CrossRoadsNews, June 28, 2014 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

WELLNESS

SCENE

In the wake of scandals and allegations of misconduct, interim CEO Lee May signed an executive order overhauling ethics rules for DeKalb’s employees. 2

DeKalb Board of Health offers ways to avoid disease-carrying mosquitoes and wipe out breeding grounds. 7

The annual celebration of the birth of our nation is around the corner, replete with fireworks displays, parades and more. 8,9

Tighter rules for conduct

Mastering mosquitos

Bring forth the Fourth

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

June 28, 2014

Volume 20, Number 9

www.crossroadsnews.com

Watson claims vindication in S.C. federal corruption trial By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson said Thursday that he was relieved not to be called to testify in a federal public corruption trial in South Carolina. Watson, who figured prominently in metro Atlanta news this week, said the truth finally came out. “I was on no wiretap,” he said. “I didn’t take any bribe. There is no corruption.” Watson, who lives in Decatur and represents Super District 7, was on a witness list for the defense in the trial of Greenville businessman Jonathan Pinson and his friend and business partner Eric Robinson. Pinson also was chairman of the board of trustees of South Carolina State University.

Robinson has minority ownership in Arizona’s restaurant at Stonecrest. They are on trial on 52 counts including racketeering, theft and bribery, various types of financial crimes, mail and wire fraud, extortion, and money laundering. They were heard on FBI wiretaps discussing Stan Watson getting a bribe of $50,000 to $60,000 for Watson and taking some of it for themselves. Prosecution witness Richard Zahn, a Florida businessman, testified that the two encouraged him to seek business in DeKalb County and sought the funds from him to give to Watson “some sort of incen-

tive” so that he could get a cut of the county’s $1.7 billion water and sewer project. “We’re thinking Falcons box seats and a financial payment,” Zahn said the defendants told him after a fall 2011 lunch in Atlanta. The FBI intercepted more than 15,000 telephone calls by Pinson and Robinson between July 21, 2011, and Nov. 28, 2011. In some of those calls, the men said the cash would have gone to Watson and the football tickets to suspended DeKalb Purchasing and Contracting Director Kelvin Walton, an unindicted co-conspirator in the case against suspended DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. Zahn also testified that he met Watson in Columbia, S.C. The State newspaper in Columbia reported Thursday that the jury was sent home

for the day and that closing arguments in the case were scheduled for June 28. The newspaper reported that Pinson and Robinson did not take the stand in their own defense, and no witnesses were called for the defense. Watson said Thursday that he was never subpoenaed by the FBI but was on the defense witness list. An FBI agent testified that neither Watson nor Walton was questioned in the case because the FBI in Atlanta is conducting a separate investigation in DeKalb. “I had nothing to do with anything illegal in DeKalb County,” Watson said. “The trial is done. I am glad it’s over with.” Watson said he couldn’t speak before on the advice of his attorney. “The truth came out,” he said. “I had nothing to do with it.”

HVAC copper thefts cost county $230,000 Dreka Hires reads a sign explaining that the Wesley Chapel Library is closed due to “vandalism” to the air conditioning units.

Police looking for suspects caught on tape By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Police believe they have a suspect in a string of copper thefts from air conditioning units but haven’t yet located him. Between May 8 and June 19, a man, sometime working alone and sometime with a companion, stole copper tubings from 10 South DeKalb buildings, among them three libraries, two recreation centers and churches in South DeKalb. Capt. A.T. Mears of DeKalb Police South Precinct, said that six of the copper thefts were committed by the same people who were caught on tape at more than one of the crime scenes. “We believe that one or two individuals are responsible for all of these crimes,” he said. “Sometimes it’s one individual. Sometimes it’s a crew of two.” The thefts of copper tubing from the large HVAC units have cost the county and churches hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair and replace, forced the closures of the libraries, and left people sweltering in the heat. The Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown and Flat Shoals libraries and the Community Achievement Center in Decatur and the Redan-Trotti Library and Redan Recreation Center in Stone Mountain were hit between May 21 and June 19. Hari Karikaran, the county’s director of Facilities Management, said the repair and replacement bills for five county buildings add up to $230,000. The county has to pay double for the Wesley Chapel Library, which was hit twice, on May 21 and June 19. “Whosoever is doing it has no concern for the community,” Karikaran said. Thieves also raided the HVAC units at Hillcrest Church of Christ on Snapfinger Road in Decatur on May 8; Antioch AME

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Church on South Hairston Road in Stone Mountain on May 12; Bold Beginnings International Ministries on Bouldercrest Road on June 6; and Green Pastures Christian Church on Flat Shoals Parkway on June 8. On June 21, Dreka Hires of Decatur stood in disbelief while reading “closed due to vandalism” signs at the Wesley Chapel Library. “I just drove by here this week and saw the parking lot full of cars so I thought they were open again,” she said. Hires was right. Copper was gutted from the library’s HVAC units on May 21, which caused it close between May 24 and June 16. It reopened on June 17. Two days later, thieves returned and sawed off the new copper tubing that the county installed and wrapped in black tape to disguise it. Mears said thieves smashed the camera that overlooked the library’s HVAC units on June 19 before sawing off the copper

tubing. They left pieces of black tape they stripped from the copper tubing lying on the ground. Hires was flabbergasted to learn the reason for the continued closure of the library. “That’s not a good thing,” she said. “It makes you feel like the neighborhood is kinda unsafe. If they do that to the library, what would they do to your residence or your car?” In meantime, Hires and other library patrons have to travel long distances to find an open library. Hires said she has been trying to update her resume and apply for jobs and uses the computers at the library. “I went to Flat Shoals and it was closed too,” she said. “I have had to be going to the one on Candler Road. That is quite a way to go. It’s an inconvenience.” The closures have interrupted summer

reading and other programs and community events at the library branches. Library Director Alison Weissinger says they have relocated some programs and postponed others. She said there are no words to describe the level of frustration she feels. “It is just ridiculous,” Weissinger said. “They are not getting much money, but they are causing so Richard Barclay much damage and they are harming the community.” At Hillcrest Church of Christ on Snapfinger Road, the theft of copper tubing from two of its HVAC units left children sweltering in the heat during vacation Bible school and the Mike Glenn Hearing Impaired Basketball Please see THEFTS, page 6

