-- MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

DAY -- JANUARY 20
the DeKalb FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 • VOL. 24, NO. 48 • 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

SWEARING TO SERVE
City leaders take oath of office
By Staff

Recently elected city officials across DeKalb

County’s 12 cities have taken their oaths of
offices to begin work for their citizens as top
leaders. Some officials are newly elected, and
some have returned to their seats for another
term following November 2019 city elections.
The Champion has compiled photos from recent
swearing-in ceremonies across DeKalb County. Madeleine Simmons
Debra D. Johnson
Avondale Estates

Linley Jones

Dee Merriam
Dee Merriam was sworn in Jan. 6 as the
newest city of Avondale Estates commissioner
by Municipal Court Judge Stephen Nicholas.
Also during the November 2019 election, Mayor
Jonathan Elmore was re-elected and returned
to his seat Jan. 6.
--------------------------------------------------------
Brookhaven
Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst Jr. was
sworn into his new term as mayor Jan. 7
accompanied by his wife and sons.
Brookhaven’s District 1 Council member
Linley Jones signed her oath of office Jan. 7
before State Court Judge Mike Jacobs.
New Brookhaven District 3 Council member
Madeleine Simmons was sworn into office
by Judge Mike Jacobs as her husband and son
looked on.
--------------------------------------------------------
Clarkston
Laura Hopkins
City of Clarkston Councilman Awet Eyasu
was sworn in Jan. 7 to serve another term.
Councilwoman Laura Hopkins was sworn
in as one of two newly elected council members
for the city of Clarkston.
Councilwoman Debra D. Johnson was
sworn in as one of two newly elected council
members for the city of Clarkston.
--------------------------------------------------------

Decatur

Awet Eyasu
John Ernst

Lesa Mayer and Tony Powers

See SWEARING IN on page 6

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

LOCAL THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 - 22, 2020 • PAGE 2

The
dream
isn’t
done.
On Martin Luther
King Jr. Day,
we honor a man whose
vision for a more
compassionate, just,
and equal world is
still in the making.

ROP: 10" x 13.5"

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 3

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb legislative delegation pre-files

legislation ahead of 2020 session
Georgia’s 2020 legislative session starts Jan. 13 Nine candidates
BY ASIA ASHLEY competing for
Asia@dekalbchamp.com

The 2020 Georgia legislative session will begin

DeKalb County
Jan. 13 and several issues and topics are expected to
be addressed this year. Prior to the start of the session,
several proposed legislations have been filed. Prefiling
sheriff seat
for the 2020 legislative session began Nov. 15, 2019. BY ASIA ASHLEY
Pre-filed bills provide legislative staffs more time to
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
prepare supporting documentation for legislation.
Four members of DeKalb County’s legislative
delegation have pre-filed legislation they’re hoping Voters in the March 24 special
will get the consensus of their General Assembly election for DeKalb County sheriff will
counterparts. see nine candidates on the ballot.
Georgia House Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, D— Qualifying for the seat began Jan.
Lithonia, is in support of cannabis-based businesses 6 at 9 a.m. and ended at noon Jan.
and is demonstrating such through her pre-filed House 8. Melody Maddox has been serving
Resolution 875, which seeks to establish a House in the role since Dec. 1 after former
committee to study financing options for cannabis- sheriff Jeffrey Mann announced Nov.
based businesses. The committee would consider 13 that he would retire on Nov. 30. As
providing funding options, including, but not limited required per the DeKalb County code,
to, low-interest loans to cannabis-based businesses Maddox, the former DCSO chief deputy
was appointed to serve in the sheriff’s
owned by minorities, women and veterans, according
position until the position is filled
to the resolution. through an election.
Kendrick’s subsequent pre-file, HR 876, seeks for The sheriff oversees employees of
Congress to enact legislation that removes cannabis the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office,
from the federal Controlled Substances Act, and which operates the county’s jail, court
provides financial institutions legally providing services and the processing of warrants.
services to cannabis related businesses, licensees and Those who qualified as candidates
consumers immunity from federal prosecution and for the sheriff’s position are:
regulatory protections. Geraldine Champion, retired
HB 744, pre-filed by Rep. Mike Wilensky’s, D— homicide detective
pre-filed Senate Bill 283, which seeks to make election Harold Dennis, former DeKalb
Dunwoody, also relates to controlled substances and
day, the “Tuesday following the first Monday in County reserve lieutenant
clarifies how they should be regulated. The bill states
November,” a state holiday. If approved, the number Adam Gardner, law enforcement
that prescribers who violate controlled substances
of state holidays would be 13. Ted Golden, retired special agent for
regulations would be subject to a fine of $250 per
Kendrick is also sponsoring House Bill 746 DEA
violation, not to exceed $5,000 per calendar year. Antonio Johnson, retired marshal
relating to the “Woman’s Right to Know Act,” a bill
Rep. Billy Mitchell, D—Stone Mountain, has Kyle Keith Jones, retired law
updating Georgia’s abortion requirements. HB 746
pre-filed HB 743, which would allow student athletes enforcement
would give a female getting an abortion the option to
at postsecondary educational institutions to receive Melody Maddox, DeKalb County
decline receiving or reviewing informational materials
compensation for the use of the student athlete’s sheriff
regarding the unborn child, view the ultrasound or
name, image or likeness. The bill would allow college Carl Mobley, retired DeKalb
hear the heartbeat. Physicians performing the abortion County officer
athletes to apply to athletic associations and athletic
would be required to document the patient’s decision. Ruth Stringer, retired law
conferences, and allow for professional representation
New bills are expected to be filed during the enforcement
of student athletes participating in intercollegiate
session, and some will be carried over from the 2019 The winner of the special election,
athletics.
session. concurrent with the presidential primary,
Georgia Senator Tonya Anderson, D—Lithonia,
will serve the remainder of Mann’s term,
which expires Dec. 31, 2020. The last
day to register to vote in the March 24
elections is Feb. 24. Voting will take
place in all regular polling places in

