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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 38
JANUARY 3, 2020
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12 couples get hitched at mass wedding on New Year’s Day
T
welve couples were married in a mass wedding on New Year’s Day at Rockdale County’s Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten’s chambers. Judge Aten performed the
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
nuptials for the couples, whom she said came from as far as Cobb County, and then hosted a reception with a wedding cake. The ceremony and celebration were provided at no charge to the couples who registered in advance.
Aten said she was delighted to perform the ceremony and thanked staff members who volunteered to assist her with the celebration. “They(the couples) decided that they wanted today, New Year’s Day, to be their wedding
anniversary,” Judge Aten said. “I’m so happy that I was able to make that happen. I normally do weddings of this sort on Valentine’s Day. However, I started thinking that we are not only entering a new year, but a new decade.”
DeKalb County sheriff’s race heats up, qualifying begins Jan. 6
W
ith qualifying for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s special election set Jan. 6-8, the race is already heating up. The special election, scheduled March 24, is expected to draw several contestants running against Melody Maddox, who was just sworn in as sheriff on Dec. 16, 2019. Maddox moved up as sheriff from the No. 2 position as deputy chief, an appointment made by former Sheriff Jeffrey Mann as he prepared for his exit,
announcing his retirement with more than a year left to serve. The moves set the wheels in motion for the upcoming special election, which must be held because there are more than 6 months remaining on Mann’s term. Maddox said she is ready to run. If she is successful in winning the March 24 special election to complete the rest of Mann’s term through December 2020, she will then have to run in the May 19 primary to earn a full four-year term as
“My focus has not been on who else is running or how many times I must run. I’m focused on what I must continue to do for this community.” - Sheriff Melody Maddox
DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox
SEE SHERIFF page 7
Rockdale Democratic Party gears up for 2020 elections The Rockdale Democratic Party is getting organized to get the vote out in preparation for the 2020 Presidential and local elections. Qualifying for local races will be held March 2-6. The Presidential Preference Primary will be held on March 24. The general primary and nonpartisan local elections will be held on May 19. Several seats in Rockdale County will be up for grabs. Offices include Board of Commissioners Chairman (Oz Nesbitt); Post I Commissioner (Sherri L. Washington); Clerk of Superior Court (Ruth Wilson); Sheriff (Eric Levett); Tax Commissioner (Tisa Washington); Coroner (George Levett); Chief Magistrate (Phinia Aten) and Probate Judge (Clarence Cuthpert). All incumbents are seeking re-election, Party Secretary Cheryl Board said. Non-partisan offices for election include Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeals judges; Superior Court Judge (to succeed Robert F. Mumford); State Court Judge (to succeed Nancy Bills) and Rockdale County School Board Posts 1 through 5. “It’s going to be a busy election season. We’ve got a lot of activities planned to educate
residents and get out the vote,” said Board. Scheduled activities for the party include phone banking, canvassing and providing voter education to ensure people know where early voting sites will be. The Party also will be organizing rides to the polls. Other activities include a quarterly breakfast with state officials, a Mardi Gras gala and a bowling tournament featuring the candidates running for office. The party’s “Politics After Dark” monthly meeting series will continue on the second Monday. The party’s new campus location will be announced at the upcoming Politics After Dark forum on Monday, Jan. 13, where the party’s new headquarters will be announced. Richard
Winfield, who is running for Senate in Georgia’s 10 District, will keynote. The party will have its first general meeting of 2020 on Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. During the meeting, elections will be held for Post 2 Precinct captains, At-Large Precinct captains and open board seats including 2nd Vice Chair and Secretary. Post 2 precinct captains, or post holders, are those who are registered democrats and live in one of the 17 precincts. They must be willing to represent their precinct and keep their precinct informed of all democratic processes and events. Seats for at-large precinct captains will be reviewed for reappointment by the Board. Open board seats include vacancies for 2nd Vice Chair and Secretary. Eligible candidates must have served as Precinct Captain for at least 30 days prior to the election. Secretary duties include taking the minutes of the meetings, sending notices and keeping documentation current. The 2nd vice chair position is responsible for membership and recruitment and assists the board in decision making processes. Must be post
SEE ELECTION page 7
PAGE 2 • JANUARY 3, 2020
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DeKalb police seek suspect in Stone Mountain shooting incident The DeKalb County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Christopher Simmons, 27, of Lithonia, who is wanted for aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, and first-degree criminal damage to property. Simmons is accused of shooting up a Stone Mountain house on Dec. 19, endangering a sleeping 2-year-old boy and two adults. According to the police report, Simmons, a family friend, Simmons went to the home at 550 Cross Creek Point, Stone Mountain, around 1 a.m. He reportedly rang the doorbell several times and when no one answered, he went to the side of the house and began firing a gun multiple times, police said. Gail Tomlinson said she looked out of her bedroom window and saw Simmons walking away from the front door after ringing the door bell several times. She said he walked toward the side of her home. Moments later, she heard gunshots and ran to check on family members of her home. Tomlinson told police that she called Simmons and asked him if was the one who shot her home and he replied: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I was just trying to get someone’s attention.” Police who responded to the call found bullet holes in a headboard of the bed where Tomlinson’s toddler grandson had been sleeping and several holes that traveled through the roof. Tomlinson’s son, 25-year-old Nickolai Tomlinson, was sleeping in the same room with the toddler. Neither was hit. The family said they do not know the motive for the shooting. Anyone with information about Simmons’ whereabouts is asked to contact the DeKalb County Police Department.