CrossRoadsNews

Community

June 28, 2014

DeKalb to get integrity officer By Ken Watts

DeKalb County, which has been rocked by scandals, ethics lapses and charges over the past year, will be getting a full-time chief integrity officer to help restore trust in DeKalb government. The position will have unilateral power to bring all ethics concerns to the attention of the Board of Ethics. Interim CEO Lee May signed an executive order creating the position and overhauling ethics rules for DeKalb’s employees at a June 25 news conference and called on the Board of Commissioners to approve $311,000 to fund the integrity officer position. “I am beyond tired of reading about employees of DeKalb County violating the public’s trust and the law,” May said. “We need more tools to ensure ethics and integrity in our county. I am sick and tired of where we are and what we’ve become.” The chief integrity officer will become the county’s full-time ethics watchdog and will report to the DeKalb Ethics Board. The officer will be responsible for training all county employees, investigating tips about unethical behavior, and monitoring a soonto-be-created ethics hotline. May, who is in the CEO’s office because elected CEO Burrell Ellis is facing trial on corruption charges, said the order “compiles and clarifies” guidelines on spending county funds, using the county purchasing card, and accepting money and gifts. Ethics Board Chairman John Ernst and two members, Edwinett Fay Perkins-Murphy and Robert Blackman, appeared with May at the news conference. Ernst said it is quite clear that the time for talk is over. “The time for action is now,” he said. “The status quo is no longer sustainable.”

Ernst called on the Board of Commissioners to approve May’s proposed budget increase for the ethics panel. May has proposed an annual salary of $170,058 for the integrity officer, who will have an administrative assistant with a proposed salary of $63,732 and an investigator who will be paid $77,384. William Perry, executive director of the government watchdog group Common Cause of Georgia, called the decision to give the Ethics Board a full-time staff a bold move in the right direction. “By taking this bold step, CEO May makes DeKalb, by far, the shining example of what an ethics board should look like in the state of Georgia,” Perry said. “This board will have greater independence than the city of Atlanta’s or even the state Ethics Commission.” Rhea Johnson, a Decatur resident who has filed an ethics complaint against Commissioner Larry Johnson, was skeptical. He said May is seeking to get influence over the Ethics Board with the three new positions. “The board is supposed to be totally independent,” he said. May also updated county guidelines on gifts, meals, travel, tickets and honoraria. The new policy is based on the county’s Organizational Act that pertains to merit system employees and now applies to all employees under the supervision of the CEO. May said he firmly believes in due process and allowing issues that have already been brought to the table to run their legal course. “Having said that, it’s the improper and possibly illegal activity in DeKalb’s ranks that we don’t know about that keeps me awake at night,” he said.

June 28, 2014

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“We’ll be setting guidelines on how to proceed in these cases. There were so many complaints of basically the same nature.”

DeKalb Ethics Board will investigate Johnson, Barnes Sutton purchases By Ken Watts

Ethics charges against DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson and Sharon Barnes Sutton and her chief of staff, Judy Brownlee, will advance, the DeKalb Ethics Board ruled this week. The seven-member board voted unanimously at its June 24 meeting to move ahead with an investigation of the complaints about abuses of the county’s purchasing cards filed by Rhea [pronounced Ray] Johnson, Larry Johnson a Decatur resident, and Viola Davis, president of Stone Mountain-based Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter Organization. Both complaints said the commissioners and Brownlee used taxpayerfunded Visa purchasing cards for personal ex- S. Barnes Sutton penses. In his complaint, Rhea Johnson, no relation to the commissioner, said Larry Johnson, who represents District 3 and is the Board of Commissioners’ presiding officer, had total purchases exceeding $57,000 since 2011. In her complaint filed May 30, Davis said Barnes Sutton and Brownlee have spent $75,000 since 2011. The new complaints against Barnes Sutton and Johnson were filed after an Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation in March of spending by District 1 Commissioner Elaine Boyer and her chief of staff Bob Lundsten. Boyer, the county’s longest-serving com-

Mawuli Mel Davis, an attorney for Commissioner Larry Johnson, gave the Ethics Board a notebook detailing Johnson’s P-card purchases.

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

money at stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, missioner with 20 years Staples, Office Depot and Walmart. on the board, is being The Ethics Board said that its first step investigated for abuse of will be to clarify the ethical boundaries for her county-issued P-card. P-card use by county officials. The complaint charges John Ernst, the board’s chairman, said that she made 52 personal members will meet in July for a work sescharges between 2011 and sion that will help them decide when P-card 2013 totaling $12,000 for spending is not appropriate. meals, rental cars, and Elaine Boyer “We’ll be setting guidelines on how to multiple airline tickets to proceed in these cases,” he said. “There were a Colorado ski resort. Boyer apologized to residents on March so many complaints of basically the same 25 for the expenses and said that she had nature, and we needed to have a real good repaid two-thirds of the purchases and paid understanding of this issue.” If the board concludes that the commisback $4,083 this year. After the vote, Davis said she was very sioners violated ethics rules, it could levy happy that the Ethics Board decided to move punishments ranging from reprimands to removal from office. forward with the expanded investigation. Both Johnson and Barnes Sutton have “Using taxpayer money for personal purchases is inexcusable and Barnes Sutton and denied wrongdoing. Johnson’s attorney, Mawuli Mel Davis of Brownlee have a pattern of doing that over the Decatur-based Davis Bozeman Law Firm, the years,” Davis said. said he gave the Ethics Board a notebook Her complaint was based on AJC reportsT:10.5” that Barnes Sutton and Brownlee spent detailing each of Johnson’s P-card purchases.