SUBSCRIBE TO DeKalb. A runoff, if required, will be

held on April 21.
An election for sheriff will also

THE CHAMPION NEWSPAPER be held during the November General

Election to fill the position’s full four-
year term which would begin Jan. 1,

404.373.7779 EXT. 700

2021.
Check with The Champion website
for future updates and details on the
candidates.
OPINION
On Feb. 3, 2014, days after a
major ice storm and just a couple
of weeks after having to euthanize
my previous dog, I was pulling into
my driveway and saw a beautiful,
but emaciated, smiling dog trotting
toward my car wagging her tail. As
I got out of my car to open our gate,
she came closer to me and her tail
wagged even more. I opened the car
door and she jumped right in.
Perhaps it was fate, perhaps
it was circumstance, but I truly
believe it was love at first sight for
both of us.
I called my wife Dorothy from
our gate to tell her I had just found
what appeared to be a bulldog mix
and I wanted to bring her home
with me. Dorothy runs an animal
rescue organization and suggested
that I take her to our vet to have her
checked before bringing her home.
I took her to the vet to leave
her overnight but could not stop
thinking about the wiggle in her butt
and the greatly exaggerated smile
on her face. Never believe anyone
Foreclosures
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To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
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#ItsInTheChampion
Letting go is difficult
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
who says dogs do not smile; they
most certainly do.
Our vet confirmed that she
had been chipped and traced the
registration to a veterinarian clinic
located about 30 minutes from our
home. The vet said he would call
the next day to ask if she had been
reported as missing.
Throughout the next day, I
anxiously awaited information from
our vet. On my way home from
work, I called our vet and was told
that she had been reported missing
several times in the previous few
weeks and the owner had told the
vet that he no longer wanted her.
I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait
to get to the vet and bring my little
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 4
girl home. The first night she was
in our home, I made sure she had
plenty to eat and got plenty of love.
She slept that first night in our bed,
plastered against my side. A bond
between man and dog had already
formed. I named her Cleopatra,
Cleo for short.
For the last five years, she has
been my constant companion. She
has camped with me, traveled with
me and has spent many hours with
me at one of her favorite places to
visit—our local Home Depot. There
were many Saturday and Sunday
mornings when, even if I didn’t
need anything from Home Depot,
we would go—simply because she
enjoyed it so much. Many of the
employees knew her by name and
she got lots of attention from other
shoppers.
We don’t know how old Cleo
is, but it has now become apparent
that her life is coming to an end
soon. It rips my heart to think of
the void her absence in our home
and hearts will bring. I do, however,
find comfort in knowing that for
the last five years of her life she
was treated like the queen she was
named after. She’s now old and grey
and suffering from several different
health issues, but she still smiles
and wags her tail.
On the morning of writing this
opinion piece, I took Cleo to Home
Depot, but it was different. There
wasn’t as much bounce in her trot
as there once was. Her tail still
wagged, but not as rapidly as it used
to. The familiar faces were there
to greet her and love on her, but
her butt didn’t twist around like it
had on so many previous mornings
visiting there.
Once the smile fades and the
tail stops wagging, we will know
the time has come for her to depart
this world. Until that time comes,
she will continue to be the queen
of the house and will forever hold a
special place in my heart.
OPINION
Those who travel much outside
of the United States, particularly
in Europe or Asia, will find rail
travel remains a primary method
of transportation, particularly on
distances of 500 miles or less. Here
in the United States, rail is really
only a primary transit method
in the congested northeast and
around other major populations
centers such as Chicago, as well
as increasing its presence again
in Rust Belt power centers such
as Cleveland, Pittsburgh and
Philadelphia.
 Thanks to a lot of Amtrak
business travel in the Northeast
during a prior decade and a credit
card that also racks up Amtrak
Reward miles, most of my rail
travel is in sleeper cars—with all
meals included. It’s the only way to
roll.
Amtrak’s service frequency is
limited. The Crescent rolls seven
days a week out of Atlanta, but only
one train heading north from New
Orleans and one south from New
York City each day. Departures
from Atlanta are in the evening
heading north, and in the morning
heading south. Heading to either the
Big Easy or the Big Apple riders
will have the opportunity also for
three meals by rail.
 The trip north rolls through
Charlotte and the Carolinas into
the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
and on to Washington, D.C., with
stops in several charming towns
associated with the Civil War, such
as Charlottesville with the UVA
campus just steps away. In winter or
during the holiday season, parts of
this trip looks as if passengers are
moving through a Christmas card.
Though I believe that high
speed rail in the United States is
largely a fantasy, due to the high
costs of right of way acquisition,
our vast terrain and differences
in topography, there is a solid
and well-established rail network
FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from
its readers. Please write to us and express your views.
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the
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cation. All letters will be considered for publication.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
It’s the only way to roll
‘One Man’s
Opinion’
Bill Crane
bill.csicrane@gmail.com
already in place, though the bulk
of rail lines are not owned by
Amtrak, outside of the northeast.
And though federal transit
rules dictate otherwise, the rail
freight corporations that own
those rails frequently switch the
Amtrak passenger trains onto
spurs to expedite movement of
freight. This can result in hours
long delays and makes departures
and arrival planning problematic
for all passengers, but particularly
difficult for business folks on a tight
schedule.
Our airlines are subsidized, at
least indirectly, by massive federal
expenditures and support of U.S.
airport infrastructure. Federal funds
for replacing our aging rail stock
and repairing decrepit infrastructure
are finally moving Amtrak’s way.
The two single underwater
tunnels connecting New York
and New Jersey—each more than
a century old—are leaking and
will cost nearly $250 million to
shore up, expand and potentially
replace. Arguments between the two
states on the funding split, as well
as the federal government piece
of that pie result in regular service
delays and periodic outages. Let’s
hope repairs are fully underway
before either tunnel collapses.
As passengers travel east to
west, there are some incredible
routes to consider which can show
this country in all of its grandeur
from New Orleans to Chicago and
the Great Lakes and Midwest, there
is the City of New Orleans, and
from New Orleans to Los Angeles,
the Sunset Limited, from Tijuana
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR,
The DeKalb Free Press,
P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347;
Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779.
Deadline for news releases and advertising:
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DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 • PAGE 5
and San Diego to Seattle, along the
Pacific Coast and parallel to much
of the Pacific Coast Highway, is the
Coast Starlighter, which includes
a glass-domed observation and
bar car. That trip is 33 hours, but
there are few more beautiful ways
to experience America’s left coast.
Amtrak packages and offers more
than 30 routes crisscrossing our
continental United States.
Admittedly, the longer routes
tend to be heavy with young
families with children (seeking a
scaled back version of The Polar
Express) as well as more senior
citizens, long familiar with and
generally preferring rail travel. As
with one’s first time on a cruise
ship, one can always spot the land-
lubbers learning the wide legged
gait best suited for a moving train
and some don’t like the constant
rock at night (I sleep like a baby)
as the train rolls through towns
large and small toward its next
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Asia Ashley
Jay Phillips
Chief Financial Officer:
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Donna Seay
Production Manager:
Kemesha Wadley
The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday
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114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030
Phone (404) 373-7779.
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destination.
Though the sheer vastness of
our nation will not likely expand
our passenger rail network anytime
soon, I’m hopeful will consider
expanding awareness of rail as a
travel option. My daughter and I
are next off to Tuscaloosa on the
Crescent in a few weeks, there and
back in 48 hours. The drive and the
rail trip are approximately the same
length, if there are no major freight
delays. And I can assure you...the
train ride is a lot more fun.
Bill Crane also serves as a
political analyst and commentator
for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
FM, as well as a columnist for The
Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
native and business owner, living
in Scottdale. You can reach him
or comment on a column at bill.
csicrane@gmail.com. 
STATEMENT FROM THE
PUBLISHER
We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
issue of interest to DeKalb County.
The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
discourse for all community residents
on all sides of an issue. We have no
desire to make the news only to
report news and opinions to effect
a more educated citizenry that will
ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
ideas for discussion; however,
we make every effort to avoid
printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 6

