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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 9
MAY 31, 2019 Stay connected
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Grand Jury indicts DeKalb police officer in baton beating on mentally ill woman Invesco to expand, creating 500 jobs in Atlanta Hundreds of jobs are coming to Atlanta as Invesco, one of the world’s leading investment managers, expands its global headquarters in Midtown. Invesco will move to a new building in Midtown Union, currently under development by MetLife Investment Management & Granite Properties and scheduled for completion in August 2022. Officials say the expansion represents a $70 million investment that will increase its workforce by 500. Invesco first came to Atlanta in 1978, moving its global headquarters in 2007. “We’re excited by the opportunity to build on our 40-year presence in the city and meaningfully expand our local team to nearly 1,200 professionals, which will enhance our ability to meet client needs here in Atlanta and across the globe,” said Invesco President and CEO Martin L. Flanagan. “We’re also pleased to join MetLife Investment Management & Granite Properties in the development of one of Atlanta’s premier locations at the corner of 17th Street and West Peachtree Street. To further strengthen our global operating platform, we will make a significant, $70 million investment in our business here for the benefit of our clients, employees, and shareholders, while continuing to play an active role in our community.” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms thanked Invesco for its commitment to Atlanta. “This expansion is a testament to the role public-private partnerships play in creating new jobs and economic opportunity for Atlanta residents,” Bottoms said. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp praised Atlanta for its track record in attracting the global headquarters for many companies including Invesco. “Georgia’s unmatched pro-business environment has repeatedly served as a magnet for many global headquarters, but there is no greater endorsement than when one of our own chooses to grow and invest in the Peach State,” said Kemp. Invesco is responsible for managing $1.2 trillion in assets on behalf of clients worldwide. It is the sixth-largest U.S. retail asset manager and the thirteenth-largest investment manag-
SEE INVESCO page 7
A DeKalb County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against a DeKalb County Police Officer accused of using his baton to repeatedly striking a woman inside a Decatur convenience store. Phillip Larscheid, 29, is charged with one count of Aggravated Assault and one count of Violation of Oath, both felonies, in connection with the 2017 incident involving Katie McCrary that was captured on cell phone video that went viral a month after he had been cleared of using excessive force. Authorities reopened the case after the video of his viciously beating her became public. “We determined that the case warranted prosecutorial action and presented the case today to the Grand Jury,” DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on May 30 during a news conference. Boston said a warrant was issued for Larscheid’s arrest and he was expected to turn himself in within two days. She said the case would be scheduled for arraignment and set for trial at a later date. A number of civil rights activists and others protested the beating, saying Larscheid, who is white, used excessive force as the black
Phillip Larscheid
Katie McCrary
woman tried to shield herself from his repeated blows. Amos King, who led one of the protests, said he was pleased with the indictment. “We’re glad to see that he was indicted. I’m glad the D.A. did what needed to be done,” said King. “It’s been long enough—over two years—that he (Larscheid) has been on desk duty. He should have been fired a long time ago, instead of wasting taxpayers’ money. This officer should go to jail.” The charges against Larscheid stem from an incident inside a Chevron Gas Station in the 3300 block of Glenwood Road in Decatur on June 4, 2017. The officer was dispatched to the location on a shoplifting and loitering call involving McCrary as the alleged suspect.
Sherry Boston
According to the investigation, Officer Larscheid encountered McCrary near the front door when he arrived. The officer advised McCrary that she needed to stay so he could speak with her. McCrary attempted to leave, pushing into and past the officer in an effort to go around him and leave the store, Boston said in a news release Larscheid then began beating the woman across her arms, legs, back, and once in the head. McCrary was handcuffed and arrested for Felony Obstruction of an Officer. She was taken to the hospital where medical staff determined she sustained a laceration to her lower left leg and multiple contusions on her arms and legs consistent with baton strikes.
