the DeKalb FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • VOL. 24, NO.

35• FREE

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

DeKalb readies for

Halloween fun BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

Fall is here and Halloween is lurking around the corner as Oct. 31 approaches.
Residents will not have to go far to celebrate Halloween as organizations
in DeKalb County are providing free, family-friendly and safe events at which
families to celebrate.
The city of Dunwoody and Boy Scout Troop 477 will host a Haunted Farm
Tour at the newly renovated Donaldson-Bannister Farm─ 4851 Chamblee-
Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody. The event will be held Oct. 27, 3-9 p.m.
Decatur will host its “Haints and Saints” parade Oct. 27, starting at 5 p.m.
The parade will begin at 530 West Ponce de Leon Ave in Decatur. For more
information visit www.homegrowndecatur.com/parade.
The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve and Medlock Area Neighborhood
Association will host a Fall Festival and Haunted Trail. There will be a bonfire,
games, food, live music by Hot Tamale Ringwald and a haunted trail.

See HALLOWEEN on page 6

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 2

SOUTH DEKALB

Researchers to
study South River 
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN to sewer overflows and
horace@dekalbchamp.com we’re hoping to better
understand how stormwater
Richard Milligan, can sometimes go into the
assistant professor in sewage lines and what else
geosciences at Georgia State could be causing some
University (GSU), said he of the sewage overflows.
loves to paddle the South Hopefully this research can
River in DeKalb County in help reduce the accidents.”
his spare time. Milligan also Last year DeKalb
volunteers at South River County officials reported
Watershed Alliance.  183 sewer spills resulting
When Milligan was in more than 5.6 million Volunteers pull tires, trash and other discarded items from the South River during a clean up event.
asked to participate in a gallons of sewage spilled
Chattahoochee, but more River.  untreated sewage from
three-year study of the into the environment.  When
than 30 million gallons “Knowledge from this entering the South River and
South River watershed and rainwater enters the sewer
a day drain from the study could help the EPA its tributary creeks,” said
how it is impacted by urban pipe system, it can create
Chattahoochee to the South and DeKalb County prevent Milligan.
development, he said it was a sanitary sewer overflow,
a dream come true.  causing sewer water to enter
“I love the South various rivers, including the
River and I’ve been South River. 
really involved in river DeKalb County entered
conservation most of my into a consent decree in 2011
adult life,” Milligan said. with the Environmental
“I’m living the dream Protection Agency and the
doing research at Georgia Georgia Environmental
State and hopefully it will Protection Division. The
be helpful [in] improving consent decree requires
the health of rivers and the the county to clean, repair,
South River.” enlarge and maintain its
According to a team of sanitary sewer pipes so
geoscience researchers at sewer overflows are reduced. 
GSU, the research of the “We hope our approach
South River will focus on will offer lessons on how
how drinking water and we learn about critical
wastewater intermix with water issues, especially
flows of water in the natural in the context of cities
environment such as in growing rapidly,” said
stream and river channels.  Ellis Adams, an assistant
Researchers will also professor of global studies
study how rainwater enters and geosciences at Georgia
into sewer pipes through State. “This is critical for
poorly sealed manholes or planning. It’s not just a
breaks and leaks in aging study and what we learn but
pipes, putting an extra being able to quantify all of
burden on wastewater it is important for someone
treatment plants, GSU working with wastewater
officials said.  treatment plants or someone
DeKalb officials have planning for the future of a
previoulsy said the county city and where its water is
sewer infrastructure has been coming from.”
neglected “for decades.” Researchers received
However, the county has a $400,000 grant from the
recently approved more National Science Foundation
than $100 million to repair, to study the South River
rehabilitate and restore its watershed. 
aging sewer pipes. According to
“The work that we’re researchers, “DeKalb
doing will be useful for County is an ideal
people in the future, community to analyze
specifically in DeKalb,” complex urban hydrology.”
Milligan said. “The South DeKalb receives most of
River has been subjected its drinking water from the
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019• Page 3

McNair High School students rush to collect money during a school pep rally Oct. 4.
Photo provided by YSavage Instagram.

Warrant issued for rapper accused

of assaulting student
Caldwell, otherwise known
BY TAYLOR ROBINS as the rapper Lil Trip, for
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com charges of battery and
disorderly conduct. The
DeKalb County School
warrants were turned over to
District (DCSD) is currently
the DeKalb County Sheriff’s
investigating an incident
Department Oct. 8.
involving a rapper who
An Instagram video
allegedly punched a student
posted the same day as the
at a McNair High School
incident shows a group of
homecoming pep rally Oct.
entertainers performing
4.
on the basketball court for
DCSD police have
McNair students seated in
issued an arrest warrant
the bleachers. About 20
for 19-year-old Cortez
SEE RAPPER ON PAGE 16