SWEARING IN Continued From Page 1

Lesa Mayer, District 2 commissioner, and Stonecrest
George Dusenbury, District 1 commissioner,
were sworn in as the city of Decatur’s newest
commissioners at the Jan. 6 city commission
meeting. At-Large Commissioner Tony Powers,
not pictured, also returned to his seat following
the November election and was selected as
mayor pro tem by his counterparts.
--------------------------------------------------------

Doraville Lithonia council members Mayor Jason Lary, far right

Shameka Reynolds was sworn in Jan. 6 as

the city of Lithonia’s new mayor. Jason Lary was sworn in Jan. 7 to begin his
Darold Honore, Jr. and Vanneriah Wynn first full term as the city of Stonecrest’s mayor.
took their oaths of office Jan. 6 as the city of Lary was previously elected to a two-year term
Lithonia’s newly elected council members. as the city’s first mayor after area residents voted
-------------------------------------------------------- to establish Stonecrest as a city in November
Doraville council members 2016. R. Turner, Post 2 council member, and
Pine Lake G. Turner Jr., Post 4 council member, both not
pictured, returned to their seats after running
Melanie unopposed in the November election. Tammy
Rebekah Cohen Morris, District 2 council Grimes, not pictured, was elected to the Post 5
member; Andy Yeoman, District 1 council Hammet was sworn
in for her second seat during a special election and took her oath
member; Joseph Geierman, mayor; and Maria of office Dec. 17.
Alexander, District 3 council member, took term as the city of Melanie Hammet
Pine Lake’s mayor --------------------------------------------------------
their oaths of office Jan. 6 to begin their terms
Jan. 6.
as the city of Doraville’s elected officials. Chris
Tracey Tucker
Henshaw, District 2 council member, was sworn
in to office Nov. 18 after winning the special Brantley took her
election for the seat in November. oath of office Jan. 6
-------------------------------------------------------- as one of two of the
city of Pine Lake’s
Tracey Brantley
Dunwoody newest council
members.
Anne Lerner Noelle Monferdini William Rosenfield
Brandy
Beavers took her
oath of office Jan. 6
as one of two of the The city of Tucker’s recently elected council
city of Pine Lake’s members, all incumbents, were sworn in at
newest council the Jan. 14 council meeting, after publication
members. deadline. Photos from the ceremony will be
Dunwoody council members Brandy Beavers added to The Champion website.
Anne Lerner, District 3-Post 2
Noelle Monferdini, District 2-Post 2
William Rosenfield, District 1-Post 2

-------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------

Stone Mountain Chamblee

Lynn Deutsch

Lynn Deutsch was sworn in Jan. 2 as the

city of Dunwoody’s new mayor.
Joe Seconder, Post 5; Stacey Harris, Post
4; and John Heneghan, Post 6, took their
oaths of office Jan. 2 to begin their terms on the Stone Mountain council members Leslie Robson Darron Kusman Karen Lupton
Dunwoody City Council.
-------------------------------------------------------- The city of Chamblee’s recently elected
council members were sworn in during a
Lithonia Clint Monroe, Post 2 council member, and ceremony Jan. 16, after publication deadline.
Gina Stroud Cox, Post 1 council member, took Photos from the ceremony will be added to The
their oath of office Jan. 7 as the city of Stone Champion website.
Mountain’s newest elected officials. Post 3 Leslie Robson, District 2
council member Chakira Johnson, far right, Darron Kusman, At-Large
joined the two as she took her oath of office to Karen Lupton, District 3
begin her new term. --------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Shameka Reynolds
 THE CHAMPION, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 - 22, 2020 • PAGE 7

This MLK Day, let’s celebrate the legacy of a man

who empowered change around the world.

Join us in generating a different kind of energy by celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
Day. It’s up to us to continue the work he began. Because changing minds, and the
world at large, is only possible if we work together.
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
DeKalb commissioners to vote
on extension of MARTA tax
BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
Within the next few
weeks, DeKalb County
commissioners, along with
Fulton County, Clayton
County and city of Atlanta
officials, will be voting to
extend the penny sales tax
used to support MARTA
operations.
The penny tax was
slated to decrease to half
a cent in 2047. However,
on Dec. 12, MARTA's
board of directors voted
on the “15th amendment”
to the Rapid Transit
Contract and Assistance
Agreement (RTCAA) —an
intergovernmental agreement
between MARTA and the
four jurisdictions—which
would keep the tax at one
penny for another 10 years
through 2057. Three of
the four jurisdictions must
approve the measure for it to
take effect.
“We need the extension
of the half cent from 2047 to
2057 to continue to maintain
the infrastructure that we
have existing,” said MARTA
General Manager and CEO
Jeffrey Parker at the Dec.
13 DeKalb County Board of
Commissioners retreat. “We
have included elements of
[DeKalb County’s recently
adopted] transit plan into
the existing one-cent sales
tax and doing things like
bus shelters and transit
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 8
OUR SOUTH DEKALB MALL
LOCATION ONLY
CLOSING! FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME, GET
FANTASTIC
SAVINGS
centers. Regrettably, we
just don’t have enough
(financial) capacity beyond
our requirements and our
needs to maintain the
system. As the system gets
STOREWIDE!
older and older, we’ll need
more money to maintain the
system and that’s where we
are.”
MARTA officials say
the adoption of the 15th
amendment is necessary
SELECTED COSMETICS, FRAGRANCES AND BRANDS ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS SALE
for MARTA to maintain the
current service levels and
capital program, including
EVERYTHING MUST BE
SOLD!
rehabilitation of all 38 rail
stations and the purchase of
254 new rail cars.
“Everything goes up, so
that penny that was passed
in the [1970s] does not really
pay for today, so you need
those additional 10 years to
pay for what we didn’t get
done in the state of good
repair 15 to 20 years ago,”
said Commissioner Larry
Johnson.
ALL THE FAMOUS BRANDS YOU LOVE!
The amendment would
also help extend MARTA’s
ALL IN ONE FABULOUS EVENT!
long-term bonding capacity
by increasing the anticipated
amount of funding MARTA ONLY AT OUR DECATUR LOCATION!
will bring in.
“Without the 15th
amendment, our bonding
SOUTH DEKALB MALL
capacity is getting smaller 2731 CANDLER RD (404) 243-2611
and smaller,” said Parker. MON, TUE & WED 10AM-8PM, THU 10-9PM, FRI & SAT 10AM-10PM, SUN 12-7PM
“The amount of time we can
bond for reduces year for ALL SALES FINAL.
year and we will begin to
think about our fiscal year ExcludEs prior salEs. “original” & “rEgular” pricEs arE offEring pricEs that may not havE rEsultEd in salEs, and intErmEdiatE markdowns
may havE bEEn takEn. actual savings may ExcEEd statEd pErcEntagE off. offErs valid at this location only. as of 1/13/2020 all salEs
2021 capital budget as more
arE final, no rEturns, no adjustmEnts. for mErchandisE sold prior to 1/13/2020, rEturns will bE accEptEd with proof of purchasE
of a pay-as-you-go and how through 2/12/2020. duE to thE naturE of this salE, wE can no longEr honor coupons, mall cErtificatEs or advErtisEd pricEs offErEd
at other Macy’s stores or Macys.coM. the rug departMent is a leased departMent and discounts May vary froM storewide discounts.
sElEctEd vEndors, cosmEtics and fragrancEs arE ExcludEd from salE pricEs.
SEE MARTA ON PAGE 12
 DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 9