Stonecrest prepares to repave additional roads with 5-1 vote By Valerie J. Morgan The City of Stonecrest plans to continue repaving its roads, tackling three of the city’s major thoroughfares—Rockland, Salem and Thompson Mill roads, utilizing a portion of the city’s special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). In a 5-1 vote at its May 28 meeting, the City Council authorized city staff members to release an invitation for contractors to bid on the next round of road resurfacing projects. Councilwoman Diane Adoma cast the dissenting vote. “We don’t have a comprehensive process to continue to bid out work,” Adoma said in defending her vote. Mayor Jason Lary said he is confident the city has the staff in place to oversee the projects and elated the additional roads would get fixed this year.
“Residents won’t have to wait another year to get the major roads repaved, and I’m happy that the majority of the council agreed. I don’t understand how we didn’t have a unanimous vote on completing the work we’ve already started, especially when it affects all five districts,” the mayor said. “This will catch us up with any repaving being behind.” Deputy City Manager Plez Joyner urged the council to approve putting out an invitation for contractors to bid on the work, saying approval would ensure that $2 to $3 million of additional resurfacing would be completed by November. Joyner said this year, Salem and Rockland roads would be milled and repaved, and Thompson Mill Road would be reconstructed with fulldepth reclamation similar to work that will be done on Turner Hill Road.
SEE VOTE page 7
PAGE 2 • MAY 31, 2019
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Cochran-Johnson announces winners of jingle, video contests in anti-litter campaign The Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation (GHHCDC) in partnership with DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson launched the Your Community, Your Litter – Pick It Up! campaign in March to encourage DeKalb residents to clean up their communities and eliminate litter throughout the county. As of part of the campaign, a jingle contest and video contest were held to build litter awareness and promote community pride. Students from
SEE LITTER page 7
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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. 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.
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MAY 31, 2019 • PAGE 3
Porter Sanford Center to host free screening of “EMANUEL” church massacre By Sarita Mason | OCG News Intern Rose Simmons will never forget the chilling call she received on June 17, 2015. That was the day she learned her father was among nine people—all black—who were gunned down during bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. Two days after the massacre, the families sat face to face in court with white supremacist Dylann Roof, 24, ultimately forgiving him and praying for mercy, shocking the nation. Roof was sentenced to death in 2017 for the murders and is now awaiting execution on federal death row in Indiana. “Forgiveness is key, but doesn’t deny justice,” said Rose Simmons, remembering her father, the Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons, a retired pastor who
was a member of Mother Emanuel AME, and the other victims who were slaughtered. The massacre is the subject of a documentary, “EMANUEL,” which will be screened on Satur- State Rep. Billy Mitchell day, June 1, 1 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The film will premiere in theaters nationwide on June 17 and 19 only. State Rep. Billy Mitchell has joined Rose Simmons in inviting the community to the free screening at Porter Sanford. Mitchell, who will serve on a
SEE SCREENING page 7
DeKalb County Marshal’s Office implements body camera program The DeKalb County Marshal’s Office (DKMO) has begun fully implementing its body camera program after extensive research and field testing. DKMO took lessons learned from other law enforcement agencies to tailor a body camera program specific to its operations using the latest technology. Each deputy is assigned a camera which is usually worn in an outer ballistic vest carrier specially equipped to accommodate the camera. When
Nesbitt to host “Chairman’s Youth Summer Enrichment Program”
responding to calls for service, or upon deputy contact with the public, cameras will be activated. Other technology allows for the cameras to be turned on automatically depending on the nature of the event. The image can be viewed in real-time. “The implementation of the body camera program was a priority for the Marshal’s Office as it is an important step to enhance officer safety,” said Marshal Richard Berkowitz. “It also
Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. is hosting The Chairman’s Youth Summer Enrichment Program July 22-26,10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. The Chairman’s Youth Summer Enrichment Program is aimed at rising Rockdale 6th grade students who are transitioning from elementary school to middle school. The free interactive program focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The curriculum is designed to re-energize and refresh each Oz Nesbitt, student’s academic focus as they prepare to return to school following their summer break. The free program also will highlight academics, athletics, and attitude. To enhance each participant’s structured learning outcome, the class size will be limited to 25 Rockdale County students. Interested parents can register by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-chairmans-youth-summer-enrichment-program-tickets-62309200496 or by typing in “The Chairman’s Youth Summer Enrichment Program” in the search bar on Eventbrite. Participant selection will be based upon a first-come/first served basis. Lunch will be provided daily for each participant. The program is offered at no cost to the student. For more information, you can contact the Chairman’s Executive Assistant, Andrea Lee at andrea.lee@rockdalecountyga.gov or at 770-278-7003.
