
Community stakeholders
and residents of Brookhaven
and the Cross Keys community
are continuing to work with
DeKalb County School District
(DCSD) officials after the
Board of Education voted at
its April meeting to build a
replacement to Cross Keys
High School (CKHS) east of
I-85 at the site of the former
Briarcliff High School.
The move will leave
Brookhaven without a high
school and, according to
students and concerned Cross
Keys stakeholders, will create
transportation challenges for
students in the Cross Keys
area. The April 16 DCSD board
of education vote was split
4-3, with board members who
represent districts that include
the Cross Keys community
voting against.
A resolution approved by
the Brookhaven City Council
April 24 directed Christian
Sigman to arrange a meeting
between city officials and
DCSD superintendent Stephen
Green to discuss the possibility
of constructing a new
Brookhaven High School along
Buford Highway. It also directs
the Brookhaven Development
Authority to “assess any and
all available tools to assist
in efforts to retain a public
high school within the city of
Brookhaven.”
Green and his staff met
with Sigman, Brookhaven
Mayor John Ernst and City
Councilmember Joe Gebbia
May 7.
“We tried to present a lot of
the pros in [building a school
in Brookhaven], and we just
wanted to make sure that they
knew that we were prepared
to partner with them,” Gebbia
told The Champion.
DCSD officials offered
several reasons for their
decision in an April 17
document. Including the
cost-neutral nature of the
Briarcliff site and the fear of
displacement of residents
along Buford Highway if a new
school were built there.
Gebbia said the city
presented ways it could work
with residential associations
to mitigate displacement of
residents if the district decides
to build along Buford Highway.
The city also offered to work
with the district to minimize
the cost of building closer to
the current CKHS site.
“My expectation was that
[district officials] would listen,
Brookhaven officials met with DeKalb County School District officials May 7 to discuss alternatives to the decision by the DeKalb
County Board of Education to move Cross Keys High School out of Brookhaven.
and that they maybe would
see an avenue they hadn’t
considered before,” Gebbia
said. “We knew the window of
opportunity was narrow, but
we hoped the argument was
strong enough that it would’ve
allowed for reconsideration.”
Gebbia said he felt after
the meeting that the two sides
hadn’t come any closer to an
agreement.
“It doesn’t appear we have,”
he said.
Other stakeholders in
the situation also tried to
sway DCSD to reconsider.
One teacher and four CKHS
students spoke at the May 14
board of education community
input session.
CKHS teacher and
president of the Cross Keys
Foundation Yehimi Cambron
spoke first on the issue, telling
the board she grew up in the
Cross Keys community. She
said that her experience gave
her a “very strong opinion”
about the board’s decision
to build the new high school
on the former Briarcliff High
School site.
“However, I’m not here to
share that opinion,” she said.
“Instead, I’m here to help a few
of my students share theirs.”
Cross Keys student
Amanda Perdomo said a
lack of communication kept
many members of the Cross
Keys community out of the
discussion. She asked board
members to come to the area
and speak with community
members.
Student Steven Aguliar
De Santiago also took issue
with the district’s lack of
communication, saying he
DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 15
and the new school to help
lessen traffic concerns. Student
Beni Martinez also suggested
a similar shuttle for parents for
transportation to CKHS.
Gebbia attended the session
and said he doubted the
students changed any minds.
“The kids came and made
their statements, but they were
just talking to people who were
being courteous and listening,”
he said.
Gebbia said he wished
the discussion this month on
the issue could’ve happened
before the vote. He said the
city may have relied too much
on its DCSD board member
to advocate for it and said the
city should have tried to bring
district officials to the table
sooner.
“But if we were deficient in
doing it, so were they,” he said.
“They didn’t reach out to us. I
thought we had a relationship.
I thought we had an open
was upset with the perception students to get to school on line of communication where
he has seen in the Cross Keys time, get home at a decent we could discuss it, so I was
community that it has taken time, or get to after-school disappointed in that.”
years to come to this decision jobs. He called the relationship
without any discussion with Two students expressed between Brookhaven officials
community members. concern with the Briarcliff and DCSD “damaged,” but said
“Not one single word. What site’s distance from service of it won’t affect future decision
does that mean? Are we not as the Royal Bus Line, a private making for the city with
important?” he asked. bus service that operates along regards to the district.
He spoke of traffic concerns Buford Highway and Roswell “We’re always going to
along North Druid Hills Road Road. Student Yarmileth make the decision that’s in the
where the new school will Jarquin suggested the district best interest of the students.
be, and how traffic may affect implement a shuttle bus Period,” he said.
students. He said he feared service for students between
it may make it difficult for Buford Highway west of I-85
REPORT OF STONE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT OF PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE
In compliance with O.C.G.A. §48-5, the Stone Mountain Community Improvement
District (“CID”) reports that at its meeting on June 12, 2018, beginning at 7:30 A.M.
at the Pierre Construction Group, 1677 Lewis Way, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County,
Georgia 30083, the Stone Mountain CID Board of Directors will vote upon a proposal
to levy an ad valorem taxation rate of 5 mills, and will set its millage rate for the
lawful purposes of the District for the current calendar year. Set forth below are the
assessed taxable values of the properties subject to taxes for the current year and
the immediately preceding five calendar years, the total dollar amount of ad valorem
taxes proposed to be levied for the current year and levied in the immediately
preceding five calendar years, as well as the percentage and dollar increases or
decreases with respect to each immediately preceding calendar year. All property
levied upon is real property.
Assessed Value Taxes Levied % Change $ Change
2013 $125,777,273 $628,886 32% $ 153,453
2014 $136,005,547 $680,028 8% $ 51,142
2015 $142,901,125 $714,505 5% $ 34,477
2016 $172,551,407 $862,757 21% $ 148,252
2017 $176,545,658 $882,728 2% $ 19,971
2018proposed $227,995,657 $1,139,978 29% $ 257,250
J. Lynn Rainey, PC, 358 Roswell Street, Suite 1130, Marietta, Georgia 30060; (770) 421-6040
Attorney for CID - State Bar No. 592350