WEEK in PICTURES... As seen on DCTV

CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners recognized the Central DeKalb Jaguars for winning the Youth National Football Championship. 

DCTV is working with District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw

on a PSA, he has partnered with the DeKalb County Office of
Youth Services for the new R.I.S.E. Up program.

The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management presented the 2020 calendar art contest winners.

DCTV was present during a R.I.S.E. Up program meeting at Freedom Middle School. The program is for young men of color, from grades 6 - 8, to
cultivate positive social behaviors such as positive attitudinal development, self-esteem building, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, maintaining positive
DeKalb County’s Public Safety department recently held a relationships with responsible adults and peers, and contributing to the wellbeing of one’s community including, maintaining a commitment to
career fair, to help the department recruit new talent. learning and academic success, and avoid delinquency.

23
DCTV CHANNEL 23
Get your front row seat to all
@DCTVCHANNEL23 things DeKalb County through your
DEKALB COUNTY GOV EMMY Award-winning station.
U USTREAM.TV/CHANNEL/DCTV-CHANNEL-23
WWW.DCTVCHANNEL23.TV
EDUCATION
COUNTYWIDE
McNair High School students with some of the shoes collected that are to be sent to several countries. Photos provided
Shoe drive’s goal to impact recipients and students
BY GALE HORTON GAY
FREELANCE REPORTER
Shoes can be more than
fashion statements and
foot protection, they can
also uplift and empower,
according to a teacher in
charge of an international
shoe drive.
Students at McNair
High School are conducting
a shoe drive with a goal of
collecting 3,000 pairs of
new and gently worn shoes
for distribution to Bolivia,
Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti and
Honduras. This is the fourth
year for the drive, which last
year resulted in 2,525 pairs
of shoes being collected and
sent to five countries.
McNair algebra teacher
Maronda Hastie explained
that student members of
the school’s Travel Club,
National Beta Club and
Chick-fil-A Leadership
Academy are helping to
promote the drive and collect
the shoes. In the process,
they are learning leadership,
communication, teamwork
and project follow through,
she said.
“It teaches them so many
skills,” said Hastie. “They
see how a few people can
make a difference.”
She added that McNair
has faced negative publicity
in recent years and through
the project students are
learning “how to not be part
of the problem but how to be
part of the solution.” Efforts
such as the shoe drive help
students to communicate
positive messages about their
school and community, she
said.
Pishon Jackson, 15, is
one of the McNair students
assisting with the shoe drive.
He helped with presentations
to classmates as well as
distribution of the collection
boxes to local businesses.
He also collected 15 pairs of
shoes, several from his own
athletic shoe collection as
well as donations from his
neighbors.
“I think it will put a
smile on their faces and
show them they are not
going through whatever
they’re going through by
themselves,” said Jackson, a
10th grader.
Once the shoes arrive
at their international
destinations, some are
distributed for personal
use or become part of
microbusinesses that earn
income for local merchants
to support their families.
As of mid-January, 800
pairs of shoes had been
collected, according to
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 10
Hastie. A vendor is shipping Decatur • The Insurance Firm, 2020
the shoes to the destinations • Shane’s Rib Shack, 1221 Eastside Drive Suite 209,
at no charge to the school. Caroline St., Atlanta Conyers
The shoe drive runs • Showcase Food Gallery, Residents can schedule
through Feb. 2. Among the 3183 Main St., East Point pick-ups for 10 or more pairs
drop-off locations: • Sudo Bar & Grill, 2270 of shoes by contacting Hastie
• McNair High School, 1804 Salem Road Suite 101A, at (678) 874-4902 or (678)
Bouldercrest Road, Atlanta Conyers 242-9070.
• Kelley Lake Elementary, • Sudo Bar & Grill, 1792 Pa-
2590 Kelley Lake Road, nola Road, Ellenwood
JANUARY is NATIONAL HUMAN
TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
Please Join Us for a Community Forum and Resource Fair
TOWARDS THE LIGHT: A 20/20 VIEW
OF DOMESTIC SEX TRAFFICKING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020
5:30 - 6:15 pm - Community Reception FREE & OPEN TO
6:30 - 8:00 pm - Program THE COMMUNITY
Porter Sanford Performing 3181 Rainbow Drive,
Arts & Community Center Decatur, GA 30034
RSVP by: Eventbrite link: bit.ly/303QX5Q
January 21, Email: QRPritchett@dekalbcountyga.gov
Phone: (404) 371 - 6341
2020
Sherry Boston In Partnership With:
DEKALB COUNTY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
www.dekalbda.org
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 11