CITY OF BROOKHAVEN - CALL OF SPECIAL ELECTION

Police investigating HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
motorcycle fatality AND DISABLED PERSONS
PER HB 647 – ACT #167
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com HEREBY TAKE NOTICE OF THE CALL OF A SPECIAL ELECTION: THE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN
has requested the DeKalb Board of Elections to call a Special Election to be held at the time of the general
A motorcyclist was election of the City on November 5, 2019, for the purpose of placing before the qualified electors residing
killed after the motorcycle within the limits of the City of Brookhaven, a referendum increasing the existing homestead exemption
crashed into a utility for senior citizens and disabled persons to $160,000.00 through five annual increases. This Call for a
Special Election is made pursuant to the Georgia Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 2, Paragraph II; Ga. L. 2012,
pole Oct. 8, according p.5527 as amended by House Bill 647, passed by the Georgia House of Representatives on March 26,
to the Chamblee Police 2019 and the Georgia Senate on April, 2, 2019; and Brookhaven Resolution 2019-05-02. House Bill 647
Department. amended the Act incorporating the City of Brookhaven by revising subsection (b) of Section 5.09 of Ga. L.
At approximately 7 2012, p. 5527 to read as follows:
p.m. the motorist was
traveling east on Chamblee “(b)(1) Each resident of the City of Brookhaven who is disabled or is a senior citizen is granted an exemp-
tion on that person’s homestead from City of Brookhaven ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the
Dunwoody Road near following amounts for the following tax years:
Connemara Drive in (A) For tax year 2020 – $43,200.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
Chamblee, when the (B) For tax year 2021 – $72,400.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
individual lost control (C) For tax year 2022 – $101,600.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
of a 2016 Yamaha FZ09 (D) For tax year 2023 – $130,800.00 of the assessed value of that homestead; and
in a curve and struck a (E) For tax year 2024 and all subsequent tax years – $160,000.00 of the assessed value of that
homestead.
telephone pole. (b)(2) The exemption granted by this subsection shall only be granted if that person’s income, together
The motorcyclist was with the income of the spouse who also occupies and resides at such homestead, does not exceed
thrown from the motorcycle $15,000.00 for the immediately preceding year. The value of that property in excess of such exempt
and was pronounced dead amount shall remain subject to taxation.”
at the scene. This amendment is conditioned on the approval of the majority of qualified electors residing within the
Chamblee Police limits of the City of Brookhaven by referendum presented as part of the Special Election to be held on No-
vember 5, 2019. Georgia Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 2, Paragraph II(a)(1). The ballot for the Special Elec-
Department’s Special tion on November 5, 2019 shall have written or printed thereon the words:
Operations Traffic Unit is “Shall the Act to incorporate the City of Brookhaven be amended so as to increase the current
investigating. The DeKalb homestead exemption for senior citizens and disabled persons from $14,000.00 to $160,000.00
County medical examiner through five equal annual increases?”
responded to the scene “( ) YES
and is assisting with the ( ) NO”
investigation.
All persons desiring to vote for approval of the amendment to the Act shall vote “Yes,” and all persons
The identity of the desiring to vote for rejection of the amendment shall vote “No.” If more than one-half of the votes cast on
motorcycle operator is the referendum are for approval, the amendment shall become of full force and effect on January 1, 2020.
being withheld pending the If the Act is not so approved or if the election is not conducted as provided in this section, the amendment
notification of next of kin, shall not become effective, and the amendment shall be automatically repealed on the first day of January,
according to the Chamblee 2020.
Police Department.
The polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
OPINION
I had an interesting conversation
with my boyfriend the same day
as the Amber Guyger sentencing.
Guyger, a former Dallas police
officer, was sentenced to 10 years
in prison Oct. 2, after she shot
and killed unarmed Botham Jean
September 2018 in his apartment.
During the conversation, we
spoke about the support Guyger
received during the trial and
sentencing: a female bailiff took a
moment to groom Guyger’s hair,
Jean’s brother hugged Guyger after
sentencing and the judge presiding
over the case hugged Guyger after
sentencing.
Now, I get and agree why Jean’s
brother would express forgiveness
for Guyger. Jean and his family are
religious and practice forgiveness.
Typically, people who forgive do
it for their own inner peace and
not the person they are actually
forgiving. I also (kind of) get why
the bailiff would fix Guyger’s hair
as a woman-to-woman “Girl, let me
help you out” situation. However,
I cringed at the judge for showing
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#ItsInTheChampion
Stay out of it, judge!
TAYLOR ROBINS
taylor@dekalbchamp.com
such emotion for a reason I couldn’t
pin down at that moment.
Why did a hug from a judge
bother my boyfriend and me so
much?
I googled the word “hug” for
its definition and meaning; and as
a side note Guyger and the hugs
she received dominated my search
results.
The word hug means to
“squeeze tightly in one’s arms,
typically to express affection.” The
definition of affection is “a gentle
feeling of fondness or liking.”
Are judges supposed to express
affection? Why is the judge showing
affection toward Guyger? Should a
judge show affection to a defendant
or plaintiff? Similar to journalists,
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 4
aren’t judges supposed to be
unbiased and emotionally removed
from cases while paying attention
to only the facts? If a judge is able
to hug a defendant who has been
found guilty of a charge, how can
that judge effectively do his or
her job in an unbiased way? How
does one do both at the same time?
How can one judge while being
emotionally affected?
I’m reminded of the judge who
focused on Ted Bundy’s failed law
career instead of the slew of women
Bundy killed when he said, “It’s a
tragedy for this court to see such a
total waste… you’re a bright young
man. You would have made a good
lawyer and I would have loved to
have you practice in front of me.”
I’m reminded of Brock Turner’s
judge focusing on Turner’s potential
(as a swimmer) over him sexually
assaulting an unconscious woman
behind a dumpster saying prison
“would have a severe impact on
him.”
I understand judges are human
beings and it is hard to emotionally
remove oneself from an emotionally
charged situation. But, if individuals
chose to take on the role of a judge,
they have to find a way to do it.
Because now I’m questioning the
jury’s sentencing. Why only 10
years? Jean was literally minding
his own business when Guyger
entered his home and killed him.
Why didn’t Guyger receive a longer
sentence? There are people in
jail now who are serving a longer
sentences for nonviolent offenses.