Armed robbery bandits hit Rockdale Starship, Quick Stop same night The Rockdale County Sheriff’s investigators are looking into two robberies they believe were committed by the same suspect(s) in less than two hours apart. The first robbery occurred on Dec. 22,11:08 p.m., at Starship Enterprises adult novelty store, 1682 GA Highway 138 N.E. A female employee was shot
SEE BANDITS page 6
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JANUARY 3, 2020 • PAGE 3
GLCC to present “Tale of Two Cities:”
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, Lithonia Mayor Shameka S. Reynolds The Greater city of Stonecrest in Lithonia Chamber of November 2017. Today, Commerce invites Stonecrest remains the businesses to its first largest municipality luncheon of the New in DeKalb County, Year. Stonecrest Mayor boasting 54,000 Jason Lary and Lithonia residents. Before Mayor Shameka Lary became mayor, Reynolds will serve as he was manager of keynote speakers in a the City of Lithonia’s Mayor-elect Mayor Jason Lary Shameka S. Reynolds presentation entitled amphitheater, where he “Tale of Two Cities.” created, under Jason The meeting will be held on challengers Charles Hill, Lary Presents, a popular Wednesday, Jan. 15, 11:30 II and Diane Adoma threeoutdoor jazz and R&B a.m., at This Is It restaurant, way race. Lary, who is summer concert series. 2853 Panola Road, considered the father of Reynolds, who served Stonecrest. Stonecrest, having spent eight years on the Lithonia Both Lary and Reynolds four years pushing for its City Council, defeated won elections in November. incorporation, was part of Cindy Thomas in a hotlyLary was re-elected as Stonecrest’s inaugural City contested race where mayor of Stonecrest for a Council. Citizens approved address fraud was alleged second term, after defeating a referendum creating the against her opponent.
Lithonia, which is one-mile square, is one of DeKalb’s smallest cities with about 2,000 residents. Lary and Reynolds will discuss their visions for their neighboring cities, along with updates on their communities. Reservations are encouraged. In addition to providing keynote speakers, the meeting offers members and guests an opportunity to network. Chamber members are free with advance registration or $20 at the door. Non-members are $25. To register, go to www. greaterlithoniachamber.com.
No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com
Congressman Hank Johnson
State Sen. Emmanuel Jones
State Sen. Tonya P. Anderson
State Rep. Billy Mitchell
State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick
DeKalb Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson
DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson
DCE to host community breakfast meeting Jan. 11 The DeKalb Cultural Exchange (DCE) community breakfast will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m., at the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church/ House of Hope, 4650 Flat Shoals Pkwy., Decatur. Hosts Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and his wife, DeKalb County School Board member Vickie B. Turner,
Lithonia mayor, City Council members to be sworn in Jan. 6 Lithonia Mayor-elect Shameka S. Reynolds and city council members-elect Darold P. Honore’ and Vanneriah Wynn will be sworn into office on Monday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m., at Lithonia Middle School, 2451 Randall Ave., Lithonia.Chief Judge Tunde Akinyele will administer the oaths of office. The community is invited.