COUNTYWIDE

Public safety departments

host job fair to fill vacancies
Applications still being accepted
BY ASIA ASHLEY positions as we can. We
Asia@dekalbchamp.com feel we can never have too
many officers,” said DKPD
As a proposed 4 percent spokesperson Michaela
salary increase is being Vincent.
considered for DeKalb The base salary for
County’s public safety officers without a bachelor’s
employees, department degree is listed at $40,868.
leaders are hoping to fill Several vacancies
several vacant positions. remain to the be filled within
County representatives DCSO.
would not provide an “While there are DeKalb County Police Department and DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) representatives were in attendance recruiting for
estimate on the number opportunities for civilian positions at Dekalb County’s Public Safety Job Fair Jan. 11. Photo provided by Dekalb County Fire Rescue
of positions looking to be employees, we are also
filled. seeking individuals who
$40,868. In addition Firefighter applicants More details on
However, in an effort desire careers as deputy
to basic requirements, must be at least 18 years the vacant positions
to have public safety sheriffs and detention
applicants must be at least old, and must obtain and can be found on the
departments fully-staffed, officers especially,” said
21 years of age and have maintain NPQ Firefighter county’s website at www.
DeKalb County hosted Cynthia Williams, public
two years of experience as II and Emergency Medical dekalbcountyga.gov/human-
a Public Safety Job Fair information officer for
a law enforcement officer Technician (EMT-B) resources/employment-
Jan. 11 at DeKalb County DCSO.
and Georgia P.O.S.T. certifications within 18 opportunities.
Fire Rescue, 1950 West Starting salary for a
certification as a law months in this classification.
Exchange Place in Tucker. detention officer without a
DeKalb County Fire Rescue, degree is posted at $35,739. enforcement officer.
DeKalb County Police Minimum requirements DeKalb’s fire rescue PUBLIC NOTICE ‐ CITY OF TUCKER 2020 MEETINGS
Department and DeKalb are like that of a police department has promoted its
job openings for firefighters All of the meetings listed below will be held at the time    
County Sheriff’s Office officer, with the addition indicated at the Tucker Annex Building, 4228 First Ave           
(DCSO) representatives that applicants must not by mentioning that their
Suites 2‐4 in Tucker, GA in the Council Chambers.
were in attendance recruiting have any open charges or firefighters work less than 10 Downtown  Zoning 
for positions. At the job fair, have a history of multiple days per month and start at City    
Development 
Community 
Board of 
Planning 
Council  Council  Commission 
attendees were able to meet misdemeanors. a salary of $39,158 during Authority  Appeals 
Meetings:  Meeting: Meeting:
with public safety hiring The posted salary the first year as a firefighter (DDA) Mtg: Mtg:
staff, interview for current for a deputy sheriff is recruit. 7:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM
openings and learn about JAN 14
JAN 6 JAN 8 JAN 21 JAN 23
salary and benefits. JAN 27
The police department is CITY OF TUCKER FEB 10
FEB 3 FEB 12 FEB 18 FEB 27
looking for new or certified PUBLIC NOTICE FEB 24
police officers. Applicants MAR 9
MAR 2 MAR 11 MAR 17 MAR 26
must be at least 20 years The City of Tucker will hold a First Read and Public MAR 23
of age, a United States Hearing on January 27th at 7:00 pm during a regu- APR 13
APR 6 APR 8 APR 21 APR 23
citizen, have a high school lar scheduled meeting. The Second Read will be on APR 27
diploma or GED, a valid February 10th at 7:00pm during a regular scheduled MAY 11
MAY 4 MAY 13 MAY 19 MAY 28
driver’s license and no meeting. The hearing and meetings will be held at MAY 26
felony or domestic violence the City Hall Annex located at 4228 First Avenue Ste JUN 8
JUN 1 JUN 10 JUN 16 JUN 25
convictions. Veterans must 2-4, Tucker GA 30084. The purpose of this hearing is JUN 22
have an honorable discharge. for the City Council to consider budget amendments JUL 13
JUL 6 JUL 8 JUL 21 JUL 23
“We want to fill as many for Fiscal Year 2020 for the Operating and Capital JUL 27
Budgets. AUG 10
AUG 3 AUG 12 AUG 18 AUG 27
AUG 24
DeKalb County Seeks Audit Oversight Committee Members SEP 14
SEP 21 SEP 9 SEP 15 SEP 24
SEP 28
DeKalb County Government is seeking interested county residents to serve as a volunteer on a 5-member Audit OCT 13
Oversight Committee as required by House Bill 599 of the Georgia General Assembly. OCT 5 OCT 14 OCT 20 OCT 22
The role of the Audit Oversight Committee is to function independently in conducting performance and financial- OCT 26
related audits for all departments, offices, agencies and programs of the county. The objective is to ensure county NOV 9
programs are effectively achieving the purpose for which they were authorized and funded. NOV 2 NOV 10 NOV 17 NOV 19
NOV 23
Individuals must meet the following requirements:
•Reside in DeKalb County DEC 14
DEC 7 DEC 9 DEC 15 DEC 17
•Possess expertise conducting performance audits N/A
•Have a minimum five years of experience and be certified in one of following: The Mayor and City Council will hold a Work Session 
o Public accountant o Internal or performance auditor
o Management accountant o Ten years other relevant professional experience Meeting at 5:45 PM on the City Council Meeting Dates 
and location listed above.  An Executive Session may be 
Board terms vary from one to five years. held by the Mayor and City Council or the DDA for the 
Resumes and cover letters will be accepted through January 31, 2020, via email at
AOCRecruiting@dekalbcountyga.gov. purpose of real estate, litation and/or personnel.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 12

CLARKSTON

Clarkston moves closer to annexation efforts

BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
The city of Clarkston
could be close to taking the
next step in annexing land
around the city and North
DeKalb Mall which could
potentially double the size
of the city.
Clarkston’s city council
planned to vote on an action
Jan. 7 that would ask the
Georgia National Assembly
to support an annexation
that would expand
Clarkston’s borders and
incorporate North DeKalb
Mall and other nearby
neighborhoods. However,
the item was tabled to a city
meeting scheduled for Jan.
28.
“The annexation process
is quite lengthy,” said
Clarkston City Manager
Robin Gomez. “The
resolution is just to say that
the council is interested
and desires the area to be
annexed into Clarkston.
The resolution is asking
the DeKalb Legislative
Delegation to consider the
possibility of annexation
at the Georgia General
Assembly.”
If passed by Clarkston,
the resolution would go
to the General Assembly
and later be voted on by
the community members it
would impact.
“If the [Georgia General
Assembly] approves that,
then it goes to a referendum
for all of the registered
voters in that [potentially
annexed] area to vote yes
or no on annexing into the
city,” Gomez said.
The general assembly
normally only meets from
mid-January through the
end of march or early April,
according to Gomez.
According to an
estimate by the US Census,
Clarkston had more than
12,800 residents in 2018,
but not all the areas up for
annexation are residential.
Clarkston Mayor
Edward Terry told the
Atlanta Journal Constitution
that, “the city included The proposed areas that Clarkston wants to annex. Photo provided by the city of Clarkston.
North DeKalb Mall in its
proposal to balance the tax favor of Clarkston’s newest municipal services. work, but you have to be in
revenue it would get from annexation request. “This resolution’s the process at some point
residential and commercial The annexation purpose is to make the city to do that,” Gomez said.
properties.” could also be helpful for more prosperous and ensure “That’s really where we are.
Gomez also said residents of the potentially that the residents around At the beginning of a long,
Clarkston has already gone incorporated areas, Gomez us receive the services long process.”
through the annexation explained, by giving they should be receiving,” The resolution still has
process with the general them access to Clarkston Gomez said. It would also to make it through Clarkston
assembly for three other resources that can help in help Clarkston have a more and to the Georgia National
areas beginning in 2013, areas such as landscaping, logical, square city limits, Assembly before a vote
but will have to wait for the cleaning litter and debris, according to Gomez. by residents of Clarkston
general assembly to adopt adding more police, code “It’s just a discussion to and proposed areas of
a bill and pass a law in enforcement and other see if and how that would annexation can happen.