But hey, the hug could have
meant nothing. Nothing more than
one person consoling an ex-cop
who killed a man and now has
to go to prison. Prison may be a
terrifying place for a former police
officer. A part of me feels cynical
for criticizing this judge because
maybe the system should be more
supportive while rehabilitating its
convicts. But in a supportive or
unsupportive courtroom and prison
environment, judges should stay out
of it.
OPINION
Impeachment was designed by
our founders as a safety measure—
not simply for overturning
election results; and although
admittedly a political versus judicial
process—it was not intended to
be partisan. President George
Washington was a major opponent
of political parties and believed
strongly that their evolution and
expansion would be to the detriment
of our nation.
 Impeachment, originating in
the British House of Commons, and
then tried by the House of Lords,
is the process for legislative body
to investigate wrongdoing by the
executive branch. In Britain, the last
impeachment by Parliament was in
1805. The first U.S. impeachment
came much later, for President
Andrew Johnson in 1868.
 In the waning days of the
American Civil War, President
Abraham Lincoln began to shift
his focus to reuniting the Union. He
formed a National Union Party
(having been elected as GOP
nominee in 1860) and ticket to
seek his second term, reaching
out to the lone Democrat and U.S.
Senator from the South who did
not secede with his state from the
Union, Senator Andrew Johnson of
Tennessee.  protege and then chair of the
 Lincoln’s assassination, six
weeks after his second inauguration
thrust Johnson into a role for which
he was likely unprepared. As
president, Johnson began a series
of vetoes of legislation from the
Republican Congress, aimed at
both heavily structured Southern
reconstruction and improved civil
rights for millions of now freed
slaves. Johnson publicly opposed
the 14th Amendment which extends
citizenship to those formerly
enslaved.
 As differences between the
executive branch and Congress
grew, Congress passed the Tenure
of Office Act, to restrict Johnson’s
FREEPRESS
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 5
Impeachment 101
chose to lie to Congress about some our widening divide will most likely
‘One Man’s of that behavior. A newly elected
Republican Congressional majority
simply roll forward into the 2020
election cycle.
Opinion’ led by an aggressive House speaker Though I was only in grade
with his own skeletons and agenda school during Watergate, I have
Bill Crane began impeachment proceedings much more recently watched the
bill.csicrane@gmail.com against Clinton in October 1998. By Democratic Party, in its eagerness
majority vote, the House approved to win the day, snatch defeat from
two articles of impeachment, the jaws of victory, while tripping
ability to hire and fire members
named prosecutors and a trial went down memory lane through the high
of his cabinet. Johnson persisted
underway in the U.S. Senate on school yearbooks of Supreme Court
and sought to fire Secretary of
December 19, 1988. There were Justice Brett Kavanaugh.  
War Edwin Stanton, a Lincoln
two counts being decided; the first Overreach in politics can be
confidante. In early 1868, the House
was a 45 to 55 vote of guilty, and the most certain guarantee of
voted out articles of impeachment,
the second count was a vote of backfire. Proceed with caution,
but he was acquitted by one vote
50/50, with neither charge receiving let the facts fall where they may,
in the U.S. Senate. His primary
the required two-thirds vote to and I strongly recommend against
accomplishment as president
convict. Clinton was acquitted and dancing on anyone’s political grave
was the purchase of Alaska from
completed his second term in office. just yet.
Russia. He sought the Democratic
 Other columns will be
Party nomination in 1868, was not
written on these currently pending Bill Crane also serves as a
successful and left office in 1869.   
impeachment proceedings and the political analyst and commentator
Without rehashing all that
merits of those charges, but it is also for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
was Watergate or the Nixon
worth noting to those screaming AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
administration, a once popular
“lock him up,” that a guilty verdict FM, as well as a columnist for The
president, re-elected in a landslide,
in the U.S. Senate simply removes Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
was irreparably harmed by his own
the impeached party from office, it Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
paranoia and displays of a private
carries no other financial or criminal native and business owner, living
side that broke demonstrably from
penalties. in Scottdale. You can reach him
the Richard Nixon which the
 As there appear to be so few or comment on a column at bill.
public thought it knew.  
remaining unimpeachable sources csicrane@gmail.com. 
Despite his many
in the eyes of the American public,
accomplishments, Nixon’s actions
caused him to lose support within
the U.S. Senate, as well as Nixon
Republican National Committee,
George H.W. Bush, who suggested
first privately and then publicly
that the president should resign
for the good of the nation. As
both chambers of Congress had
heavy Democratic majorities and
Republican senators began breaking
publicly from the president, Nixon
resigned from office Aug. 8,
1974. He was later pardoned by his
successor, President Gerald Ford,
and that pardon likely cost Ford
reelection in 1976.
 President Bill Clinton’s flawed
personal behavior was hardly a
secret in Arkansas, Washington
or to his family, but the president
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LOCAL
HALLOWEEN Continued From Page 1
The event will be held at 2580 Pine Bluff
Drive in Decatur Oct. 27, 5:30-8 p.m.
DeKalb Police South Precinct Major K.D.
Johnson and his south precinct officers are
partnering with the Gallery at South DeKalb
for a “trunk or treat” event where children can
receive candy and interact with officers.
The event will take place at 2801 Candler
Road in Decatur Oct.27 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Tucker Farmers Market and DeKalb County
Police Department is hosting a trunk or treat
event Oct. 31 from 4-8 p.m.
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 6
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and
Cultural Affairs will be hosting several events
that include face painting, movies, games and
costume contests. Entry is free with a bag of
individually wrapped candy.
Saturday, Oct. 26:
Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway
Road in Decatur at 7-9 p.m.
N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson
Road in Decatur at 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Thursday Oct. 31:
Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia
Drive, Decatur at 6–9 p.m.
Gresham Recreation Center and Booster
Club, 3113 Gresham Road in Atlanta at 6:30–
8:30 p.m.
Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B
McConnell Drive in Decatur at 6:30–8 p.m.
Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale
Drive in Scottdale at 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel
Street in Scottdale at 6–8 p.m.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 7