Mayor-elect Shameka S. Reynolds
City of Conyers historic swearing-in ceremony set for first black councilwomen On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the City of Conyers will make history as the first two black women elected to the Conyers City Council in the city’s 165year history are sworn in. Valyncia Smith, who was elected to the District 4 seat, and Connie Alsobrook, who was elected to the District 2 seat, Connie Alsobrook Valyncia Smith made history with their victories on Nov. 5, 2019. They will be sworn in by Rockdale County Magistrate Judge Phina Aten. The ceremony and program will take place at 7 p.m., at the Cherokee Run Golf Club, 1595 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. A reception will follow the program. The public is invited to attend.
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say the meeting is a critical one kicking off the New Year. Elected officials will provide updates on legislative issues at the national and state level including Congressman Hank Johnson; State Senators Emmanuel Jones and Tonya P. Anderson; and State Representatives Billy Mitchell and Dar’shun Kendrick. DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda
Davis Johnson also will provide updates on county matters, along with Commissioner Larry Johnson, who will discuss the 2020 Census and the importance of completing the forms for DeKalb to receive maximum federal funding. The breakfast meeting is free and open to the public.
PAGE 4 • JANUARY 3, 2020
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Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners + Civic Associations meetings set
Mike Glenn’s African-American history exhibit comes to Decatur Library Mike “Stinger” Glenn, former NBA player and current broadcaster for “Hawks Live,” is showcasing his personal collection of rare books, newspapers and magazines documenting African-American history and culture at the Decatur Library. The exhibit, “Once He Learns How to Read: A Legacy of Literacy,” will be on display at the DeKalb County’s main branch, the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur on Jan. 4-Jan. 22. During library hours, visitors can explore extraordinary slave narratives, books, and newspapers from the 1770s, including the first printed account of the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was printed in 1775 in England. Documents in the collection extend to 2019. Glenn said he hopes to inspire others to appreciate literature through the exhibit. "Book collecting, reading primary source materials, and establishing home libraries can be the missing links for developing scholars and motivating and informing citizens,” Glenn said. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Decatur Library. Funding for the exhibit is provided in part by the DeKalb Library Foundation, the City of Decatur and the Decatur Education Foundation.
Seeking a career in public safety? DeKalb County is hosting a Public Safety Job Fair on Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. Recruiting for positions with DeKalb County Fire Rescue, DeKalb County Police Department and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department are recruiting for positions within their departments. For more information, the Fire Rescue can be reached at 678-4067778; the Police Department at 770-724-7445; and the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department at 404-298-8285.
DeKalb parks + rec sets annual father-daughter dance The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host its fifth annual Father-Daughter Dance on Feb. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. The father-daughter dance is for all ages and costs $15 per couple and $5 for each additional child. The event will include music, refreshments and dancing. To register, visit any recreation center or visit www.dekalbcountyga. gov/parks and click the banner at the bottom of the page. For more information, contact Wannetter Terrell, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs recreation center director, at 404-244-4890 or wsterrel@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
Rockdale County is holding the first meeting of 2020 for the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Associations on Thursday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m. at J.P. Carr Community Room, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. Several of the county’s department heads will provide updates, discuss new initiatives and field questions from interested citizens. The group meets quarterly at 6 p.m. at the J.P. Carr Community Room, with the exception of the April meeting, which will be held at the Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers. Dates for the 2020 meetings are scheduled: • Jan 23 • April 16 • July 16 • Oct 15 For more information or to RSVP for the January meeting, please contact Jeannettia Owens at 770-278-7058 or jeannettia.owens@ rockdalecountyga.gov.
Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt to host first “Coffee with the Chairman” in 2020 Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. will host “Coffee with the Chairman” on Friday, Jan. 24, 8 to 10 a.m., at Starbucks Coffee, 2450 Salem Road S.E., Conyers. Citizens are invited to share concerns and learn about important issues with the Chairman in a relaxed setting.