MARTA Continued From Page 8A

we can protect our bondage capacity
in order to maintain our existing
system.”
Other additions in the proposed
15th amendment to the RTCAA are
the inclusion of the additional .5
percent sales tax approved by city of
Atlanta voters in 2016 and the city’s
project; Fulton and DeKalb counties’
transit plans, funding for which
could possibly lead to future voter
referendums; and updates to Clayton
County’s capital expansion program
and timeline.
The amendment would also
permit a MARTA jurisdiction to
allow tax abatement through the
creation of a Transit Oriented
Development (TOD) council to
authorize RFPs for the TOD, and the
amendment allows renegotiations if
new jurisdictions were to enter into a
contract with MARTA.
The amendment also includes a
list of DeKalb projects that will be
done if additional funding becomes
available, in addition to a schedule
for DeKalb’s rail station repairs.
Colleen Kiernan, senior director
of MARTA’s Government and
Community Affairs division, said
some of DeKalb’s projects slated
to be done under the current “core”
penny include: Buford Highway and
Candler Road aerial rapid transit
by 2024, South DeKalb Mall and
Stonecrest Mall bus transit centers
by 2023; planning for bus-rapid
transit within Georgia Department of
Transportation’s express lanes and
support of the TOD efforts on I-20
East. Aerial rapid transit, Kiernan
explained, could allow buses to
control traffic signals to increase
efficiency.
DeKalb is scheduled to receive
56 new bus shelters in 2020.
“We’re making sure we’re
putting these amenities at the most
used bus stops,” Parker said.
While Parker mentioned that
MARTA has an estimated $200
million in reserves, the “buffer”
is needed in the event of another
downturn in the economy, which has
been foreseeable.
“The reserve account will get us
through a point that we don’t have
to slow down our capital program or
make service cuts,” Parker said.
The proposed 15th amendment
to the RTCAA was put out for
vote nearly two years ago to the
jurisdictions, but did not pass.
With the new additions, MARTA
representatives are hopeful the
jurisdictions will approve the
amendment.
“If it’s not passed it will further
delay any transit expansions and we
won’t get as much bang for our buck
when we go to borrow money for a
bond,” she said.
DeKalb, Fulton, Clayton county
and city of Atlanta officials have 60
days to approve their resolutions
for the amendment to take effect.
Parker said letters were mailed to the
jurisdictions within a week following
the MARTA board’s Dec. 12 vote.
According to the DeKalb County
Transit Master Plan, more than
500,000 daily commute trips were
estimated in 2015 using MARTA
services in DeKalb. Forty-three
percent were DeKalb residents
commuting elsewhere in the Atlanta
region and 41 percent of passengers
were commuting into DeKalb for
jobs. Sixteen percent of passengers
both live and work in DeKalb,
according to county data.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 13

BUSINESS

Guide lists current salary norms in local, national job market

BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
Creative Financial
Staffing (CFS), a national
company represented locally
in its Peachtree-Dunwoody
Road office, recently
released a comprehensive
salary guide, providing
employers and job seekers
guidelines for salary
expectations.
The guide is published
every year, according to
Kamille Morton, business
development manager in
CFA’s Atlanta office. “Our
clients find it useful as they
plan personnel costs, but
people in the workforce
often consult it find whether
their salary is in line with
market norms,” Morton said.
CFS is an employee-
owned staffing firm that
describes itself as the largest
founded by
CPA firms. The company
specializes in placing
accounting, finance and
information technology
professionals. Established
in 1994, CFS today operates
more than 30 offices across
21 states and the Caribbean.
The guide lists typical
salaries for first 20 percent,
middle 60 percent and upper
20 percent for positions from
top executives to entry-level
positions. Data also is given
for large companies—those
with revenues of more than
$500 million—medium
companies—those with
revenues between $100
million and $500 million—
and small companies with
revenues up to $100 million.
Users of the guide can
compare local as well as
national salaries. It includes
a listing of local market
multipliers derived from
the federal Bureau of Labor
Statistics and from CFS data.
By multiplying the national
salary by the local marker
multiplier, one derives the
number that would be locally
applicable. For example, the
Atlanta number is 1.05. If
a large company in Atlanta
were planning to hire an
accounting manager, the
company could take the
national salary, $108,000,
and multiply it by 1.05 and
find that it could expect
to pay $113,400 for that
position.
A glossary included
in the guide provides
precise descriptions of job
responsibilities for each title
listed so if exact titles differ,
users may find one that
closely matches the job they
are researching.
“Our data is based
on placements we’ve
made, job orders we’ve
received from clients,
and valuable information
from the accounting and
finance professionals we’ve
interviewed,” the guide
notes.
The guide includes
suggested interview
questions that “can help you
select the best candidates
for your team, while
enhancing your current
interview process.” The
interview suggestions are
divided into categories. For
example, under the heading
“frequently asked questions”
are general prompts such as
“What have you done that
has caused you to stand out
among your peers?”; “Tell
me about a time when you
had to change work mid-
stream because of changing
organizational priorities,”
and “What do you feel is
missing in your current role
that this position can provide
you?”
Among the questions
headed “motivation based”
are “What has been your
greatest triumph in your
current role?”; “How would
you define ‘success’ in you
career?” and “Tell me about
a time where you went above
and beyond the call of duty
to accomplish a specific
goal.”
Communication-based
questions include “Tell me
about a time you disagreed
with a colleague. How did measures” or “tell about a not been an employee at
you handle it?” and “Tell time when you overcame a the time” of “As a manager
me about a time when you major obstacle.” or supervisor, one of your
had to deal with an irate To explore leadership responsibilities is to provide
customer.” potential, an interviewer direction and leadership for a
To test someone’s might say “tell me about a work unit. Describe how you
problem-solving skills, the time when you were able have accomplished this in
guide suggests asking the to step into a situation, take the past.”
applicant to “tell about a charge and achieve results”; The 2020 CFS Salary
time when you anticipated “Tell me about a significant Guide may be requested
potential problems and accomplishment that would through CFS’s website,
developed preventive not have occurred had you www.cfstaffing.com.