helps to maintain the trust and transparency that the public deserves from a law enforcement agency.” Video footage and audio data, which is downloaded almost instantly, can be used by the Marshal’s Office to assist with investigations. The body camera system allows for the tracking of both deputies and their vehicles via GPS, thus aiding in officer safety, and effective and efficient dispatching and management of resources.
PAGE 4 • MAY 31, 2019
DeKalb History Center’s June Lunch & Learn: Decatur’s African-American Heritage The DeKalb History Center will present Laurel Wilson, MHP, who will discuss the “African American Heritage of Decatur” at its June 11 Lunch & Learn. The free program, open to the public, will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the DeKalb History Center, 101 E Court Square, Decatur. Wilson will share her research on "Section 6" of the Decatur Cemetery. Attendees may bring their own lunch to the program.
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center sets family night hike June 8 Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, is celebrating National Get Outdoors Day by hosting a Fun with Fireflies family hike on June 8, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Children of all ages can enjoy the family-friendly night hike. The goal of the day is to create a healthy, fun day of outdoor adventure aimed at reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting children to the outdoors. Bring a flashlight, refillable water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.
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Antioch AME to present “Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook” Antioch AME Church, 765 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, will host a free dinner and premiere of the documentary film, “Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook,” on Friday, June 14. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and the film will start at 7 p.m. The documentary, narrated by Emmy and Tony Award winning actor Jeffery Wright (“Shaft”), discusses voter suppression in the United States including removing voter rolls and violation of voter ID laws, creating new barriers to voter registration and more. There also will be a panel discussion featuring community leaders following the film.
U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting across U.S. The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people to assist with the 2020 Census count. A variety of temporary jobs are being offered including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff and supervisory staff. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security Number and be a U.S. citizen. The jobs offer weekly pay, competitive pay rates, flexible hours and paid training. Veterans who are claiming preference must also submit documentation of eligibility. Applications must be made online: https://bit.ly/2xhJnHG CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JUNE 18TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.
Get ready for “Fishing with Fathers” June 16 Dads and their children are invited to a “Fishing with Fathers” excursion on June 16, 8 to 11 a.m., at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Rd., Stonecrest. DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs welcomes children of all ages to participate in the fun-filled, relaxing morning of fishing in the park. Participants will learn the basics of freshwater fishing with their fathers at their sides. Light refreshments will be served prior to departure to the lake. Supplies are limited and may be rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
Operation Spring Clean Sweep begins June 7 DeKalb County Sanitation Division’s Operation Spring Clean Sweep 2019 begins Friday, June 7. The initiative includes free residential curbside collection, paper shredding, litter collection and roadside enhancement activities. The campaign will feature residential bulky item curbside collection activities on Fridays and Saturdays from June 7 - 29. Curb bumping, streetscaping, litter collection and grass mowing activities will occur in predetermined areas throughout the month of June. A free paper shredding event is also scheduled for Saturday, June 15. Events and activities are only open to residents within the DeKalb County Sanitation Division service area. Proof of residency may be requested for event participation. Entering its third year, Operation Clean Sweep is a multi-departmental initiative focused on roadside enhancement, litter collection, illegal dumping, and removing debris, trash and grass from streets, neighborhoods, sidewalks, roadway drains and county rights of way. For a comprehensive listing of activities, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, visit www.dekalbsanitation.com.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-19-002 Colin Jones 3585 River Rock Road RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District To encroach into the rear yard setback for the construction of a deck. *Applicant was administratively held from May BZA hearing.