The notebook includes $12,000 in donations between 2011 and 2013 to help fund youth programs at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center. “All of the purchases were for DeKalb County business and in the interest of DeKalb citizens,” Davis told CrossRoadsNews at the Ethics Board meeting. “It’s our position that the board, after a review of the documents, should dismiss the ethics complaint because they are baseless claims.” Quinton Washington, attorney for Barnes Sutton and Brownlee, said all of their purchases can be explained. “Ms. Barnes Sutton has an annual office budget of $270,000. She and Ms. Brownlee spent about $75,000 over three years serving a constituency of 150,000 people. A closer examination will show that purchases at stores mentioned in the AJC report were appropriate and were for community events in the commissioner’s district.” In other business, the Board of Ethics decided to wait until suspended CEO Burrell Ellis’ trial concludes before considering the ethics complaint against him filed by Rhea Johnson. Ellis faces ethics complaints and criminal charges based on allegations that he pressured county vendors for campaign contributions. His criminal case will go to trial on Sept. 8 in DeKalb Superior Court. The board also voted to seek more information before acting on the Unhappy Taxpayer’s complaint against suspended Purchasing Director Kelvin Walton and suspended Project Manager Nina Hall of Watershed Management. The complaint alleges that Walton, an unindicted co-conspirator and key witness in the case against Ellis, accepted gifts from county vendors and funneled cash to Hall, who served on several selection committees for county projects.

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June 28, 2014

“If our students are to be successful, then work is required outside of school hours.”

Congress must act to bolster Voting Rights Act By Hank Johnson

“Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.” – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg I wish every member of the Supreme Court had the wisdom and insight of Justice Ginsburg. Her message, written one year ago, is clear: Preclearance was working. We are closer to the goal of e qu a l vo t i n g rights, but we Hank Johnson are not yet there. Efforts made to restrict the right to vote in the last election prove that we still have a long way to go. The progress we have made proves that the law works and is a reason to keep the Voting Rights Act intact, not a sign that it has become obsolete. This is especially true here in the South. During the last renewal of the landmark law in 2007, Congress

conducted more than 21 hearings with nearly 100 witnesses and amassed a 15,000-page record documenting the ongoing discrimination against minority voters. Congress voted to renew the law in overwhelming bipartisan majorities: 390-33 in the House and 98-0 in the Senate. But this activist, conservative court struck a dagger in the heart of the law last year. Ruling from the bench Jim Crow-style, the court held 5-4 that the decades-old law used to protect minority voting rights had outlived its usefulness. While Section 2 of the VRA remains intact – not to mention the 15th Amendment – five justices struck down Section 4, which was used to determine whether a state or local government had to get permission from the Justice Department before making changes to their voting laws. This ruling renders Section 5 – the administrative process that held local jurisdictions accountable for unfair changes to voting laws – moot. To call this ruling deeply disappointing is an understatement. This decision represents a serious setback for voting rights and will adversely affect millions of Americans. The Supreme Court’s

decision can only be described as an historic overreach in which the court ignored its own precedent, the findings of Congress, and disregarded evidence of ongoing discrimination at the polls. Voter disenfranchisement does not only occur in states with a history of discrimination. Most recently, we have seen an uptick in attempts to disenfranchise voters in other jurisdictions around the country. The 2012 elections saw the attempt to disenfranchise voters taken to a whole new level – with voter ID laws, cutting off early voting in certain areas, end to same-day registration and measures making it harder to register large groups of voters. It’s these kinds of secondgeneration forms of racial bias that the VRA and Section 4 address specifically. According to a report released last week by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Georgia violated voting rights 14 times in the last decade, making it one of the top five worst states on voting rights. The report also found 148 separate instances of voting discrimination since 2000. And in a partial measure of the Shelby

ruling’s impact, a recent Brennan Center report noted that voters in 15 states will face restrictions at the polls that didn’t exist in 2012. In February, the Georgia Legislature proposed reducing the number of days for early voting from 21 to six days. Georgia lawmakers also changed the date of city council elections in Augusta from November to July, a time when AfricanAmerican turnout is traditionally far lower – a tactic that goes back to Jim Crow days. A call for strong, swift action by Congress to draft a new formula is now front and center. I will continue to work with all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the Voting Rights Act Amendment, an updated version of Section 5, to ensure voters have every necessary protection. The Voting Rights Act is as necessary today as it was almost 50 years ago. Congress must act quickly to strengthen it. We have no other choice. U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson represents the 4th District that includes a large portion of DeKalb County. He is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, where drafting of new language for the Voting Rights Act will take place.

Story on graduation numbers strikes chord with readers Editor’s note: Twenty-four percent or 1,456 of DeKalb’s 2014 senior class of 5,954 left the School District without high school diplomas in May. Our June 21 front-page story that showed the number of graduates by school elicited a number of comments on our Web site and Facebook page. Here are some of them. Join the conversation at http://crossroadsnews.com/news/2014 /jun/20/1456-dekalbs-2014-class-failed-graduate and https://www.face book.com/crossroadsnews. This is a great read for the DeKalb residents. Unfortunately, many of them will not recognize the real issue at hand. Even if the Board of E du c a t i on i s re s t r u c t u re d , administrators are shuffled around, teachers changed, etc., Shina Gwenice the numbers will continue to increase. Why? There’s a disconnect between home and school. If our students are to be successful, then work is required outside of school hours. Many students come to school and do absolutely nothing. But parents expect the kids to come home with passing grades. Parents are going to have to be more present. They’re going to have to take on a more active approach. Pay attention!! If your child is bringing home A’s and B’s throughout the school year but does not meet standards or barely meets standards on the CRCT or simply fails the EOCTs and SLOs, then something is not right. They are not learning. True, standardized testing isn’t a true measurement of one’s knowledge, but it does provide

on what’s on the television, social media and the lives of celebrities pushed aside their desire to fill their boredom with something more interesting Dominique Roar and productive? It is not solely the “system” making it hard for blacks to graduate, it’s the priorities of the community and the lack of care amongst the adults in their lives. We no longer live in an age where our knowledge is limited to the confines of the nearest library up the street from our house or the s----- libraries in our schools. Knowledge is everywhere and most of it is accessible. Black children just need to learn how to absorb it. The “system” does exist but it only holds you back if you let it. – Dominique Roar