STONECREST

Browns Mill Recreation Center received extensive renovations. Photos by Carla Parker Stonecrest officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the reopening of the renovated Browns Mill
Recreation Center.

Stonecrest reopens Browns Mill Recreation Center

BY CARLA PARKER
Carla@dekalbchamp.com
Browns Mill Recreation Center
is back in operation following the
completion of a renovation project.
Stonecrest elected officials held
a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 12
to celebrate the reopening of the
renovated rec center, which is now
branded with Stonecrest’s city logo.
In August, Stonecrest City Council
approved an intergovernmental
agreement (IGA) with DeKalb
County to transfer the operation of
eight park properties in Stonecrest,
including the rec center, from the
county to the city.
The city also announced that it
had begun managing renovations
at rec center. The center received
a new heating and air conditioning
unit and upgrades to two existing
units, plumbing and sewer upgrades,
roof repairs, upgrades to the fire
suppressant system, installation of
fire safety lights and repairs of two
water fountains.
The center also received new
landscaping and the city’s seal was
placed at the center of the basketball
court.
Parks and Recreation Director
Sean DePalma said a lot of work
went into renovating the center.
“People know Browns Mill
as the heart of the community,
especially on this side of the city,
and we came in and brought love to
this heart,” he said. “We still need
to put more love into it. It’s going
to be a work in progress, but today
is the start of it being home and the
heart of this community again.”
DePalma said the city partnered
with The YMCA to bring after
school programs back to the center.
The center is also to be licensed by
Georgia as a childcare and youth
care facility.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary
said the city took a building that
was in disarray and turned it into a
jewel.
“I’ve coached at Browns Mill
rec center for at least 25 years. I
brought my kids up through the
Browns Mill system. I played
here myself before I got too old
and we’ve had meetings here,” he
said. “I’m really moved today over
watching the progress that we are
making in the city of Stonecrest.”

BROOKHAVEN

Emory breaks ground in Executive Park “Emory Healthcare’s musculoskeletal

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
service line has been expanding for many
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com years. This is reflected in our growing reach
Emory Healthcare Oct. 4 celebrated around the metro Atlanta area. The new
the groundbreaking of its new Emory Emory Musculoskeletal Institute will serve
Musculoskeletal Institute in Brookhaven. as our central location and house multiple
“From the location choice to centers of excellence and programs,” said
architecture design to staffing, the formation Scott D. Boden, professor and chair of
of the Emory Musculoskeletal Institute the department of Orthopedics in Emory
directly aligns with Emory Healthcare’s University School of Medicine. “Research
mission to serve humanity by improving is also a core part of our mission, and the
health through integration of education, design of this building will encompass that
discovery and health care delivery,” said from its external appearance to the structure
Emory Healthcare CEO institute Jonathan of patient and staff flow inside.”
S. Lewin. “We look forward to seeing the The building is described as eco- Exterior rendering of Emory Healthcare’s Musculoskeletal Institute.
positive impact this facility will have on our friendly by Emory Healthcare officials.
local community for generations to come.” “More than 95 percent of storm water and
Musculoskeletal concerns both the runoff water will be contained through
muscles and the bones. a system of bio-swales, retention ponds
The construction of the 180,000-square- and underground storm water systems
foot institute is scheduled to be completed to enhance on-site water management.
in 2021. The building will be part of Strategic lighting of the facility aims to
the Emory Sports Medicine Complex in reduce light pollution and help Emory
Executive Park. be a good neighbor to the surrounding
According to Emory Healthcare, community. Smart building technology
the will be a comprehensive, patient lowers energy consumption through a
and family-centered facility providing network of sensors to help deliver power
orthopedics and spine care, physical only where it is needed. The overall
therapy, imaging, ambulatory surgery, with construction project seeks to divert most of
clinical and discovery research support its waste from local landfills, thus reducing
its carbon footprint.” Interior rendering of Emory Healthcare’s Musculoskeletal Institute. Photos provided
space. by Emory Healthcare.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019• Page 8

DECATUR

Fitness festival helps adults, children stay active

BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County Recreation
Parks and Cultural Affairs
department hosted a fitness festival
Oct. 12 at Mason Mill Park in
Decatur to inform the community
on how to stay active.  and more committed. We average
The festival, called iFit in
the Park, featured nutrition and
healthcare vendors, music, games
for children and a free group
workout with a professional fitness
trainer.
Dawn Cribb, public relations
specialist for DeKalb County
Recreation Parks and Cultural
Affairs, said the event was meant to
show residents different ways to use
the park.
“A lot of times when people
think about our parks, they only
think about playgrounds or
organized sports. What we wanted
to do was come to a park and offer a
little bit of everything,” Cribb said.
“We wanted to [show residents]
DeKalb County Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs department hosted a fitness festival Oct. 12 at Mason
Mill Park in Decatur.
other opportunities we have in the
park such as the walking trails and
open fields.”
Representatives from Atlanta
Contact Point, a DeKalb-based
nonprofit organization that promotes
indoor and outdoor play, organized
games such as soccer, dodgeball and
kickball for children in attendance.  chair aerobics exercises for older
“They show kids how to be
active in the park,” Cribb said. “We
for approximately a year, said it
is important for individuals of all
ages to stay physically fit. Johnson
teaches a fitness class for seniors
at Exchange Park in Decatur. He
said his work with older residents is
fulfilling. 
“What I’ve found out is that
senior citizens are more dedicated
about 200 seniors, three days a
week at 9 a.m. Even though the
class is free, each week these
seniors show up and show out,”
Johnson said.
Johnson said he teaches seniors
essential body movements they
will use everyday such as twisting,
also brought out the jump house for
bending and lifting. Johnson said he
smaller children. Today is all about
enjoyed participating in the fitness
movement. Even when kids jump
festival and hopes residents take
up and down, that’s considered
advantage of staying active.
cardio. We also have a celebrity
“The iFit in the Park fitness
trainer.”
festival is amazing because you get
DaShaun Johnson, known by
to give back to the community but
some as the “Guru of Abs,” hosted
you also get to meet new people
who get to learn about what you do
residents. Johnson, who has been
and what you offer,” Johnson said. 
teaching senior citizens workouts

DeKalb County Solicitor General

Donna Coleman-Stribling presents:

dancing with the

dekalb stars
Sat. Oct. 26 Porter Sanford III
Doors & Expo open Performing Arts &
at 5 p.m. Community Center
Dancing begins at 3181 Rainbow Drive
6 p.m. Decatur
TICKETS & SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AT
DANCINGWITHDEKALBSTARS2019.EVENTBRITE.COM

Light refreshments Proceeds Official Media

provided by benefit Sponsor
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

Decatur firefighter Gary Menard showa a young boy how to operate a fire
hose during a junior firefighter challenge.

Dunwoody Police Department received its bronze 2019 Telly Award Oct. 8 for a participation in the Police Lip Sync Battle Challenge. The
department’s music video can be found on its Youtube page. Photo provided by Dunwoody Police Department Twitter.