EDUCATION

Open enrollment for DCSD School Choice program ends Feb. 7

BY STAFF
Students in the DeKalb County
School District (DCSD) can now
begin applying to enroll in School
Choice programs for the 2020-2021
school year. Open enrollment for
DCSD’s School Choice ends Feb. 7
at 4 p.m. for on-time applications.
During the enrollment period,
elementary, middle and high
school level families will have the
opportunity to choose a school
that suits their children’s academic
needs. District families can also
apply for DCSD’s diverse programs,
such as the dual immersion
language programs and magnet
programs for the 2020-2021 school
year.
Students currently enrolled
in DeKalb County schools will
need their student ID number and
a parent’s email address. New,
private-, or home-schooled students
need a parent or guardian’s email
address, proof of residency, birth
certificate, the 2019 fall semester
report card, a DCSD-issued affidavit
of residence (if applicable), and the
student’s latest MAP test scores (for
High Achievers Magnet programs
only).
Parents or guardians with
questions or in need of support can
visit the Parent Support Center at
1192 Clarendon Ave. in Avondale
Estates, Monday through Friday,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling
(678)676-0050 or (678)676-0035.
During the open enrollment
period, families can apply online
by visiting www.dekalbschoolsga.
org/school-choice. The website has
a complete list of School Choice
programs as well as a schedule
of tours throughout January and
February.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 14

AROUNDDEKALB
COUNTYWIDE BROOKHAVEN DECATUR
Meetings to discuss I-285 top-end toll lanes Free movie screening offered Community meeting to be at Hairston Park

A series of public meetings will be conducted
this month by the Georgia Department of
Transportation to discuss the top-end toll lanes
on Interstate 285. Although the earliest start
date for the toll lanes has been pushed back to
2023, the public input phase will continue as
scheduled.
The schedule for GDOT’s meetings is:
- Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chamblee First
United Methodist Church, 4147 Chamblee-
Dunwoody Road in Chamblee
- Jan. 23, noon to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.,
City Springs, 1 Galambos Way in Sandy
Springs
- Jan. 28, noon to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.,
St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount
Vernon Road in Dunwoody
- Jan. 30, noon to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.,
The Gallery at Cobb Galleria, 1 Galleria
Parkway Southeast in Atlanta
For more information about the toll lanes, go
to https://www.majormobilityga.com.
The city of Brookhaven is offering a free
indoor movie at Lynwood Park Recreation
Center, 3360 Osborne Road on Jan. 24. Residents
are encouraged to bring children to see the final
episode of the popular children’s movie series:
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Those attending
are encouraged to bring snacks and something
comfortable to sit or lay on such as blow up
mattresses, cushions or folding chairs.
CHAMBLEE
Code enforcement to hold coffee chat
Code Enforcement Coffee Chat will be
held from 8-9:30 a.m. Jan. 22 at Bojangles,
3971 Buford Highway NE. The quarterly
chats are held to facilitate dialogue between
neighborhoods and code enforcement officers
and provide an opportunity to get to know code
enforcement officers, ask questions, and/or raise
concerns. Coffee will be provided.
DeKalb County Department of Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a community
meeting to review upcoming park improvements
for Hairston Park. The meeting will be held at
6 p.m. on Jan. 21 in conference room A of the
DeKalb Watershed Management Building, 4572
Memorial Drive, Decatur.
The 33-acre park is located along South
Hairston Road near the Greater Hidden Hills
Community.
DeKalb County Commission District 7 to host
town hall meeting
District 7 DeKalb County Commissioner
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, along with
Probate Court Judge Bedelia Hargrove and Tax
Commissioner Irvin Johnson will host a town
hall meeting Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Porter
Sanford III Performing Arts & Community
Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr. Topics discussed
include senior tax exemptions and “Year’s
Support.”

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CITY OF TUCKER NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
CITY CHARTER
A proposed Amendment to the Charter of the City of Tucker amends
Section 5.03(a) to change the date required to submit to the city council
for the proposed operating budget and capital budget for the next fiscal
year.
The proposed Charter Amendment also amends section 5.04 (b) to
change the date of adoption of the final budget by the city council.
The City Council shall meet at the following regular meetings to consider
the adoption of the proposed Charter Amendment:
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL ANNEX
4228 1st AVENUE, SUITE 2-4,
TUCKER, GA 30084
and
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL ANNEX
4228 1st AVENUE, SUITE 2-4,
TUCKER, GA 30084
A copy of the proposed amendment is on file at the office of the City
Clerk and in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of DeKalb
County for purposes of examination by the public.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019• PAGE 15