us with some proof of what our children are learning. Don’t just look to see if they met standards. See what areas they fell short in so you can assist them at home or find tutorial services. Students in grades 1-8 move along with no problem because there really isn’t a true retention policy in the DeKalb County School District. They get caught up in high school because if they don’t earn the credits, they don’t move along. Repairing DCSD is a group effort. Everyone needs to do their part. Stop pointing fingers and let’s just get the job done. Our children are our future Education is the key How do you instill in a child and we need to make sure they are that education is important? prepared to do the job. How do you instill in parents – Shina Gwenice that an education is indicative of success in this country and in the A compilation of factors I’m so tired of people saying that world? How do you teach a person that the “system” is making it hard for black children to graduate … I went in order for them to be competitive to this high school and I graduated on the world stage, that they have in the top 10 percent and I’m black. to have the tools necessary to be The fact that these young adults are competitive, and that an education not graduating is a compilation of is the primary tool? The “system” does play a role in factors. Such as, is education and positive curiosity reinforced in the problem but if they can work their home, is it reinforced amongst the system, it will work for them. African-Americans have many their friends and associates. Has the things that will deter us from finishsocial pressure of being up-to-date

ing (institutionalized racism, prison pipeline education system, poverty, economic constraints). In the end, teaching a child that education Joshua Pressley is the most important thing for them to garner is the best decision that you can make. We must mold our sons (who are noticeably absent from college) and daughters that education is the key. If we don’t, then we will be having this very conversation for generations to come. – Joshua Cartie Pressley

Provide complete education What I really do not understand is how this DeKalb County education system got to this point so it is a surprise to the community. If it is the graduation test, then we need to do a better job ensuring that we Shelli Godfrey have provided the education required to pass any test like that. Teaching to the test should never be the curriculum, but providing a complete education and encouraging youth to see this as their future and the way they accomplish their goals is what we as a community need to do. How, I have no clue. – Shelli Godfrey

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Metro Insurance Agency................................ 11 Norman Davis............................................... 11 Norsouth Development Co. of GA................ 10 Savannah State University............................... 2 The Law Office of B.A. Thomas..................... 11 Vanessa Morgan, Author................................ 8

Wright Vision Care.......................................... 8 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Holistic Health Management Inc.............Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts

June 28, 2014

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“It’s in keeping with his historic commitment to civil rights and to helping DeKalb attorneys of diverse backgrounds.”

Seeliger donates $30,000 to three nonprofit lawyer groups By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Three local nonprofits serving legal professionals have received $30,000 in donations from DeKalb Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger. The DeKalb Lawyers Association, the DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and Atlanta Legal Aid each received checks for $10,000 from Seeliger, a longtime DeKalb judge. Seeliger, 73, who has been on the DeKalb bench for 34 years, said he is not a rich man but that the groups are most deserving. “They have great lawyers who are conscientious about their work,” he said on June 24. Seeliger, who was first elected to the DeKalb State Court bench in 1980 and to the Superior Court bench in 1985, said he doesn’t make that much. “But I have been practicing law for a long time,” he said. He had been saving to buy a new car but instead decided to donate the funds. Seeliger has a 2002 Honda Accord with 124,000 miles. He had considered getting another Honda Accord but found all the new technology in cars too much. “My present car has push buttons,” he joked. “I can handle that.” The DeKalb Lawyers Association said it received a letter and a check in the mail. Mereda Davis Johnson, a founding member of the African-American lawyers group, said it will fund a Clarence Seeliger Scholarship for law students. “It’s going to allow a lot of students to get financial assistance they wouldn’t normally get,” she said. Mawuli Davis, the DeKalb Lawyers Association’s president, said members are very

Judge Clarence Seeliger, shown in March 2013 photograph, donated $10,000 each to the DeKalb Lawyers Association, the DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, and Atlanta Legal Aid.

excited about the donation, the single largest gift in the group’s 30-year history. “We are thankful that Judge Seeliger is investing in law students in this way,” Davis said. “It’s in keeping with his historic commitment to civil rights and to helping DeKalb attorneys of diverse backgrounds.” Denise VanLanduyt, a board member of the Mawuli Davis DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, said she got a call that Seeliger needed to see her. When she showed up, he handed her the check. “It was unexpected, but I wasn’t surprised,” she said. “Judge Seeliger is just that generous with his time and service to the county, so when he donated the money it wasn’t that surprising.”

Seeliger is a past board member of the foundation that allows lawyers to give back to their community. Its roster of 300 attorneys provides free legal services for low-income residents in civil cases. VanLanduyt said she had discussions with Seeliger about the need to make the foundation more visible and accessible to the community. The foundation, whose Web site is dekalbprobono.org, survives on grants and donations. She said the $10,000 donation, among the single largest gifts to the group, made in the spring, went into operation funds. The foundation operates an office in downtown Decatur, where clients can apply for service. It is staffed by a full-time director and two staff members. Atlanta Legal Aid, which also provides pro bono service to indigent residents, did not return a telephone call by press time

Thursday. Seeliger is in the middle of his eighth term. Over his long and illustrious career, he removed the Confederate Battle Flag from his courtroom, diversified the DeKalb courts, and presided over the case that led to the creation of Freedom Parkway. In 1980, he defeated State Court Judge J. Oscar Mitchell, who gained infamy for sentencing the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to four months of hard labor in Reidsville State Prison for violating probation for a $25 traffic ticket. When Seeliger defeated Mitchell, he became the first and remains the only challenger ever to defeat a sitting judge in DeKalb County. Seeliger, who was three years out of law school at the time, said he decided to challenge the entrenched 30-year incumbent after Mitchell hurled racial epithets at one of his clients, a 21-year-old woman who was the first person charged with welfare fraud in Georgia. He unseated Mitchell without the backing of the county’s Democrats or even the DeKalb Bar Association. Once in office, Seeliger set about diversifying the courtroom. He hired Nes Thomas as his bailiff, making him the first AfricanAmerican to work for DeKalb state courts. Is he thinking about retiring? Far from it. Seeliger said that he may run for another term of office when this term ends in 2016. “It changes from day to day,” he said Tuesday. “Today, I think that I will run. As long as I am healthy, I will stay. I really like the job. If I lose my edge, I will retire.” Seeliger said he feels good about giving away the money. “These are good organizations,” he said. “I want them to succeed.”

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you You’re never alone when you’re on MARTA. Every station is under our watchful eye. We could use your eyes, too. If you see something that’s not right, call us. We’ll take it from there.