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BUSINESS
A banner displayed at a May 8 event to showcase the sports complex planned for
Stonecrest.
Developers showcase
sports complex
planned for Stonecrest
BY KATHY MITCHELL
Over the past 15 years, the
Stonecrest community has
transformed southeast DeKalb
County, starting with the 2003
opening of a 1.2-million-
square-foot regional mall.
The area has since attracted
dozens of retail stores,
lodgings and restaurants.
Developers on May 8 held
an event to showcase a
planned development, Atlanta
Sports City, a sports complex
described by developers as
“state-of-the-art” that promises
to bring a unique combination
of sports and entertainment
venues, restaurants, retail
shops, sports medicine
facilities, event space and
other destinations.
“What makes it unique?”
asked principal developer
Vaughn Irons. “There will be
a 200,000-square-foot indoor
athletic facility, a covered
outdoor field, 20 outdoor
multi-use fields, 12 sports
diamonds, an eight-lane track
and 10 outdoor courts. Atlanta
Sports City will have facilities
for soccer, football, flag
football, lacrosse, basketball,
baseball, field hockey, tennis,
volleyball, wrestling and
more.”
Atlanta Sports City,
according to developers, will
host amateur and professional
sporting events and provide
training, exhibition and
tournament sites for youth,
collegiate, and adult sports
organizations. A sports themed
fan zone along a pedestrian
promenade is to include a walk
of fame, kiosks, concessions
and viewing terraces.
“People have complained
about the shortage of good
restaurants and entertainment
venues in south DeKalb
County. I think they will be
dazzled by Atlanta Sports
City. We have gone to great
lengths to bring the best of the
best,” said Irons, adding that
developers’ goal is the build
DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 17
Principal developer Vaughn Irons shows an artist’s concept of Atlanta Sports City, which he says will make Stonecrest a national
sports destination.
“the premier destination for
entertainment in east metro
Atlanta.”
“This is not just about
sports; it’s about moving
our city forward,” he said
of Stonecrest, which was
incorporated in 2016. Based
on an economic impact study
done by the University of
Georgia Carl Vinson Institute
of Government, Atlanta Sports
City is expected to support
1,937 jobs, contribute $105
million to DeKalb County’s
economy and have a $197
million-impact in Georgia.
It also is predicted to attract
more than four million visitors
each year.
Irons said he expects the
family-oriented complex to
draw visitors from across the
nation and around the world.
“It will be well suited for
conferences, reunions, concerts
and a variety of other events.
It’s a less than 30-minute
drive from both downtown
Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson
International Airport. In
addition, we’re surrounded by
beautiful natural attractions
such as the Arabia Mountain
National Heritage Area.”
Shopping and entertainment
options such as Dillard’s,
Macy’s, JC Penny and New
Vision 16 Theaters will
remain at the newly visualized
mall, according to material
distributed at the event.
The developers last year
purchased the building
that once housed Kohl’s
Department Store. The two-
level facility, where the
May 8 event was held, is to
become the new home of a
sports equipment retail store
and a food hall. A food hall,
the developers explained,
goes well beyond a typical
mall food court and offers
experimental kitchens where
chefs can develop dishes
unique to the area and give
the public the opportunity to
sample foods they won’t find
anyplace else.
While no date for
completion of the overall
complex was announced,
developers said the food hall
and other aspects of the project
are to begin opening in late
summer or fall.
Retailers committed to the
project include Top Golf, a
Dallas, Texas-based indoor
golfing facility a representative
described as “driving range
meets nightclub” and Urban
City Markets, which seeks to
bring neighborhood markets
to multi-family housing areas
with an emphasis on health-
conscience and local fresh
foods. Putt Guttz, a couple-
owned restaurant offering
“Southern comfort food”
now operating in Savannah,
has announced that it will
be moving to the area. Local
businesses such as Tadda’s
Fitness Center, a gym and
health club currently located
in the Decatur area, also are
expected to have a presence at
Atlanta Sports City.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 18