BASKETBALL FOOTBALL

Stephenson rallies to beat MLK

BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com

Stephenson hosted MLK

Jan. 10 for Breast Cancer
Awareness night and the
Stephenson girls’ basketball
team beat MLK 57-51.
Stephenson (14-5, 8-3)
rallied late with a 21-point
fourth quarter to beat its
rival MLK (9-8, 5-6) at
home, after trailing 42-36 at
the end of the third quarter.
“It was tough,” said
Stephenson head coach
Dennis C. Watkins Jr. “We
started out slow, and we Jimmy Smith after winning his first state championship at Cedar Grove. Photo
were able to settle down and provided by Mark Brock.
regroup. It got a little bit
better, but we still have a lot
of things we have to work
on.”
Kassidy Broussard (12) shoots a three pointer over two defenders.
Former Cedar Grove coach
Watkins said his team
needs to work on is defense.
“I keep telling them that
hired by Arkansas
if we want to get to that BY JAY PHILLIPS Smith was a two-time
next level then we have to Georgia Coach of the Year,
play better defense,” said Jay@dekalbchamp.com
winning the award in 2016
Watkins. and 2018. He coached six
In three of Stephenson’s Jimmy Smith, who won
two state championships as All-Americans and had
five losses, the Lady Jaguars more than 30 players go
gave up 79 points to Collins PICTURES NEW – the head coach of the Cedar
Stephenson MLK Grove Saints’ football team, on to play college football,
Hill, 73 points to Lovejoy 3531 – Kassidy Broussard according to Georgia State
and 69 points to Forest Park. was hired by the University
(12) shoots a three pointer over of Arkansas as a running Sports.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff two defenders. Smith coached first-team
signee and 1,000-point 3050 – Ashlynn Green (5) absorbs backs coach Jan. 4.
Smith was the running All-Sun Belt running back
scorer Ashlynn Green contact on her drive to the lane.
Tra Barnett at Georgia
led the way for MLK and backs coach at Georgia
State University in between State last season. Barnett
finished with a game high finished the season with
20 points while Alaija his stints at Cedar Grove
Ashlynn Green (5) absorbs contact on her drive to the lane. and Arkansas. 1,453 rushing yards and 12
Coates had 10. touchdowns.
Stephenson was led Smith will work under
After both teams stretch.” head coach Sam Pittman, Georgia State had two
by Kennedy Barnett’s other players run for more
turned the ball over on Stephenson still has who spent two seasons as
13 points and 11 rebounds than 400 yards last season
their following possession, games against Lovejoy, the University of Georgia’s
while Kelly Finkley added under Smith, helping the
they repeated their scoring Southwest DeKalb and offensive line coach before
11 points of her own. team reach the Arizona
process from earlier with others scheduled in January, being hired by Arkansas,
However, it was Bowl where they lost to
Stephenson making a tough and Watkins hopes to build and offensive coordinator
Jirah Snellings’ and Wyoming.
layup and MLK responding some momentum with his Kendal Briles, who served
Kassidy Broussard’s late Last year’s Arkansas
with a quick three. team’s win over MLK. in the same role for Florida
game heroics that gave roster featured five players
Once the clock wound “Winning a game like State University last season.
Stephenson the edge. from Georgia, including
down enough, Snellings and that is huge,” Watkins Smith spent 12 years at
With 3:10 left to play, Southwest DeKalb alum and
Broussard closed the game said. “It builds the girls’ Cedar Grove High School,
Stephenson ran the clock senior defensive lineman
from the free throw line. confidence, especially when where he was the athletic
down to 1:50 left with one Gabe Richardson.
“I always tell [my team] the region is coming up in director, head football coach
possession before scoring a Smith’s defensive
that games are decided by February.” and head track coach for the
layup, but Green answered line coach and defensive
free throws and turnovers,” Stephenson will be back last six years of his tenure,
with a quick three pointer coordinator, Miguel
Watkins said. “And it just in action Jan. 21 when they according to Georgia State
to bring MLK within one Patrick, took over for
so happened that we made host Mt. Zion. Sports.
point. Smith in 2019 as Cedar
the free throws down the Smith won the first state
championship in Cedar Grove’s head coach and
Grove history in 2016 and won a state championship
Visit us online at then added another in 2018. in his first year, completing
a run of back-to-back state
www.thechampionnewspaper.com He also took the Saints to
the Final Four in 2015 and championships that Smith
began in 2018.
2017.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019 • PAGE 16

BASEBALL

Group photo of teams and players who attended media day.

DeKalb County baseball ready for action

BY JAY PHILLIPS Walker, who is committed to Duke. “We graduated eight seniors that wants to improve, and Eric
Jay@dekalbchamp.com Other Decatur players who have from last year’s team,” said head Hoxie is excited to do so because he
signed with colleges include Jaylen coach Brian Ely. “We’re hoping to said that he wants Arabia Mountain
DeKalb County high schools are Paden who signed with Georgia improve throughout the season and to reclaim its spot as one of the best
gearing up for baseball season after Southern, Drew Jordan who signed play our best baseball at the end of teams in the county.
the county held its annual Media Day with Rhodes, Jaxson Sprull who the year.” “The sheriff is back in town,”
at Tucker High School Jan. 9. signed with Tougaloo College, and Redan is another team with a Hoxie said. “We’re back to reclaim
Coaches and players from 17 others. big-time committed player on its our region. Arabia Mountain is
DeKalb County high schools were “We have eight seniors this roster. Donye Evans will be going back.”
present at media day and gave a brief year and most are two to three-year to play for Vanderbilt, the reigning Coaches and players from
preview of what they hope is in store starters,” said head coach Roddy College World Series champion, next Clarkston, Columbia, Cross Keys,
for their team this season. Gilbert. “We have a great group of season. Dunwoody, Lithonia, Miller Grove,
Decatur High School finished kids. I’m looking forward to getting Lakeside head coach Donald MLK, Southwest DeKalb and Stone
in Georgia’s top 50 last year and the after it and seeing what the season Hayes said his team will have to rely Mountain were also in attendance.
Bulldogs have multiple players on holds.” on its pitching to improve because DeKalb County high schools will
this year’s roster who will be playing On the other side of that the team can already hit but will only begin the baseball season between
at the high major level next season. spectrum is Chamblee, who lost a lot go as far as their pitching takes them. Feb. 10 and Feb. 18 with most teams
That group is led by Jordan of players from last season’s team. Arabia Mountain is another team beginning play the week of Feb. 10.

BASKETBALL

SWD alum joins Auburn’s 1,000-point club

BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Daisa Alexander scored her 1,000th point
as an Auburn Tiger Dec. 28 against Jacksonville
State, and the Southwest DeKalb alum was
honored with a 1,000-point ceremony Jan. 9
before Auburn’s game against Florida.
Alexander is averaging 13.9 points, 3.4
rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.1 assists per game
as a senior for Auburn this season; she has
averaged 10.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 steals
and 1.2 assists per game over her Auburn
career.
During her junior year, Alexander averaged
16.9 points per game in SEC road games,
according to auburntigers.com, and scored her
season high 22 points in four games.
As a senior this season, Alexander has had
performances of 24 points, four assists and
three rebounds in a one-point loss to Drake and
22 points and three assists and three rebounds
in a two point win over Dayton.
At Southwest DeKalb, Alexander was a
four-year starter. According to auburntigers.
com, Alexander was named to All-Metro
Atlanta team, All-Region team and selected to
[the] 2015 Nike Tournament of Champions all-
tournament team.
In 2015, Alexander led Southwest DeKalb
to a Georgia AAAAA state championship with
a one-point win over Winder-Barrow following
a 27-6 regular season and a perfect 14-0 record
in region play.
Alexander also played lacrosse and
competed on the cross-country team during her
time at Southwest DeKalb.
When she signed with Auburn, Alexander
was a three-star recruited rated as the 22nd best
guard in the country.
While at Auburn, Alexander has led
the Southeastern Conference in steals as a
sophomore, has been Auburn’s second leading
scorer twice, scored a career high 25 points
in 20 minutes against Indiana, led Auburn in
threes and scored 1,000 points.
SWD Daisa Alexander. Photo by Mark Brock