Oz Nesbitt
CDC Disease Detective Camp accepting applicants for free summer program The CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp in Atlanta is accepting student applications from rising high school juniors and seniors for its summer program. Applications with parts completed by student, parent, and teacher must be postmarked by March 27, 2020. The five-day academic day camp immerses students in the diverse field of public health. The application process is competitive and there is no charge for participants who are selected for the program. Topics vary year to year, but may include: public health interventions, global health, infectious disease, chronic disease, injury prevention, data analysis, surveys, school wellness programs, violence prevention, environmental health, emergency preparedness, outbreaks, scientific communication, laboratory technology, disease surveillance, epidemiology, and public health law. Camp is a fast-paced, academically demanding program. This year, the program will offer: 5-day sessions: June 15-19 & July 20-24 2-day sessions: June 22-23, June 25-26, July 6-7 & July 9-10 All camp days are 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/museum/camp/ detective/faq.htm.
Hillcrest Church of Christ
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“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Hillcrest Church of Christ”.
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JANUARY 3, 2020 • PAGE 5
Stonecrest District 4 Councilman George Turner and District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble (center) celebrated devoted volunteers in their districts over the holiday season. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Stonecrest community volunteers honored
Stonecrest District 4 Councilman George Turner and District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble honored dozens of the city’s devoted volunteers at a joint Town Hall meeting, wrapping up 2019 activities for their districts for 2019. The Dec. 19 awards program was held at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, 3800 Miles E. Fowler Way, Stonecrest. “We just wanted to celebrate them for their commitment as volunteers. Their dedication and service means a lot to the city and this was just our way of saying thank you to those who were appointed to various committees that represent District 4 and District 3,” said Turner. Turner said the following citizens were recognized for their volunteerism: Keep Stonecrest Beautiful Curtis Nelson Darryl Andrews Kenneth Taylor
Planning Committee Eric Hubbard, District 3 Pearl Hollis, District 4
Zoning Appeals Board Sonja Hicks, District 3 Michael Armstrong, District 4 Housing Authority Board Diane Robinson, District 3 Dennis Dae, District 4 Development Authority Board Cynthia Elliot, District 3 Sam Stuckey, District 4 Arabia Mountain Steering Committee Eric Hubbard, District 3 Film Committee Victoria Turner, District 3 Stacy Thibodeaux, District 4 SPLOST Oversight Committee Swain Waters, District 4
Overlay Committee Andrew Wells Ashley Scott Eugenia Gregory Frank Bush, Jr. Gwendolyn Irvin Leisha J. Fuller John Castles Josephine Lamar Barbara Lee Neva Jones Foster Sharon Harris Stacey Thibodeaux Swain Watters Virginia Hinton Willie Hinton Vivian Pollard Patsy Turner Johnny Waits Renee Cail
2020 Complete Count Census Committee Donna Douglas Sandra Edwards Michael Morgan Gertrude Morgan
Barbara Lee Ramonda Raven Patsy Turner Melva Hubbard JP Phillips LaVeeta Branche Kendra Price Terry Lee
Transportation Committee Neva Jones Foster Lyle Harris Johnny Waits Winston McDonald Joseph Miller In addition to honoring those who have served on various committees, Turner also honored Carleen Cumberbatch, a longtime South DeKalb activist who was earlier honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Living Stones Ministries Church in Decatur, where she is a member.
PAGE 6 • JANUARY 3, 2020
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Rockdale Constitutional Corner
The Probate Court’s Year-End Review Over the past 12 months the Rockdale County Probate Court (“RCPC”) has continued its efforts to improve efficiency and proficiency in providing services to our community. RCPC’s revenue has continued to increase as a result of making the community aware of the services available through this Court. Purchasing birth and death certificates locally for individuals who were either born or deceased throughout the State of Georgia, which many of our citizens were not aware could be done prior to the RCPC raising awareness throughout the community, has been a major catalyst in increased revenue. Applications for Georgia Weapon Carry Licenses increased minimally over the past year, and we continue to provide fingerprinting in the RCPC office on Wednesdays to ensure daily access. Fingerprinting is still available at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office every day, except Wednesdays. In 2019, I continued my efforts to inform Rockdale citizens of RCPC’s services and information pertaining to issues within this court’s jurisdiction by publishing articles in On Common Ground News’ “Constitutional Corner.” This year, I presented to several organizations including the Olivia Haydel Senior Center, Rockdale County Public Schools, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Alumni, Nancy Guinn Library in conjunction with the Clerk of State and Superior Courts, Shop Talk (sponsored by Chairman Nesbitt), and Homeowners for Better Government. I also served as a member of the Stepping Up Initiative Steering Committee, spearheaded by Commissioner
By Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. Probate Judge
Williams, focusing on Mental Health issues in our community. I also participated in several activities for our youths, including serving as keynote speaker for the 2019 Youth Law Camp sponsored by Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten and NewRock Legal Society; serving as a judge for the Rockdale County Middle Schools’ Oratorical Contest sponsored by Clerk of Court Ruth Wilson; as a member of the Rockdale County Public Schools Superintendent’s Advisory Board; and as a Board member for the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club and United Way-Rockdale. I also mentored young men from Hills Academy, served lunch at Peek’s Chapel Elementary School during National School Lunch Week, and mentored their students during the year. I welcomed students for the 2019-2020 school year at Honey Creek Elementary School as well. I attended the Probate Judges Day at the State Capitol with the Council of Probate Judges of Georgia in 2019 and met with the state senators and representatives during my visit, as I have for the past two years. I also served as
a featured panelist with several other judges to provide training for attorneys and guardian ad litems who represent wards and minors in probate Courts throughout the State of Georgia. Additionally, I continued to serve in my appointed position on the Judicial Council’s Standing Committee on Access to Justice, chaired by Supreme Court of Georgia Justices Robert Benham and Charles Bethel, as the representative for the Council of Probate Judges of Georgia representing probate courts statewide. The Committee’s mission is to improve the public’s trust in the Judicial Branch by promoting meaningful and effective access to courts and fairness for all. I am proud to say that the Protecting our Elderly and AtRisk with Resources for better Living (P.E.A.R.L.) program, as of May 17, 2019 received the approval of the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services as one of five recognized Multi-Disciplinary Teams in the State of Georgia. P.E.A.R.L. is a Multi-Disciplinary Team comprised of the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Probate Court to specifically address the issue of elder abuse and the abuse of incapacitated adults in Rockdale County. The P.E.A.R.L. program was recently awarded a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Justice to further its initiatives. The RCPC’s goal in 2020 is to improve our levels of efficiency, proficiency, and participation in activities intended to inform and enhance the community.
Rockdale Coalition accepting nominations for 2020 scholarship + community service awards The Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families is soliciting applications for the annual John K. Morgan Community Service Scholarship and the F. William Hughey Community Service Award. Applications must be received no later than Jan. 31. The scholarship will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding community service in Rockdale County and plans to continue that level of commitment while pursuing post-secondary education. There is no age limitation for applicants. The scholarship will be awarded to assist with college related expenses for students enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning. Scholarship money awarded since the scholarship’s inception in 2011 totals over $58,000 among recipients and finalists. The Rotary Club of Conyers and the Rockdale County Rotary Club are also partnering to award a finalist with a $1,000 community service scholarship that will be presented on March 19, 6 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academ. The F. William Hughey Community Service Award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding, collaborative community service in Rockdale. A $500 donation also will be awarded to a community organization that serves the Rockdale community as selected by the recipient of this award. Applications for the Rockdale Coalition John K. Morgan Scholarship and nomination forms for the F. William Hughey Community Service Award are available at www.rockdalecoalition.org, www.rockdaleschools.org, and www. cityofconyersga.com. For more information, contact Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families Executive Director Michael Hutcheson at 770-761-9244 or director@ rockdalecoalition.org.
BANDITS continued from page 2 twice in the leg during the incident, Deputy Lee Thomas, spokesperson for the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office said. One suspect is described as a large, dark-skinned black male who was wearing a gray zip-style hooded sweatshirt, gray sweat pants, and red shoes. The second suspect is described as a shorter light-skinned black male wearing dark clothing and a red bandana over his face. Both suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction of travel and an unknown vehicle description. As Sheriff’s deputies were investigating the Starship robbery, a second robbery occurred at12:32 a.m. at the Quick Stop Superette, 4669 Georgia Hwy. 20 S.E. The male seen on surveillance footage is the same male who committed the armed robbery at Starship. The man fled the location in an unknown direction. The second suspect was not seen on camera, Thomas said. Anyone with information concerning the incidents is asked to contact Investigator Dylan Hinds at Dylan.Hinds@RockdaleCountyGA.Gov.