M.L. King beat Southwest DeKalb in a spring scrimmage. Photos by Travis Hudgons

Neighborhood rivals battle in spring game

MLK took scrimmage win over Southwest DeKalb
The spring game between the M.L.
King Lions and Southwest DeKalb
Panthers was more than a scrimmage
for the players.
Neighborhood pride was on the
line for the two schools that are less
than five miles apart. The Lions will
have temporary bragging rights after
defeating the Panthers 8-6 May 18 at
Godfrey Stadium.
A rushing touchdown by Jaden
Wilkins and a successful 2-point
conversion gave MLK an 8-0 lead in
the first quarter. Southwest DeKalb cut
the lead to 8-6 in the second quarter
on a touchdown pass but failed on the
2-point conversion attempt.
MLK coach Deante Lamar said his
priority coming into the scrimmage was
seeing how much effort his team would
put forth.
“I wanted to see them compete and
I wanted to see them do the things
that we’ve done all spring-long,” he
said. “We didn’t come out and try to
do something fancy tonight, we just
wanted to execute and be really simple
and play really fast tonight.”
Lamar said the players who stood
out were Jacobi Haynes, Jamual
Crockett and Trezmond Johnson, who
had a game-sealing interception. He
said summer practices will be all about
fundamentals and techniques.
“We have to get better at the little
things, so we can be better,” Lamar said.
Southwest DeKalb coach Damien
Wimes said he was searching for the
future leaders of the team.
“I wanted to see who were going to
be leaders, who’s going to make plays,
who was going to fight,” he said.
He also was looking for which
players would be the speed players, who
will be the best space player, and how
well the defense reacts to the offense.
Wimes said he and the coaching
staff will have holes to fill in a couple of
positions.
“Once we solidify the defensive
back field we’ll be fine,” he said. “The
receiving core is really good, best
receiving core we’ve had in a while. We
have to fill some holes on the offensive
line, but that’s something you don’t do
in two weeks.”
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 19

Cedar Grove quarterbacks

show skills in spring game
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Cedar Grove football coaches got a chance to see how their

two quarterbacks compete against another team in its spring
game against Westlake May 17 at Godfrey Stadium.
Rising sophomore Austin Smith and rising senior Kendal
Boney are competing for the starting quarterback position.
Coach Jermaine Smith said he wanted to see which quarterback
would step up and take control of the offense.
“Both of them did an OK job, but nobody really stepped up
the way I wanted them to,” Smith said.
Neither quarterback led a touchdown-scoring drive in Cedar
Grove’s 3-0 win over Westlake. Smith said the quarterback
competition will continue into the summer.
“They have to keep fighting,” Smith said. “I’m [looking at]
who wants it the most and who wants to work for it and who
makes the best decisions.”
The scrimmage also was an opportunity for Smith to see how
well his defense adjusts to opposing offenses.
“Usually in scrimmage games [coaches] like to tell [players]
what to play on defense, but I told them to do whatever,” he
said. “I wanted to see how my guys were going to adjust to
[what Westlake was doing]. I think our guys did an OK job of
recognizing it, but now I have to work with the other coaches to
recognize what we’re going to do about it. We have a lot of work
to do, but I saw some things I really liked.”
Smith added that the defensive line stood out during the
game.
“Defensively, the guys up front did a good job,” he said. “I was
real pleased with my guys up front on defense. [Westlake] was
doing a whole lot of holding.” Rising sophomore Austin Smith is competing for the starting quarterback position.