Use MARTA’s See & Say App. If you

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CrossRoadsNews

Community

June 28, 2014

“They will have a truck. They look suspicious. If you see a truck that doesn’t belong, call 911.”

Copper thieves create ‘domino effect throughout county’ THEFTS,

from page

Camp that the church hosted on its campus on June 20. The replacement price tag is $80,000. The Rev. Richard Barclay, pastor of the church that is celebrating its 68th anniversary on June 29, said thieves won’t deter them from their mission to serve the community. “They don’t realize the impact and consequences of getting a few hundred dollars and costing damages of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he said. The church has security that patrols its grounds overnight, but Barclay said the officer was not at work the night the units were hit. “It tells us that they were watching and knew he wasn’t there,” he said. Barclay said it’s distasteful when anybody is robbed and especially so when it’s a church that is dedicated to the work of God. “It impacts our budget and the work we do in the community and overseas,” he said, “and the inconvenience they cause for the little money they get doesn’t make sense.” The crime was caught on the church’s security cameras and Barclay said the tape has been turned over to police. Now the church is grappling with how to secure its campus without sending the wrong message. “We are putting up gates and fences,” he said, “but that’s not what we want to portray. We don’t want to give the impression of a prison with fences. We want to remain open and inviting to the community.” Copper thieves also damaged five air conditioning units at Antioch AME Church. Karikaran said the string of copper thefts at county-owned properties is unusual, but he doesn’t think the thieves are targeting county properties. He says they have hit those

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

buildings because they have large HVAC units with more copper. He said the county is very concerned about the thefts and is looking into various safety measures. “We are very upset about the libraries being closed,” he said. “We want to keep the libraries open and the county is doing everything possible to deter this crime.” During the May 21 theft at the Wesley Chapel Library, thieves pushed the security camera that covered the HVAC units into the wall. When they returned on June 19, they ripped the camera from the wall. Mears said the thieves work late at night and residents can help by being on the lookout for suspicious activities. “They have tools for cutting metal and stripping copper,” he said. “They will have a truck. They look suspicious. If you see a truck that doesn’t belong, call 911.” On May 28, police arrested 62-year-old Lamont Carlos, who was caught stealing copper from Cedar Grove High in Ellenwood at 1:30 a.m. A Lamont Carlos

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FREE Customer Service Class Thursday, July 17, 2014 Customer Service is serious business. It is the single most important factor in providing an exceptional visit for our guests to DeKalb. Discover DeKalb offers free classes to focus on what matters most – Customer Service. All classes are from 9 a.m. to Noon 1957 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 510, Tucker, GA 30084

Thieves stripped black tape (left) disguising the new copper tubing on the Wesley Chapel Library HVAC units. Below, the air conditioning units at the Community Achievement Center were vandalized.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Large facilities targeted In the past two months, copper thieves have raided HVAC units at 10 large facilities, crippling the operations of libraries, a recreation center and churches. Wesley Chapel and Redan Libraries were hit twice. Date May 8

Location Hillcrest Church of Christ on Snapfinger Road in Decatur May 12 Antioch AME Church on South Hairston Road in Stone Mountain May 21 Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur May 28 Cedar Grove High School on River Road in Ellenwood May 30 Redan-Trotti Library in Stone Mountain June 2 Redan Recreation Center in Stone Mountain June 6 Bold Beginnings International Ministries on Bouldercrest Road in Atlanta June 6 Community Achievement Center on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur June 8 Green Pastures Christian Church on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur June 8 Flat Shoals Library on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur June 19 Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur May 30 Redan-Trotti Library in Stone Mountain Source: DeKalb Police reports

school resource officer patrolling the building caught Carlos in the act. “The facility was damaged when we got there,” Mears said. “We found him hiding in the bushes.” Carlos was captured by K-9 Rocky, who tracked him into the woods near the school’s baseball field. When Carlos did not respond to orders

to come out of the woods, “Rocky pursued the suspect and got a bite on the right hip and buttocks area of the suspect,” the police report said.

Big buildings ‘more lucrative’ Mears said the theft and sale of scrap metal is a big problem across the state. “It used to be that they would hit subdivisions under construction,” he said. “They would go into the buildings and take all the copper wirings. Now they have moved to commercial buildings that have bigger air conditioning units because there is more copper in them. That’s more lucrative than going to a home.” Nationally, copper theft is a $1 billion-ayear business. The National Insurance Crime Bureau says that between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2012, theft of metal, particularly copper, rose 36 percent. Its May 2013 Metal Thefts Report showed that Georgia had 1,953 reported insurance claims for metal thefts, including copper, and ranked third on the list of states with the most thefts. The state was beat only by Texas and Ohio, which had 2,624 and 3,228 claims, respectively. Copper is valuable because it is used in everything – from plumbing to fiber optics to anything electrical. At about $3 a pound, the profits are tempting. In the two years covered by the nonprofit’s report, 33,775 insurance claims for the theft of copper, bronze, brass or aluminum were processed, and 32,568, or 96 percent, were for copper. In DeKalb, Mears says metal thefts may be recorded on police reports as criminal trespassing, theft by taking and burglary, making it difficult to track the full extent of the crime across the county. Even though they don’t have good numbers on the incidence of metal thefts, Mears said copper theft is very serious and very costly to the community. “It’s right up there with all the top crimes,” he said, “and it creates a domino effect throughout the county.” The NICB said that many thefts of copper and other metals don’t generate insurance claims or even a police report. Ultimately, it says that metal thefts impact all consumers. “Losses to businesses and government entities are shared with customers and taxpayers through higher costs for goods and services and/or reductions in services,” it said. Mears said a lot of scrap metal theft locally is generated by drug users. He said DeKalb Police work with the Metal Task Force established by the state to help fight the problem. Georgia now requires metal recyclers to record the driver’s license numbers of people selling them scrap metal and to pay with checks. “The new regulations with the IDs and no cash payments have helped,” he said. “It has forced some to go across state lines to sell the metal they steal.” Mears said DeKalb Police are swapping information with other law enforcement agencies and that they make frequent checks on metal recyclers located in the Lithonia industrial parks and along Moreland Avenue. Police also have stepped up patrols, but Mears said that residents, churches and business owners can protect their HVAC units by purchasing specially designed HVAC cages that prevent thieves from getting to them.