Per the City Charter, the Council has staggered four-year terms. The terms for the Mayor and Council Districts 1 and 3 will expire at the administration of office of his or her successor elected in the General Municipal Election on November, 5, 2019 as provided in Section 2.01 of the City Charter. The qualifying fees for Council districts 1 and 3 are set at $600 and for Mayor at $450. The fees are 3% of the total gross salary of the preceding year (Georgia Election Code 21-2-131 (a) (1) (A). Qualifying for the November 5, 2019 General Municipal Election will be held at the Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, Stonecrest, GA 30038 on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, Thursday, August 22, and Friday, August 23, 2019. The hours of qualifying shall be between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Georgia Election Code 21-2-132 (d)(3). Each candidate shall file a notice of candidacy in the office of the City Clerk of Stonecrest and must meet the qualifications of the Charter and Code of the City of Stonecrest, as well as all applicable state and constitutional laws.
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MAY 31, 2019 • PAGE 5
Huff sisters named valedictorians at Southwest DeKalb High By Mackenzie N. Morgan Last week, Gabrielle Huff, 18, turned in her final high school assignment—the 2019 Valedictorian speech she will give at the Southwest DeKalb High School graduation on Sunday, June 2, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. “I plan to thank my parents and hope to inspire my classmates to work hard and remind them that nothing good comes easy,” said Huff, who earned magnet valedictorian with a 4.32 GPA. Gabrielle’s sister, Hannah Huff, now 21 and a veterinary science major at University of Georgia, gave a similar speech when she received class valeGabrielle Noel Huff (left), Southwest DeKalb High School Class of 2019 magnet valedictorian and sister, Hannah Noel Huff, Southwest DeKalb High School class of 2016 valedictorian
SEE SISTERS page 7
Springfield Baptist awards $16,800 in scholarships to high school seniors By Sarita Mason Springfield Baptist Church recently honored 21 high school seniors, saluting them for their academic achievement and leadership in their schools and communities. The church raised $16,800 for the scholarships, providing each graduate with $800 to be used toward college or a post-secondary school of their choice. This year marked the second that Springfield has awarded the scholarships. Students in Rockdale/Newton and surrounding counties were honored, church officials said. To receive Springfield’s scholarship, students had to be recommended by a teacher or staff member and also be accepted or enrolled as fulltime student at a two-year or four -year post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year. Students also were required to have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrated leadership qualities. Springfield Pastor Eric W. Lee congratulated the high school seniors.
“We want our graduates to see that faith has a role to play in their future,” said Lee. The following students were awarded academic scholarships: Rockdale High 1. Zora Duncan 2. Kyrin Turner 3. Amaya Giller 4. Kyra Chinnery Salem High 1. Erika Jones 2. Ashley Jackson 3. Shanquarius Bingham Heritage High 1. Arielle Palmer 2. Jermaine Mims 3. Joi Nobles 4. Faith Shamley Eastside High 1. Shelby Rodgers 2. Kennedy Richard
2. Christopher Ejike 3. Christopher Grant 4. Sydney Lampkin
Newton High 1. Ansley Bentley
Alcovy High 1. Zariyah Donwell
Surrounding Counties 1. Emerald Gibbs 2. Janae Bernard 3. Andrea Sanchez
Rockdale announces summer feeding program
Rockdale County Public Schools Granade Road. (RCPS) and Bread of Life DevelopMeals must be eaten on location ment (BOLD) Ministries are partor on the buses, which are air-condinering this summer for the annual tioned. For updated delivery times or “Be Bright, Eat Right Rockdale” more information, contact 770-860Summer Feeding Program to ensure 4258 or go towww.rockdaleschools. Rockdale County’s children receive org/summermeals healthy, balanced and delicious meals BOLD Ministries will deliver throughout the summer. bagged lunches to neighborhoods in If your child (up to age 18) lives Lakeview Estates and along Irwin in one of the neighborhoods served, Bridge Road. The program serves they can receive a free lunch Monday meals in Rockdale, Newton, DeKalb through Friday during the summer. and Fulton counties. Rockdale CounServers will be wearing bright blue ty locations are listed below. Meals “Be Bright, Eat Right Rockdale” must be eaten on location. For more T-shirts. information, contact 770-929-3019 or RCPS will deliver bagged lunches www.boldministries.org via school bus to locations in severMeal Locations al neighborhoods across Rockdale County. ROCKDALE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS RCPS will also serve lunch at June 3 - July 19, 2019 (not serving July 4-5), walk-in locations: Monday-Friday. Salem High School, 3351 Underwood Rockdale County Road Walk-In Locations: • Salem High School, 3351 Underwood Road, Heritage High School, 2400