Decatur Fire and Rescue Department hosted a junior firefighter challenge

at Station No. 2. during Oakhurst Porchfest

Tucker Mayor Frank Auman, right, attends a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of Perspectives Center for Holistic Therapy in An obstacle course set up during the junior firefighter challenge Oct. 12.
Tucker. Photo from City of Tucker’s Facebook page

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

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

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

EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 10

John Lewis, DeKalb County School District officials and Brookhaven officials cut the ribbon to John Robert Lewis Elementary School. Photo provided by DeKalb County School District.

School named after civil rights leader

BY TAYLOR ROBINS groundbreaking for the school March
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com 2018.
Along with Lewis, DCSD
Congressman John Lewis was
Superintendent R. Stephen Green
celebrated with a ribbon-cutting
and Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst
ceremony by DeKalb County School
were in attendance.
District (DCSD) officials, community
“[The students] will be reminded
members and students of the new
of the sacrifices and leadership [he]
John R. Lewis Elementary School
has provided,” said Green. “Each day
Oct. 4.
they will have an opportunity to meet
Lewis is the U.S. Representative
a high standard that [he] has set as
for Georgia’s 5th Congressional
[he led] us through the struggles for
District, currently serving his 17th
social justice, human rights and civil
term in the House. Lewis is also a
rights not only here in Atlanta but in
civil rights leader who participated
Washington, D.C.”
many events which eventually ended
The school located at 2630
racial segregation.
Skyland Drive NE in Atlanta─opened
The school is the first public
Aug. 5─the first day of the 2019-
school in the country to be
2020 school year.
named after Lewis. DCSD held a
According to DCSD officials, the
John Lewis encourages a student during a school ceremony. Photo by Taylor Robins. SEE SCHOOL ON PAGE 11

Search for DCSD superintendent begins, community input requested

BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School District
(DCSD) Board of Education
formally began its search for a new
superintendent Oct. 7, after current
DCSD Superintendent R. Stephen
Green announced he would not extend
his contract.
Green said the reason for his
departure is for personal, “after
thoughtful consideration with his
family.” His last day as DCSD
superintendent will be June 30, 2020.
Green became DCSD superintendent in
2015.
DCSD officials chose BWP and
Associates─a national search firm that
specializes in assisting school boards
seeking superintendents─to conduct the
search. The firm has conducted more
than 800 national searches.
“Selecting a new superintendent
is the most important task we have
as a board, and we are starting the
process by asking the community
for input,” said DCSD School Board
Chair Michael A. Erwin. “Input and
ideas from parents, students, staff, and
community and business partners will
help shape the leadership profile of
what we are looking for in our next
superintendent.”
According to DCSD officials,
“objectives for the community
engagement phase include: learning
the strengths, needs and issues of
our school district so we can better
recruit a slate of candidates to meet
our needs; being able to describe the
district’s strengths, needs and issues to
the recruited candidates; and to engage
in the process in such a way that will
build community understanding and
support for the search.”
Community members are invited
to give input through open community
forums and focus groups scheduled
for November. DCSD officials will
announce dates, times or locations for
the forums and groups soon. An online
survey will be available on the district’s
website in November also.
Information received from the
community engagement process
will be presented to the board along
with a draft profile of leadership
characteristics for the next
superintendent by BWP in December.
Applications for the superintendent
position are due Dec. 14; qualified
applicants will be presented to the
board Jan. 6 to select finalists. Finalists
will be interviewed in February. The
board could have a finalist to present to
the public in spring 2020.
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 11

EDUCATION BRIEFS by Taylor Robins • Taylor@dekalbchamp.com

Valdosta State University announces dean’s list

Valdosta State University announced its summer 2019 dean’s list. Area students
include Jennifer Bowers of Stone Mountain, Kaitlin Covington and Danielle Odom of
Tucker, Elisa Miller and Amelia Pittman of Lithonia and Walter Parker of Decatur
Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on nine or more
semester hours with an institutional grade point average of 3.00 or higher are recognized
by being placed on the dean’s list.
Bell selected as Georgia State scholar
Georgia State University student William Bell was named a 2019 Brains & Behavior
Summer Scholar. Bell, of Decatur, is a neuroscience major in the college of arts and
sciences.
The Brains & Behavior Scholars Program provides summer fellowships to selected
Georgia State undergraduates to support research efforts in faculty laboratories.
Whitening named to new leadership program
Jordan Whitening of Stone Mountain is one of 20 incoming freshmen named to
Georgia
Southwestern State University’s (GSW) new President Jimmy Carter Leadership
Program, established to honor the legacy of GSW alumnus and former U.S. President
Jimmy Carter.
The program consists of, an undergraduate research track and a service track, that
exemplify Carter’s lifetime of leadership in education, politics and community service.
Berry College celebrates recent graduates
Berry College recently announced its newest graduates from summer 2019. Bikel
Stodghill of Lithonia was among the summer graduates and Courtney Boyer of Decatur
received an AAS in computer-aided drafting in December 2018.
John Lewis, center, becomes emotional during a school ribbon-cutting Oct. 4. Photo
provided by DeKalb County School District.
SCHOOL Continued From Page 10
900-seat school features a student courtyard, collaborative
learning spaces, flexible fixtures and high-level security
measures, which include roll-down doors, a security
vestibule and design factors that are designed to prevent
threats. The school is funded in part through voter-approved
E-SPLOST (Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales
Tax) funds.
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice that
a Public Hearing will be held to receive public comment
on a Conditional Use Application for 729 Pepperwood
Trail, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Parcel #18 074 21
018. Conditional Use is requested for a special use
permit – Vacation Home Facility- within the Single Family
Residential (R1) district.
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public Hearing
on this matter on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at City
Hall located at 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA at
6:30 P.M. Anyone wishing to attend the public hearing
may do so and be heard relative thereto.