Early voting for runoffs begins June 30 Early voting begins June 30 for the July 22 runoff elections for the DeKalb School Board and Sheriff, and for State School Superintendent and U.S. Senate. Voters can cast ballots 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through July 18 at the DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. There will be no satellite voting locations and no Saturday voting for this election. The polls will close on July 4 in observance of

Independence Day. Sample ballots are available at www. dekalbvotes.com under “Current Election Information.” The office is also accepting absentee ballots. Application forms are also available on line. Visit My Voter Page at www.sos.state. ga.us to see your sample ballot and find your polling precinct for July 22. For more information, call 404-298-4020 or visit www.dekalbvotes.com.

CrossRoadsNews

June 28, 2014

Wellness

“Walking is such an integral part of maintaining good health. These projects will be wonderful assets to our community.”

Guard against mosquito bites to avoid the West Nile virus Warm weather and standing water are the perfect recipe for breeding mosquitoes. The pesky little insects not only bite, they also carry disease, including the West Nile virus, and they can spread the disease to humans. The DeKalb Board of Health says the easiest and best way to avoid the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Adults are at the highest risk, and people ages 50 and older have the highest risk of becoming seriously ill when they get infected. To protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, the Board of Health advises: n Apply insect repellent. DEET (N, Ndiethyl-meta-toluamide), picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective repellents recommended by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. n Apply permethrin to clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear but not to skin. With any repellent, follow manufacturer’s

Eliminate standing water outside your home. Warm weather and stagnant water are ideal conditions for breeding mosquitoes.

properly. n Remove trash, even small items like bottle caps. n Install or repair window screens. Mosquitoes need water. They need stagnant, shaded water as breeding sites for their eggs to develop into adult mosquitoes. Eliminating standing water is an important part of mosquito control. The Board of Health is taking reports on dead bird sightings in DeKalb County. Report any birds that do not have an obvious cause of death, such as injuries from power lines, collisions with cars or gunshots. The addresses of all dead birds are mapped and used to analyze the potential of West Nile virus activity. The board’s West Nile Virus Control instructions. Program monitors for the presence of West Mosquito-proof your home n When possible, wear long sleeves, long n Drain or eliminate standing water, includ- Nile virus and other arthropod-borne viruses pants and socks. ing items such as plant dishes, birdbaths, (Arbovirus) and works to minimize the pon Use extra care during peak biting hours, kiddie pools, toys and buckets. tential for virus transmission to humans. For which are from dusk to dawn. n Make sure roof gutters are clean and drain more information, visit dekalbhealth.net.

Grants provide legal aid to victims Atlanta Legal Aid Society and eight other nonprofits have been awarded $2,071,474 in grants to provide civil legal services for victims of domestic violence. The grants, awarded June 13 by the Domestic Violence Committee of the Judicial Council of Georgia, will help about 5,200 low-income Georgia victims who are in need of a variety of legal services, like protective orders from the courts to help protect their safety. The Atlanta Legal Aid Society received $564,909. The other recipients are the Georgia Legal Services Program, $1,393,065; the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center Inc., $25,000; the Wayne County Protective

Agency/Fair Haven, $7,500; Gateway House, $9,000; Georgia Law Center for the Homeless, $25,000; Northeast Georgia Shelter Collaborative, $35,000; Peace Place, $3,000; and Southwestern Judicial Circuit, $9,000. Chief Justice Hugh Thompson of the Georgia Supreme Court said the funds will make a positive difference in the lives of many victims and their children throughout Georgia. “There are few legal resources and a disproportionate number of domestic violence deaths in certain rural areas of our state,” he said. “I am pleased that some of the grant funds were earmarked to specifically address this need.”

Two ‘DeKalb Walks’ projects OK’d Two “DeKalb Walks For the Health of It” initiatives have been approved by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Larry Johnson, who created the initiatives, says the South River Trail Phase 1B and the Constitution Lakes Nature Trail Improvements were approved on June 10. “Walking is such an integral part of maintaining good health,” he said. “These projects will be wonderful assets to our community by providing our residents with two additional avenues for staying fit.”

South River Trail Phase 1B includes the installation of a 12-foot-wide concrete trail from Gresham Park to Georgia Perimeter College. The second project, the Constitution Lakes Nature Preserve Trail Improvements, consists of the construction an 8-foot-wide Boardwalk Trail to connect the existing trail system within Constitution Lakes Nature Preserve Improvements. Johnson supports first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” He pushed for walking as the official exercise of DeKalb, the state’s only locality with such a designation.

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CrossRoadsNews

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Vanessa Morgan Presents

Finding My Happiness

June 28, 2014

Scene

Parades, fireworks, laser sh By Erica Relaford

Across DeKalb and metro Atlanta, holiday revelers will dress in red, white and blue, heat up the grill and raise the American flag on July Fourth in celebration of the country’s 238th birthday. The Independence Day celebrations commemorate the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. Locally, it kicks off on July 3 at Stone Mountain Park with the 46th annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration. The three-day event, which ends on July 5, begins at 10:30 a.m. daily with attractions like SkyHike, the Geyster Towers’ multi-level rope bridges and net tunnels, and at night the park’s Lasershow Spectacular gets even more patriotic. The 45-minute show, which has been seen by more than 25 million in its 27-year history, features lighting that envelops the 825-foot mountainside. This year the music playlist includes “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel, “Home” by Phillip Phillips and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” In honor of Independence Day, the patriotic fireworks finale will follow the laser show all three nights. USA Today critics call it “America’s Most Spectacular” Fourth of July fireworks. Marcus Kirkpatrick, a park employee, said the fireworks will pay homage to the country’s independence. “The only colors that will be popped are red, white and blue,” he said. “It will last for about 15 minutes.” The event is free to attend with a $10

parking fee. Stone Mountain Park is at 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. For more information, call 770498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark. com.