Conyers, GA, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. •H eritage High School, 2400 Granade Road, Conyers, GA,10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mobile Route Locations : • Arbor Creek Apts. Brandon Glen Apts. • Brandy Woods • Briar Creek Apts. • Cooper Circle/Irwin Bridge Playground • Country Walk/Trace (3 stops) • Edwards Circle Forest Villas (2 stops) • Green Valley Dr./Lakeview Drive • Hewlett Street • Hunting Creek (3 stops) • Knoll Court/Lakeview Drive • Lakeridge • Laurel Ct/Laurel Ln. • Meadow Crossing (2 stops) • Milstead Park Splash Pad • Nancy Guinn Library • Northridge • Pinedale Townhomes • Phoenix Pass (Lighthouse Village) • Shady Grove • Sugar Hill • Tall Oaks Apts. • Valley Oaks • Willows East Apts.
BOLD MINISTRIES May 28 - July 26, 2019, Monday-Friday •L akeview Community Church,1501 Frontier
Drive, Conyers, May 28 - July 26, noon-1:30 p.m., 2 -3 p.m. • Lakeview Estates at Skyline Park, Skyline Drive, Conyers, May 28 - July 26, noon-2 p.m., 2:30 3:30 p.m. • Lakeview Community Center, I Frontier Drive, Conyers, May 28 - July 26, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m., 3 - 4:00 p.m. • Agape Fellowship Christian Center, 1695 Flat Shoals Rd. SW, Conyers, May 28 -July 26, 8 - 9 :30 a.m., noon - 1 p.m. • Boyz to Men of Honor, 90 Hardin St., Conyers, May 31st- July 26, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., 7 - 7:30 p.m. • Boyz to Men of Honor, 1451 Pine Log Rd. N.E., Conyers, July 13, 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 2533 Stanton Rd., Conyers, May 28 - July 26, 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Life Abundantly Church, 2826 GA Hwy 20, Conyers, May 28 - July 26, 8-9 a.m., 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Voices of Faith, 1290 Sigman Rd., Conyers, May 28 - July 26, 7 a.m.-9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. • High Achievers Ed. Center, 939 Bank St. N.E., Conyers, June 3 - July 20, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m., noon - 1:30 p.m. • Kingdom Builders, 1154 Flat Shoals Rd., Conyers, June 3- July 19, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. • 5 Star Scholars, 2431 Iris Drive, Conyers, June 3 - July 26, 7:30 a.m.-8:30a.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
PAGE 6 • MAY 31, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale Constitutional Corner
Clerk of Courts Real Estate Division offers large format plat printer The Rockdale Clerk of Courts Office Real Estate Division has a new state-of-theart tool to make the job of land surveyors much easier. Now, surveyors can print previously illegible plats 16 times larger than in the past, thanks to the new large format printer / plotter. A “plat” is a plan, map, or chart of a piece of land with actual or proposed features (such as lots) and also the land represented, especially as used in construction site mapping. A plat map includes a description of the land and everything on it, including roads, boundaries, and real property. Surveyors need documents that are printed to the proper engineering scale. Now, they can print to the original size of the scanned document: ANSI C (17 x 22”), ANSI D (22 x 34”) and ANSI E (34 x 44”). One of the first users was local surveyor Mark Lincoln, president of Lincoln Surveying, who says the plotter will be of value to real estate attorneys and title examiners. According to Lincoln, this is a service not available in all counties and is highly appreciated by the land
By Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts records user community. The public may also find it beneficial to have an easily readable copy of their own property plat. The price to print on the plotter varies by size, but will always be much less than commercial print shops. Through the use of innovative technologies, the Clerk of Courts Office continues Preserving the Past While Preparing For the Future. The Real Estate Division is located on the first floor of the courthouse. For more information, please call Amanda Hunter, Real Estate Division Manager, at 770-278-7864.