Two DeKalb athletes named to All-Metro Track & Field Team

BY CARLA PARKER Duffin for the discus throw. their performances at major meets NBC Olympic Sports Broadcaster
Byrd won gold in the boys’ Class throughout the season and their Lewis Johnson will host the banquet
carla@dekalbchamp.com AAA triple jump (47-04.50) and Duffin finishes at the Georgia High School that will recognize all of the honorees
won the boys’ Class AAAA discus Association state championships, as well as state champion coaches,
Cedar Grove senior Keshun Byrd
throw (189-03). according to the Atlanta track club. including Cedar Grove coach Jermaine
and St. Pius X junior Tanner Duffin
“The metro Atlanta area is home The most outstanding male and female Smith and Ryan McClay of St. Pius X.
were named to the 2018 Powerade All-
to some of the best scholastic track track athletes and most outstanding Two high school seniors, one
Metro Track and Field Boys Team.
and field athletes in the United States,” male and female field athletes will be male and one female, will also be
Byrd and Duffin were among 49
said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club’s announced at the Powerade All-Metro awarded $2,500 scholarships for their
athletes named to the all-metro team
Executive director. “We are proud to Track & Field Banquet on June 6 at the contributions to the sports of track and
by the Atlanta Track Club, which
recognize their accomplishments and Stave Room in midtown Atlanta. field and cross country.
announced the roster May 16 following
celebrate their successful season.” Each of the Most Outstanding
the state championship meets. Byrd
The athletes were selected based Athlete winners will receive a $1,500
made the team for the triple jump and
on criteria including season bests, scholarship from Atlanta Track Club.
LOCAL
Family, SWD community remember Salter
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Family, friends, athletes,
coaches and students from the
Southwest DeKalb High School
community gathered May 19
at New Life Church in Decatur
to celebrate the life of coach
Fletcher Salter.
Salter, 68, died May 12 after
a 20-month battle with sarcoma
cancer. He was an educator and
coached football and baseball
for 32 years in DeKalb County.
He spent the majority of his
coaching career at Southwest
DeKalb, where he served as the
head baseball coach from 1984
to 1990 and 1999 to 2002 and
served as an assistant football
coach from 1984 to 1991 and
from 1997 until his death.
“He was doing radiation
treatments and [would] still
come by the school every
so often and help us out,”
Southwest DeKalb football
coach Damien Wimes said.
Wimes played for Salter
from 1986 to 1991 and then
coached with him from 1999 to
2010.
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Legendary coach Fletcher Salter died May 12 after a battle with cancer. He was 68. Photo by Travis Hudgons
“He raised me as a coach
and [taught me] the right
way to coach. He was very
principled, in a good way,”
Wimes said. “Everything was
about doing things the right
way [for him]. He was a great
man, a great father and a great
mentor.”
Salter also served as the
head football coach at McNair
High School from 1991 to 1996
and had a 38-28 record in six
seasons. He served as a head
coach again, as an interim
coach, in 2016 at Southwest
DEKALB FREE PRESS • Friday, May 25, 2018 • Page 20
DeKalb after the death of coach
Michael Tanks.
Chad Wade, a 1993
Southwest DeKalb graduate,
said Salter was more than a
coach to his players.
“He was a father figure to a
lot of us,” he said. “He was one
of those strong Black men who
cared. He always encouraged us
and gave us advice about life,
school, everything.”
For Willie Binyard, Salter
went from being a father figure
to being his actual father.
Salter took Binyard into his
home 15 years ago when he
was a student at Chapel Hill
Middle School. Binyard said hi
biological father was abusive
and put him out of the house
when he fought back.
“[Salter] took me home
one day after football practice,”
Binyard said. “I had nowhere
else to go, so he told me to
come home with him and his
family. He was a blessing to
me.”
Salter and his wife would
later adopt Binyard. He played
football for his adopted father
all through high school.
“He showed me how to be
a man and how to make my
shortcomings a blessing and use
them as an advantage,” Binyard
said. “He’s the reason why I
finished high school, went to
college and got a degree. He’s
one of the reasons why I got a
master’s degree. He basically
changed my life for the better.”
Binyard said he has gotten
text messages and phone calls
from people in the Southwest
DeKalb community telling him
how much of a loss his dad’s
death is to the community.
“He had been there for
[more than] 30 years. He
impacted lives, not just my
life and my family’s, but his
students, as well,” Binyard said.
“Hearing that just reminds
me how great of a man he
was. He impacted everyone he
encountered with, even some of
his colleagues.
“He was a God-fearing man
[and] installed that into his
family as well,” Binyard said. “A
loving husband, a loving father,
a loving grandfather, a loving
friend and church member. He
will truly be missed.”