CITY OF BROOKHAVEN CALL OF SPECIAL ELECTION

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION – PER HB 645 – ACT #165

RETHINK HEREBY TAKE NOTICE OF THE CALL OF A SPECIAL ELECTION: THE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN has
requested the DeKalb Board of Elections to call a Special Election to be held at the time of the general
election of the City on November 5, 2019, for the purpose of placing before the qualified electors residing
RECYCLING within the limits of the City of Brookhaven, a referendum increasing the existing general homestead
exemption to $40,000.00 through five annual increases. This Call for a Special Election is made
pursuant to the Georgia Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 2, Paragraph II; Ga. L. 2012, p.5527 as amended by
House Bill 645, passed by the Georgia House of Representatives on March 26, 2019 and the Georgia
Senate on April, 2, 2019; and Brookhaven Resolution 2019-05-02. House Bill 645 amended the Act
incorporating the City of Brookhaven by revising subsection (b) of Section 5.10 of Ga. L. 2012, p. 5527 to
read as follows:
“(b)(1) Each resident of the City of Brookhaven is granted an exemption on that person’s
homestead from City of Brookhaven ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the
following amounts for the following tax years:
(A) For tax year 2020 – $24,000.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(B) For tax year 2021 – $28,000.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(C) For tax year 2022 – $32,000.00 of the assessed value of that homestead;
(D) For tax year 2023 – $36,000.00 of the assessed value of that homestead; and
(E) For tax year 2024 and all subsequent tax years – $40,000.00 of the assessed value of that
homestead.
(b)(2) The value of that property in excess of such exempt amount shall remain subject to taxation.”
This amendment is conditioned on the approval of the majority of qualified electors residing within the
limits of the City of Brookhaven by referendum presented as part of the Special Election to be held on
November 5, 2019. Georgia Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 2, Paragraph II(a)(1). The ballot for the Special
Election on November 5, 2019 shall have written or printed thereon the words:

REDUCE
“Shall the Act to incorporate the City of Brookhaven be amended so as to increase the current
general homestead exemption from $20,000.00 to $40,000.00 through five equal annual
increases?”
“( ) YES
( ) NO”

REUSE All persons desiring to vote for approval of the amendment to the Act shall vote “Yes,” and all persons
desiring to vote for rejection of the amendment shall vote “No.” If more than one-half of the votes cast on
the referendum are for approval, the amendment shall become of full force and effect on January 1, 2020.
If the Act is not so approved or if the election is not conducted as provided in this section, the amendment

RECYCLE
shall not become effective, and the amendment shall be automatically repealed on the first day of January,
2020.
The polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2019 from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019• Page 12

AROUND DeKalb
BROOKHAVEN questions. All local business owners are welcome
to attend. STONE MOUNTAIN
Halloween fun in the park DCSD to discuss domestic violence

Lynwood Park invites community members

and surrounding neighborhoods to Christober
Fest Oct. 31 at 5-8 p.m.
Bring children for free fun and candy. The
event will be held at the Lynwood Park United
Church of God in Christ─1424 Windsor Parkway
in Brookhaven.
LITHONIA
City to host trunk or treat
Lithonia will host its trunk or treat event
Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Main Street.
Those interested in volunteering, participating or
donating should call Chief Annette Williams at
(770) 482-8947, ext. 124.
DeKalb County School District will host a
community forum and round table discussion to
address issues surrounding domestic violence
and the effects witnessing violence in the home
has on DCSD students.
The free event will be held Oct. 23 at Robert
R. Freeman Administrative & Instructional
Complex─1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard

COUNTYWIDE
in Stone Mountain, from 5:30-8 p.m.

STONECREST Details of Halloween event announced

Business association to meet
The South DeKalb Business Association
will hold its October meeting Thursday, Oct. 24,
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 2657
Panola Road, Lithonia. The featured speaker will
be Felton B. Williams of the DeKalb County
Purchasing and Contracting Department. With
the topic “Doing Business with DeKalb County,"
Williams will present information and answer
Trick or treat event announced
Stonecrest will host “Tricks and Treats” Oct.
31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Browns Mill Recreation
Center. Prizes will be given to the best costume
and best trunk. The rec center is located at 5101
Browns Mill Road. For more information, visit
www.stonecrestga.gov.
Stone Mountain will host “Trunk or Treating”
event Oct. 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the
municipal parking lot. Along with free trick or
treating and face painting, the event will also
include vendors, a marshmallow roasting station
and pumpkins for sale. The municipal parking
lot is located at 922 Main Street. For more
information, visit www.stonemountaincity.org.

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BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 13