ChurchesNow.org is coming in June, Churches Now is a digital display network for Churches. For more info on Churches Now call 678-770-7851.
Road closures announced due to Rockdale stormwater projects The Rockdale County Stormwater Department announced that it has closed the following road segments listed due to stormwater infrastructure or projects. Ebenezer Road, between 2140 and 2240 Ebenezer Road SW • Closed on May 6, 2019. • Construction underway. • Reopening September 2019. Goode Road, near 193 Goode Road SE • Closed April 19, 2019. • Reopening Spring 2020 Saxony Drive, near 1309 Saxony Drive SE • Closed April 19, 2019. • Reopening Fall 2019. Wendwood Road, near 5301 Wendwood Road SW • Closed April 19, 2019. • Under evaluation. Rolling Acres Drive, near 2450 Rolling Acres Drive SW • Closed January 6, 2014. • Reopening Winter 2020. Gwen Road, near 2435 Gwen Road SW • Closed April 23, 2019. • Reopening June 2019. Dennard Road, between 3150 to 3440 Dennard Road NE • Closed April 23, 2019. • Reopening June 2019. The following road segments stated below are currently open, but may be closed soon: Virginia Court, near 770 Virginia Court SE • Closing expected on May 30, 2019. • Construction expected complete by June 2019. Ebenezer Road, near 2491 Ebenezer Road SW • No closure expected. • Construction expected complete by June 2019. Classic Drive, near 1345 Classic Drive NE • Safety measures installed. • Construction expected to begin Fall 2019. Chelsea Downs Lane, near 1406 Chelsea Downs Lane NE • Safety measures installed. • Construction expected to begin Fall 2019
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MAY 31, 2019 • PAGE 7
VOTE continued from page 1
SISTER continued from page 1 dictorian for Southwest DeKalb in 2016. “I was surprised, but I wasn’t surprised,” said Clementine “Cooky” Huff, the girls’ mother. “They always did what they were supposed to without being told and were independent from a young age.” In addition to a rigorous academic course load filled with challenging classes, Huff maintained a tight schedule of extracurricular activities including part-time work at Chick-Fil-A, dancing for her school’s drill team and Beta Club among other things. Last fall, she was crowned Miss Southwest during the homecoming season. “Both of our children’s schedules were packed with positive and productive things. Their father and I constantly reinforced positive habits and relationships by prioritizing their activities and forming relationships with the families of their friends,” said Mrs. Huff. Mrs. Huff went on to attribute the girls’ daycare with introducing good habits from the time the girls could walk. “Their father and I never had to tell them to do their homework. Every day after daycare, they would bring home a worksheet and announce they needed to do their homework. So while I would be in the kitchen cooking, that’s what they did,” said Mrs. Huff. Gabrielle Huff plans to major in sports journalism in the fall at University of Georgia and aspires to attend law school and eventually become a sports agent.