Pied Piper Parade The annual Pied Piper Parade, musical concert and fireworks will bathe the streets of downtown Decatur in patriotic garb on July Fourth. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Decatur commissioners will lead

July 25 & 26

Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center 3181 Rainbow Drive • Decatur, GA 30034

A Play in Two Acts

Act I - Mothers and daughters confront and deal with promiscuity, homosexuality, and drug addiction. Act II - A young man recently released from jail is given an opportunity to change his life. You would think his choice would be easy, but he struggles within himself. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster ride as these actors deal with real life situations in the search to find their happiness. In the end love conquers all. Come out and spend the evening with us and happiness will find you!

Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets available at www.vanessalmorgan.com

Terry McMillan’s “Who Asked You?” looks at the burdens and blessings of family. The best-selling novelist will talk about the book at the Decatur Library on July 7.

McMillan to discuss latest novel Best-selling author Terry McMillan, whose thought-provoking books have touched millions of readers, will discuss “Who Asked You?” on July 7 at the Decatur Library. The talk, part of the July Festival of Writers, takes place from 7:15 to 9 p.m. “Who Asked You?” is an intimate look at the burdens and blessings of family and speaks to trusting your own judgment even when others don’t agree. McMillan gives exuberant voice to char-

acters who reveal how people live now in a racially diverse Los Angeles neighborhood. Her novels “Waiting to Exhale,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” and “Disappearing Acts” have been made into movies. Other works include “Getting to Happy,” “The Interruption of Everything,” “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” and “Mama.” The Decatur Library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org or call 404-370-3070.

Dino– ROARS!

See them move! Hear them roar! Atlantic Station – 265 18th Street Level 2 Escalator 5 Atlanta, GA Tel: 404–496-4274 dinosaursatlanta.com

Stomping into Atlantic Station

First time EVER in the US!

June 28, 2014

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

“The only colors that will be popped are red, white and blue. It will last for about 15 minutes.”

how abound for area Independence Day celebrations

Revelers decked out in red, white and blue will participate in the family-friendly Pied Piper Parade in downtown Decatur on July Fourth.

tators along the 10-kilometer course from Peachtree Road at Lenox Square to Piedmont Park in Atlanta. A wheelchair race begins at 6:45 a.m. The men’s professional division and the footrace begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information, in a mini fire truck. It terminates at the Community Band- visit www.peachtreeroadrace.org. stand on the Decatur Square, 101 E. Court Square, where a presentation of colors and Centennial Olympic Park Drummer Jorel “JFly” Flynn and song“The Star-Spangled Banner” will be perstress Chandra Currelley will entertain formed. The concert, featuring the Callanwolde thousands of people at the Fourth of July Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. The fireworks Celebration in Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. show starts at 9 p.m. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a free For more information, email katie.Abel@ music concert. decaturga.com or call 404-371-8386. Visitors can sit back, relax and enjoy the night with family-friendly entertainment folPeachtree Road Race More than 60,000 runners and walkers lowed by an impressive fireworks show that ages 10 and older will take part in the 45th will light up the Atlanta skyline at 9:40 p.m. Flynn has recorded with artist Bobby Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Brown, and Currelley’s credits include Race on July Fourth. They will be cheered on by 150,000 spec- Tyler Perry’s movie “Diary of a Mad Black

Woman” and stage play “Madea’s Big Happy Family.” Centennial Olympic Park is at 265 Park Ave. West N.W. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-223-4412 or visit www.centennialpark.com.

Largest fireworks display Atlanta’s mother of all fireworks will fill the sky at Lenox Square’s 55th annual Fourth of July Celebration in Buckhead. It kicks off at 6 p.m. More than 200,000 people are expected to attend and be entertained by the winner of Lenox Square’s talent search “Atlanta’s New Star” and the bands Departure and Party on the Moon. A 20-minute fireworks display starts at 9:40 p.m., accompanied by a patriotic musical soundtrack. The mall is at 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404233-6767.

First Afrikan hosts concert Joshua Wilson and the Calvary Baptist Church Choir will be among performers at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church’s Summer Musical Concert on June 29. The concert kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at the Lithonia church. Elder Sam Bennett says there will be six to eight musical performers including soloists, church choirs and groups from all across the city. The event is free and open to the public. The church is at 5197 Salem Road. For more information, visit http:// firstafrikanchurch.org or call 770-9812601.

393 police officers

you You may not see us, but we’re nearby. Maybe just a few seats away. To make sure you have a pleasant, uneventful ride. We could use your eyes, too. If you see something that’s not right, call us. We’ll take it from there.

Use MARTA’s See & Say App. If you

See Say

something

Chief Wanda Dunham

Txt MPD: (404) 334-5355 or Call (404) 848-4911 if you see something out of the ordinary.

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

June 28, 2014

“The addition of the immigration practice continues JHC’s dedication to listening to our clients and being responsive to their needs.”

Decatur firm adds Law Enforcement Recruiting Day at GPTC immigration law The Decatur–based law firm Johnson, Hopewell, Coleman LLC has added immigration law as a new practice area. The full-service firm now assists both businesses and individuals with issues involving Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA; work and family visas; permanent residence; deportation; and U.S. citizenship. Mereda Davis Johnson, one of the firm’s law partners, says she will work closely with a JHC associate, attorney Shannon Weaver, Mereda Johnson in the new practice area. “The addition of the immigration practice continues JHC’s dedication to listening to our clients and being responsive to their needs,” Johnson said in a June 20 statement. The firm’s other partners, Genet Hopewell and Gregory Coleman, handle personal injury, workers compensation, bankruptcy, family law, business and corporations, criminal law, civil litigation, and wills and estates. Johnson, Hopewell, Coleman LLC is located in Suite 322, Building C, in the Trinity Office Building, 4153 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, visit www.jhclawyers.com or call 404-289-2244.

Harry McCann Jr.

Job seekers interested in police work can attend a Law Enforcement Recruiting Day and Job/Career Fair on June 30 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Newton D Campus in Covington. The fair runs from 9 a.m. until noon in the Exhibit Hall. Representatives from agencies in Greater Atlanta will participate.

Maj. Harry C. McCann Jr., director of Georgia Piedmont’s Law Enforcement Academy, said the agencies will be looking for great applicants. “If you are interested in working in one of the most fulfilling careers you could imagine – then this is the place to start,” McCann said. Georgia Piedmont’s Newton D Campus is at 8100 Bob Williams Parkway. For more information, visit http://www.gptc.edu/LEA.