Taylor leaves DeKalb Chamber, looks forward to new challenges

BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
After seven years with
the Dekalb Chamber of
Commerce, President and
CEO Katerina Taylor has
announced that she has
resigned to accept a position
with the city of Atlanta,
where she will be involved
with economic development
and workforce development.
Oct. 16 was her last day
with the chamber.
Taylor said that although
her position changes, she
still will be working to
support the area’s growth.
“Atlanta is a robust hub
for businesses. I have had
the opportunity to learn
from great business leaders, businesses,” according
watch them from a distance, to Taylor, who added, “I
and spend a moment with
them to receive great advice offering small businesses
and counsel on the matters
of people and business,
and ultimately how we
move them both forward
together,” she said.
“I have lived in Atlanta executed. Ryan Millsap’s
for 16 years and have
worked at SunTrust Bank
and the DeKalb Chamber.
I have enjoyed every
minute,” Taylor continued.
“I’ve learned a lot and have
been exposed to a lot. My
capacity and expertise have
grown, and I wanted the
opportunity to expand my
Katerina Taylor said she is proud of her
accomplishments as president and CEO
of DeKalb Chamber.
will be employed by small
want to ensure that we are
capacity and capital building
opportunities. I also wanted
to see that land swap
between DeKalb County
and Blackhall Studios get
plans for DeKalb will
be great for job growth,
entertainment industry
workforce opportunities,
and tourism.”
Taylor said she is proud
of her accomplishments at
the DeKalb Chamber, noting
that even businesses that
never joined the chamber
industry, there are surprises notes that I received over the development helps. I’d
every day. I’m extremely last five years.” like to think I have the
grateful for all of it. It The DeKalb business personality and demeanor
kept me up at night with community is moving in the for this kind of work, and
my wheels turning, and right direction, according I think that’s important,
sometimes I felt defeated but to Taylor, who observed, but most important he/she
that was fleeting as I always “DeKalb has heart, vision should have the heart for
remembered why I was here. and guts. We’ve faced some people and business.”
“I enjoyed meeting the challenges, but we continue Taylor said she would
people. They have shared to build business and people like her successor to know
their goals and challenges and help them thrive here. “DeKalb is as unique as
with me. I was able to laugh Passing SPLOST in 2017 its people, politics, assets,
with them and create great helped create and fund a and resources and said
memories. It’s been great to roadmap for DeKalb. We’ll whoever fills her shoes
see our members mix fun continue to see the impact should “appreciate all of it.
with business and participate of SPLOST for years to Learn from it and partner
in the ugly sweater contest come and by addressing with as many people as
at our holiday business- the infrastructure and you can,” she advised. “All
after-hours; they have all transportation challenges, parts of DeKalb are stronger
been a part of our legacy it’ll make DeKalb a more together. By the way, DCTV
of leadership. I especially attractive and competitive is one of the best resources
remember all the little girls county.” in DeKalb. Farewells are
I have met throughout the The ideal candidate never easy, but this will be
years who have told me to succeed her should have my most satisfying yet, as I
that they want to be like me an economic development am very proud of what has
when they grow up. I still background, according to been accomplished thus far.”
keep a box of thank you Taylor, who added “and
cards and congratulatory a background in fund
CITY OF BROOKHAVEN FY 2020 BUDGET REVIEW,
PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND ADOPTION
The proposed FY 2020 City of Brookhaven Budget will be presented to Mayor and
Council by the City Manager on October 22, 2019 at the regularly scheduled Council
Meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. The City of Brookhaven will hold a public hearing on
the proposed FY 2020 Budget at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday,
November 12, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Another public hearing will be held during the City
Council meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Following the public
hearing on November 26, 2019, the City Council will vote to adopt the FY 2020 Budget.
The FY 2020 Budget will be available for public inspection at City Hall, 4362 Peachtree
Road, and on the website www.brookhavenga.gov October 22, 2020.

PET WEEK
leadership impacts. Finally, benefit from its work.
[accepting the position with “Through our advocacy, all
the city of Atlanta is] just a businesses in DeKalb have
good business decision for been impacted by the work
me.” we do. Things I’m proud to
Taylor said she has
had an interest in business
have accomplished include
rebranding the chamber,
breaking consecutive
Frosted Flake
since she was a child. “My (ID# 42232139)
father was a grocery store records for attendance
owner and he said there and budget on our annual Frosted Flake is a five-star pup! Maybe it's
were two reasons he chose programs, delivering my his floppy ears or his puppy dog eyes, but this
first State of Women in boy has quickly turned into a volunteer favorite.
to go into this business: Frosted Flake has a sweet personality and has
to feed and employ the Business speech, advocating many doggie friends whom he loves going out
community. There are many with Congresswoman in the play yard and romping around with. His
impediments to employment [Lucy] McBath to increase excellent manners and playful but calm demeanor
especially for many under appropriations around only add to this boy's list of great qualities. Come
funding for CDFIs and meet
resourced communities. I Frosted Flake....he's more than good. He's
want to help families across ultimately creating more GGGRRREAT!
Atlanta get the proper access access to capital for small
to job training, livable businesses, hiring a dynamic If you would like to expand your family by 4
wages and sustainable staff, and, getting the furry little feet; ask to meet Frosted Flake and
workforce opportunities. I chamber through some of its have a loving friend forever. All adoptions include
your new pet's spay or neuter, vaccinations,
also want to support the city most turbulent times.” microchip and more! For more information
and Invest Atlanta in our Looking back at her about Frosted Flake please call (404) 294-2165
recruitment efforts of major years with the chamber, or email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com.
organizations to the city,” Taylor commented, “Most All potential adopters will be screened to ensure
she said. things are never as you Frosted Flake goes to a good home. Hours: Mon-
expect it, and in this Fri; 11am-7pm / Sat-Sun; 11am-6pm
“The future workforce
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 14