“If it is the desire of the mayor and council to do additional resurfacing this year, we would need to send out an invitation to bid actually by next week,” Joyner said. “Otherwise, the next round of resurfacing would be delayed until next spring of 2020.” Joyner reminded the council that road repaving must be done before winter due to weather conditions. Joyner said the city hopes to receive bids by July 9, have a contract approved by July 31 and the work completed by the end of November. Earlier this Spring, the city awarded a $2 million contract to Blount Construction to begin repaving 18 of the city’s worst streets as part of a project funded by a Local Maintenance Improvement Grant and matching SPLOST funds. In addition to the 18 roads, Blount Construction will pave a two-lane portion of Turner Hill Road from Rockland Road to the Bojangles Restaurant entrance. Blount has repaired several roads identified and ranked as its worst streets. s
INVESCO continued from page 1 er globally. Invesco employs more than 650 professionals in Atlanta and has more than 8,000 employees in 25 countries focused on delivering a comprehensive range of active, passive, and alternative capabilities to help clients around the world meet their investment objectives. Invesco is hiring for a variety of professional roles in support of its growing business here in Atlanta and elsewhere. For job opportunities in Atlanta and across the globe, prospective employees should visit http:// www.invesco.com/corporate.
LITTER continued from page 2 DeKalb County were invited to participate and develop original content supporting the campaign theme. The winning jingle, “Stop, Drop, Pick It Up,” was created by Victoria Waterman and Mieya Moore, students at Eldridge L. Miller Elementary School. The jingle’s artistic, upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics inspire the listener to engage in picking up litter in their neighborhoods, because “littering is just not cool,” Cochran-Johnson’s staff said. “We encouraged the students to participate because we educate the whole child--not just academically but socially. We teach them it’s important to care for the environment,” said Mark E. Bryant, principal of Eldridge L. Miller Elementary School. The winning video, “Pick It Up: Video 2” by De’Ziya White, a senior in Joel Kight’s class at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, gives the viewer a glimpse of what can happen to the world’s clean water and lush landscapes when one piece of trash is carelessly tossed on the ground. A committee of judges from the GHHCDC and DeKalb County’s 7th District office came together to tally scores and select winners based on a number of criteria including lyrics, originality, music, interpretation and creativity. “All of the schools and students that participated were phenomenal and extremely talented,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “DeKalb County is truly home to some of our country’s most creative youth.” The anti-litter campaign will culminate with a massive cleanup day on June 1 with volunteers picking up litter along roadsides and in hightraffic areas within the four corners of the Hidden Hills Overlay District. Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at 1215 S. Hairston Road. To view and listen to the winning jingles, go to http://bit.ly/2K4rfs5.
SCREENING continued from page 3 panel discussion following the screening, nominated the “Emanuel 9” for the Nobel Peace Prize named finalists. “This is an amazing opportunity for an inside view to what really happened that day and how the families have been affected, said Mitchell. “This story is worth telling and will spark the important conversations we all need to have.” Simmons, who is part of the film team, said Director Brian Ivie, director of the award-winning film, “The Drop Box,” teamed up with Executive Producers Stephen Curry, Academy Award winner Viola Davis and Co-Producer Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU) to present “EMANUEL.” The film tells the stories of the families and victims affected by the shooting, as well as the impact of Mother Emanuel Church and race relations in Charleston. It also includes intimate interviews with survivors and family members, according to emanuelmovie.com. “This film meets all angles politically, socially, and racially,” said Simmons. “This documentary will represent the memory of the victims and is a tool for change that will start conversations about change.”
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FOOTBALL
CAMP Weekend Warriors Athletic Training NCAA approved classes ACT/SAT Prep Final Semester Program for High School Seniors Information: Coach Johnson 770-652-7711
ROOM FOR RENT Newly Furnished in DeKalb County, $525 monthly. All utilities + Cable + W & D. On MARTA. 1 person room only. 404-401-9767.
PAGE 8 • MAY 31, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
We cater to the entire family. Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available
900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006