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CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JANUARY 7TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD, SUITE 155 STONECREST, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD, SUITE 155 STONECREST, GA 30038 The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-19-007 Dana Avist 3620 Klondike Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) Zoning District Applicant is requesting a Special Land Use Permit to operate a personal care home up to four people.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-19-009 / SLUP-19-008 Shiv Stone Inc. c/o Michael J. Lober 3310,3320 &3300 Turner Hill Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) Zoning District Requesting to rezone subject properties from R-100 to MU-4 and Special Land Use permit for a Senior Living Facility and Convenience store with accessory fuel pumps and alcohol outlet.
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JANUARY 3, 2020 • PAGE 7
SHERIFF continued from page 1 sheriff. Maddox says she is staying focused on serving. “My focus has not been on who else is running or how many times I must run. I’m focused on what I must continue to do for this community. I’m excited that the people are excited about my continued leadership and I’m ready to do what needs to be done,” Maddox told On Common Ground News. Several names have surfaced in the community as possible candidates who may challenge Maddox. State Rep. Vernon Jones, who represents House District 91, squashed a rumor that he was planning to run for the seat. Someone said in a Dec. 28 Facebook post that Jones was seeking the sheriff’s position. Jones said the rumors started after he posted red and white Happy Holidays! signs in his district. “I’m not running for Sheriff of DeKalb County. If someone said I am, it’s fake news,” said Jones. “…
I enjoy serving in the Legislature and representing the people of DeKalb and Rockdale counties…, I look forward to continuing my efforts in improving transportation, economic development, and other important issues affecting the citizens of Rockdale and DeKalb counties.” Jones, who ran for sheriff in 2014 in a special election where Mann emerged the winner, said several candidates running for the upcoming special election for sheriff have asked for his support. “I wish them all the very best,” said Jones, who said he plans to seek re-election to House District 91 when the May 19 primary election is held. He said he would soon make a formal announcement about his bid. Jones has served in the House for a total of 11 years, first serving from 1993 to 2001 and then from 2017 until the present. Jones was chief executive officer of DeKalb County from 2001 until 2009. Ruth M. Stringer, a 27-year
veteran of the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office, is expected to announce her candidacy for sheriff. DeKalb Superior Court Chief Judge Courtney Johnson appointed Stringer as interim sheriff in June 2017 when Mann was suspended for 40 days after he was arrested in Atlanta park on alleged indecency charges. Several supporters have contacted On Common Ground News to say that Stringer is putting her name in the hat. In the 2016, five candidates ran for the position against Mann: Michael Williams, an investigator with the district attorney’s office in DeKalb; Kyle Jones, a business owner; Ted Golden, a retired special agent for the DEA; Harold Dennis, former DeKalb reserve lieutenant; and Geraldine Champion, a retired homicide detective. Meanwhile, Maddox said she is deeply humbled and honored to serve as sheriff and she is looking forward to taking on more challenges and issues.
Vernon Jones said a rumor started that he was running for sheriff after his holiday signs went up. He’s not running for the seat.
“I’m proud of what I’ve already accomplished the short time I’ve been in office: a 4 percent increase for officers and the retention and recruitment efforts that are underway,” said Maddox.
Leaping into 2020: The year of magic (and perfect holidays) Get ready to live your best life because 2020 is a leap year and most of America’s favorite holidays will occur on the weekend. Leap years are calendar years that contain an additional day (366
ELECTION continued from page 1 holder for 30 days or more for both positions. A special election for these positions will be held in February. The party is also recruiting members to serve on several committees in preparation for the Presidential election in November. The committees include Political Action; Education; Finance; Community Action; Women... In It 4 the Blue; Membership and Recruitment and Hospitality. Prior experience is not a requirement. The Rockdale County Democratic Party meetings are open to the public and meet on the fourth Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. (except for November and December when the organization meets on the third Saturday). Those who are interested in running for a seat or serving on a committee should e-mail a letter of intent to rcdpeb@gmail.com. Visit online at rockdaledems.org. For event details, contact the Rockdale Democratic Party at 678-9647237.
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days as opposed to 365) added to the month of February and generally happen every four years. Notable holidays include: • Valentine’s Day is on a Friday • Cinco de Mayo is on a Tuesday
(Taco Tuesday anyone?) • Juneteenth is on a Friday • July 4 is on a Saturday • Christmas is on a Friday • New Year’s Day kicks off a three-day weekend on Friday, Jan. 1.
PAGE 8 • JANUARY 3, 2020
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