BASKETBALL

Local law firm donates funds

to basketball programs
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com

Two DeKalb County high school basketball programs are

receiving much-needed financial help from a local law firm.
The Law Offices of India Y. Ali has donated more than $10,000
combined to Southwest DeKalb girls’ basketball program and
the basketball programs at W.D. Mohammed High School. The W.D. Mohammed High School basketball programs received a $3,500 donation from The Law Offices of India Y. Ali.
law firm’s founder, India Ali, is a former player and graduate of
Southwest DeKalb and an assistant coach for the girls’ team. Ali
attends Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, which is affiliated with W.D.
Mohammed.
Ali said her firm donated to these programs because she
understands the impact funding can have on such programs.
“I know, having been a player and a coach, that it takes funds
to get things done,” she said. “Funding is so necessary. We want to
expose the players to different states and tournaments; that costs
money. We want them to have the best equipment to be able to
compete against teams from different regions and counties—where
there is more money and they have the best equipment, the best
trainers and the best workout regimen. We just want them to be able
to compete and feel good about themselves.”
Ali’s firm donated $3,500 to W.D. Mohammed in addition to
donating money and equity into Southwest DeKalb girls’ basketball
program, including purchasing practice jerseys, workout and medical
equipment, Nike team gear and more.
“Over the past month, I’ve been doing personal training with
[Southwest DeKalb],” she said. “With Southwest, I pledged at the
end of last season [to donate] $5,000 and I’ve exceeded that already.
But I’ve also invested equity because I am a coach there.”
Ali said she is currently conducting a fall training program W.D. Mohammed High School girls’ basketball players thank India Ali of The Law Offices of India Y. Ali for her
at Southwest DeKalb. During a fall scrimmage on Oct. 12, Ali donation to the program. Photos by Carla Parker
presented Southwest DeKalb girls’ basketball program an $8,500
check. Coach Kathy Walton said it was the largest donation the
program has received.
Farad Abdur-rahman, athletic director and boys’ basketball
coach at W.D. Mohammed, said he is grateful for Ali’s donation.
“It will help tremendously from a uniform perspective and from
the perspective of getting something for the facilities,” he said.
“Also, this year I’m taking both teams to Beverly Hills, Calif., for a
tournament. So, she’s going to help us subsidize those expenses that
will go toward our trip.”
Ali said her financial support will improve the training regimen
of the programs and help the players compete against tougher teams
in the state and country.
“It’s been four years since [Southwest DeKalb girls’ basketball
team] has been to the championship [game], and we lost in the final
four last year,” Ali said. “So, we’re missing an edge and I think with
the training program that we’ve implemented, as well as some of the
funds and other things, that can take the stress off of the girls and
they can focus on school and basketball.”
“[The funds] are definitely exposing us to a bigger platform and
hopefully we’ll be invited to more [tournaments], but we couldn’t
get it done without people like India and her law firm helping
us, sponsoring us and supporting us,” Abdur-rahman said. “It’s a
beautiful thing from every perspective.”
Ali said she hopes to expand her generosity to other athletic
programs in DeKalb County.
“I am a product of DeKalb County, so I definitely want to be able
to grow within DeKalb County first and get my name out there,” she
said. “I would love to branch out and assist other programs in the
community. It doesn’t have to be basketball.” India Ali, left, of The Law Offices of India Y. Ali presented an $8,500 check to Southwest DeKalb girls’ basketball
coach Kathy Walton.
SPORTS
FOOTBALL
Southwest DeKalb High School graduate and current Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin returned to his alma mater to speak to students. Photos by Carla Parker
NFL player Rock Ya-Sin speaks
to students at Southwest DeKalb
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
Southwest DeKalb
High School graduate and
current Indianapolis Colts
cornerback Abdurrahman
Ibn “Rock” Ya-Sin returned
to his alma mater Oct. 9 to
speak to students about life
after high school.
Ya-Sin, a 2015 graduate
of Southwest DeKalb, is
in his first season with the
Colts after being drafted in
the second round at 34th
overall last May. During
the Colts’ bye week, Ya-
Sin stopped by his old high
school to give the students
encouragement about their
future.
“I wish I had somebody
to come back and speak
to me when I was here to
give me hope,” he said. “[I
wanted to] let them know
that it can be done. You can
do whatever you put your
mind to, and I felt the kids
need that. I love Southwest
FOLLOW US ON ALL OF
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DeKalb. Anytime I can get
some free time, I always
want to come back and talk
to the kids.”
During his high school
career, Ya-Sin won two
state wrestling titles, and
was a two-time all-county
and all-region selection in
football. He also led the
county in interceptions his
senior year in 2014. Ya-Sin
continued his football career
at Presbyterian College,
where he played for three
seasons before transferring
to Temple.
Ya-Sin appeared in 12
games for the Temple Owls
and recorded 47 tackles (36
solo), 2.0 tackles for loss
and 12 passes defended. His
12 passes defended ranked
third in the conference and
14th in the nation.
In five games with the
Colts, he has 14 tackles,
including a season-high
of six tackles against the
Kansas City Chiefs on Oct.
6. The game was nationally
televised on NBC’s “Sunday
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 15
Night Football” and the
Colts won 19-13.
When “Sunday Night
Football” aired the players’
self-introductions during the
game, Ya-Sin acknowledged
Southwest DeKalb instead
of Temple or Presbyterian
as the previous school he
attended.
“[Southwest DeKalb]
is my roots,” he said. “I
feel like this place molded
me. The people that I’ve
met here molded me into
the person and player I
am today. I felt like they
deserved it.”
Ya-Sin said the message
that he hopes sticks with
students is that with hard
work and dedication,
anything is possible.
“[Also], understand
that it’s a process and you
have to trust the process,”
he said. “There is no such
thing as instant gratification
in life. So, you have to trust
the process and continue
to work hard and persevere
through whatever.”
@DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
LOCAL
RAPPER
Continued From Page 3
seconds into the video, the entertainers
throw an unspecified amount of money
into the air, causing multiple screaming
students to rush the basketball court to
collect the money.
While the students collected money,
Caldwell allegedly punched a student.
According to DCSD officials,
McNair administrators were not aware
that one of its teachers invited the rapper
to the school event.
“DCSD police are aware of the
incident at McNair High School
concerning [Caldwell] and consider this
an active investigation,” said DCSD
officials in a statement.
The entertainers were not hired or
compensated for thier performance and
the school’s normal security plan was
in place during the pep rally, according
to DCSD officials. The security plan
includes all staff being assigned to entry
and exit locations in the gym, where the
pep rally was held.
DCSD maintains that student and
staff safety is among the district’s top
priorities and said any disciplinary
action toward DCSD employees will be
handled as a personnel matter.
WilD^
Alaskan
Salmon in season now!
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • Page 16
SPORTS
WEEKLY
FOOTBALL SCORES
Oct. 10
Cedar Grove (5-2) 60, Towers (2-5) 0
Parkview (5-1) 69, Lakeside (0-7) 0
Oct. 11
M.L. King (5-1) 18, Lovejoy (4-3) 12
Marist (7-0) 45, West Hall (0-7) 7
Stephenson (5-1) 42, Forest Park (1-6) 0
Douglass (6-1) 60, McNair (0-7) 7
Lovett (5-2) 46, Stone Mountain (1-5) 32
Morrow (3-4) 19, Tucker (4-3) 14
Oconee County (6-1) 21, St. Pius X (3-4) 7
Salem (1-5) 44, Druid Hills (2-4) 42
Social Circle (2-4) 20, Clarkston (0-7) 18
Tift Co. (3-4) 41, Miller Grove (0-6) 0
Open: Arabia Mountain (1-5), Chamblee (0-5), Columbia
(1-5), Cross Keys (0-7), Decatur (4-2), Lithonia (1-5),
Dunwoody (2-4), Redan (3-3), SW DeKalb (5-1)
image courtesy of Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
10" x 6.5"