‘Bridging the Gap’ forum to aid ex-offenders Ex-offenders seeking jobs and more education won’t want to miss DeKalb Workforce Development’s “Bridging the Gap and Breaking Barriers” forum on July 9. The noon-to-5 p.m. forum will equip ex-offenders with the knowledge and resources to assist them in breaking barriers to employment, education and economic development. Work readiness workshops will provide the knowledge and strategy necessary for a successful job search. There will be an employer panel discussion on the hiring process between the business community and exoffenders. Other topics include expungement assistance,

transition and re-entry resources, employment evolution workshops, community agencies and resources, building a remarkable resume, bridging the gap through branding, and interviewing techniques. The event is free to attend, but seating is limited and registration is required. To register, visit http://conta.cc/1kHq2is. For employers and community agencies, visit http:// conta.cc/1yaizCx. DeKalb Workforce Development is at 774 Jordan Lane, Building 4, in Decatur. For more information, call 404-687-3400.

Petitioner, Pro se 1491 Kilmuir Way Stone Mountain, Ga 30083 (404) 246-9761 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19

Legal Notices 6/7,6/14, 6/21, 6/28

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Minor Child in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5628-7++ Melissa Hamilton filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 29, 2014 to change the name of the following minor child from: Che’lynn Malea Cunningham to Che’lynn Malea Hamilton. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: May 29, 2014 Melissa Hamilton 5009 Galleon Xing Decatur, GA 30035 (310)462-4627 6/14,6/21, 6/28, 7/5

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5631-7++ Princetta Sumner filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on May 30, 2014, to change the name from: Princetta Edward to Princetta Sumner. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after he Petition was filed. Dated: May 30, 2014 Princetta Sumner Petitioner, Pro se 2670 Kelley Chapel Rd Decatur, Ga 30034 (404) 444-6120 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV3591-3++ Hopic S. Long

Plaintiff Vs. Kelia D. Willis Defendant By Order of the Court for service by publication dated May 30, 2014 you are hereby notified that on April 1, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Legitimization. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Hopic S. Long, 3766 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of May 30, 2014. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 2nd day of June, 2014 6/14. 6/21, 6/28, 7/5

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5697-4++ Benita Wynn Plaintiff

Vs. Nicolas Ngom Defendant 3641 Berry Parkway, Apt 12-B Kennesaw, GA 30249 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 4, 2014 you are hereby notified that on _____2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Benita Wynn, 2051 Flat Shoals Rd SE, Apt O-10, Atlanta, GA. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 4, 2014 Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 2nd day of June, 2014 ,6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12

Notice of Petition to Change Name of Adult in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5631-7++

Notice OF PUBLICATION Yasima Smith filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on June 17, 2014, to change the name from: Yasima Smith to Yasima Anderson. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after he Petition was filed. Dated: June 17, 2014 Yasima Smith

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++ 14CV5518-3++ Quianna Baynes-Vann Plaintiff Vs. Tyrence Vann Defendant

4415 Memorial Dr. Decatur, GA 30032 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated June 18, 2014 you are hereby notified that on June 6, 2014 the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is2447 McAlpine Terrace Unit A, East Point, GA 30344. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of June 18, 2014 Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 19th day of June, 2014

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

Sex Offender

Montie Bledsoe 1756 Wee Kirk Road Atlanta, GA 30316 Charge of Aggravated Sexual Battery Convicted on 5/21/1997

Sex Offender

Stanley Craig 2571 Candler Road, M 1 Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Criminal Sexual Abuse/Force Convicted on 12/17/2002

Sex Offender

Napoleon Glenn 683 Shore Overlook Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of 3rd Degree Sodomy Convicted on 6/23/1999

Sex Offender

Terry Sims 2430 Newgate Drive Decatur, GA 30035 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 2/27/2011

PUBLIC NOTICE NorSouth Development, in cooperation with the Housing Development Corp. of DeKalb, is currently accepting statements of qualification for the following professional services to be provided for the Tobie Grant Manor Demolition, Mills Creek Crossing, Reserve at Mills Creek, and Master Infrastructure projects to be located in Scottdale, DeKalb County. • Construction and Materials Testing Contracts are expected to be awarded within the next 30-90 days. NorSouth is committed to subcontracting with MBE, WBE and Section 3 businesses. This project is covered under the requirements of Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968. Businesses operated by Section 3 residents and businesses from the DeKalb County area are encouraged to apply. To find out if you are a Section 3 resident or business please visit: http://tinyurl.com/nbsunev. Section 3 qualifying businesses and MBE/WBE will be given a bid scoring preference per federal, state and local requirements. To apply please complete a Bidders Statement of Qualifications form at www.norsouthdevelopment.com. Please reference in your email the project you are applying for. Questions may be directed to vendors@norsouth.com.

When You Miss CrossRoadsNews, You Miss News You Can Use! Call 404-284-1888 for Subscription Rates & Information

Sex Offender

Larry Bodison 3352 Creekway Drive Atlanta, GA 30034 Charge of Sexual Battery Injury not Likely Convicted on 1/28/1998

Sex Offender

Curtis Evans 3650 Tulip Drive Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Aggravated Assault with Intent to Rape Convicted on 10/30/2009

Sex Offender

Alexander Hebert 4815 Buford Hwy, Apt 343 Chamblee, GA 30341 Charge of Promoting Prostitution Convicted on 6/8/2009

Sex Offender

Almetrius Brown 2019 Panola Road Lithonia, GA 30058 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 3/24/2003

Sex Offender

Robert Fagan 1615 Melanie Court Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Lewd or Lascivious Acts with Child Under 14 years Convicted on 3/28/1997

Darryl Young 509 Village Square Court Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Charge of Sexual Misconduct 2nd Degree Convicted on 4/18/1997

Sex Offender

Elden Lamb 3317 Panola Road Lithonia, GA 30038 Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 2/11/2004

CrossRoadsNews

June 28, 2014

Your Source for Neighborhood News Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information

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MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@ crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

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June 28, 2014