OCG News Sept. 20, 2019

Page 1

FREE

VOLUME 25, NUMBER 25

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 Stay connected

News 24/7

ocgnews.com

Published Since April 1995

facebook.com/ocgnews

Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

Adoma costs city of Stonecrest more than $13K in legal battle The legal action to protect the city of Stonecrest in its court battle with former City Councilwoman Diane Adoma cost taxpayers in excess of $13,000, the city said in a news release on Diane Adoma Sept. 20. The city had to go to court twice for hearings related to a temporary restraining order against Adoma, the latest hearing on Sept. 17. Adoma could not be reached at On Common Ground News’ deadline for comment. Stonecrest City Attorney Janet Scott and city staff members were in court initially for a preliminary injunction hearing on a temporary restraining order filed by the city against Adoma. The city filed the action after Adoma attended an Aug. 26 city council meeting and acted as a council member, though she officially vacated her seat by qualifying to run for another office on Aug. 23. City video and records showed that Adoma attended an executive session and attempted to vote as a council member in the meeting though she had another order signed by Judge Mark Anthony Scott confirming the fact that she could not keep her council seat. The former councilwoman also used her key and brought a CBS 46 camera crew into city hall and viewed private files of City Clerk Megan Reid. A temporary restraining order was signed by Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger on Aug. 30, 2019, after a hearing that Adoma failed to attend. The order states that Seeliger also finds that the District 5 seat is vacant and prohibits Adoma from acting as a Stonecrest City council member in any respect including attempting to participate in any council meeting, attempting to access unauthorized areas of city hall, and harassing or attempting to direct city employees. The Georgia Constitution states that any elected official automatically vacates their seat when they qualify to run for another elected office and “the term of the office for which such official is qualifying for begins more than 30 days prior to the expiration of such official’s present term of office.” Adoma’s District 5 term doesn’t expire until December 2021. The seat for which she is running has a term that begins in January 2020. Judge Seeliger granted Adoma the opportunity to defend and have the temporary restraining order set aside at the Sept. 17 hearing. Adoma told the court that she was not a threat. She said she had never been derogatory toward the staff. Adoma said that

SEE ADOMA page 7

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL HELD FOR THREE ROCKDALE COUNTY TEENS Hundreds of family members and friends turned out for a candlelight vigil on Sept. 18 to remember the three teens who were fatally shot by a Rockdale County homeowner during an alleged attempted armed robbery: Isaiah Reid and Jaime Hernandez, Jr., who were half brothers, and their friend, Brandon Gresham. The three Salem High School students, ages 16 and 15, died after one of the teens fired at the homeowner and the homeowner returned gunfire, the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office said. One teen died at the scene. The other two were pronounced dead at the hospital, authorities said. The incident took place on Monday, Sept. 16, at 4 a.m. on the front lawn of a home on White Oak Court in Rockdale County. Evangelist Renee Simpson of Bible Way Worldwide

SEE VIGIL page 7

C. David Moody

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson

Lisa Bobb

Sandra Ford

Sonya Porter

Diijon DaCosta

Ted Terry

Jefferey Leslie

Charlene Fang

DeKalb County’s Solicitor-General’s Office announces contestants in Dancing with the DeKalb Stars

D

eKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling has unveiled this year’s teams who are participating in the third annual Dancing with the DeKalb Stars, a domestic violence fundraiser and resource expo. The dance competition features nine teams, comprised of a dance professional and a notable member of DeKalb’s legal, public safety, business or civic community. This year’s participants are: C. David Moody, founder of Moody Construction, Inc. Paired with Brentney J., MAD, LLC

DeKalb Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Paired with Tiffany Anderson, Dancers Unleashed Dr. Sandra Ford, executive director of DeKalb County Board of Health Paired with Grayling Walker, Dance 411 Mayor Ted Terry, City of Clarkston Paired with Christian Taylor, Dance 411 Diijon DaCosta, DeKalb County School Board Member Paired with Kristina Echols, Atlanta Dream

SEE DANCING page 7


PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Death of Shali Tilson captured on video released by family

T

he family of Shali Tilson has released videos of Tilson's final agonizing hours in jail leading up to his death. Tilson, 22, died of dehydration in the Rockdale County Jail on March 12, nine days after he was arrested for disorderly conduct due to a mental health crisis he was experiencing Attorney Mawuli Davis, who is representing the Tilson family, said a whistle Video image of Shali Tilson pressing a call button that blower recently provided a was not functioning as he pleaded for help. copy of the video to the Davis Bozeman Law firm. Davis said that while the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office has had the video in its possession for the last 16 months, it was not made available to the family or public until recently. Tilson was never seen by a medical doctor and lost over 20 pounds during his stay at the Rockdale jail, Davis said during a news conference on Sept. 18. He was placed on "suicide watch" in a cell with no bed, toilet, or any source of water. Davis said the videos capture Tilson's desperate pleas for help and show him naked and repeatedly pressing a call button that was not operational and banging on the door, before collapsing to the floor. "Today, when the videos were released, we saw seasoned community activists and reporters become emotional. Watching another human being be left to die under these conditions was traumatizing," said Davis. Davis said although Sheriff's Department policy required Tilson to be checked every 15 minutes, he laid motionless on the floor of his cell for over two hours before being discovered. To date, no Rockdale County Sherriff's office employee has been terminated or charged criminally in Tilson's death. The Rockdale District Attorney’s office has impaneled a Special Grand Jury to review the case. A civil rights lawsuit pending in federal court.


WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • PAGE 3

Browns Mill Rec Center gets exterior facelift, thanks to staff + 60 volunteers 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. 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 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com

Nearly 60 volunteers joined the city’s staff and South DeKalb Family YMCA team in beautifying the front of Browns Mill Recreation Center recently. Mayor Jason Lary and Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble were among those who gathered on Sept. 14 to plant more than 100 plants and improve the landscaping of the recreation center.    Stonecrest recently purchased the recreation center and began interior renovations that are near completion. Sean DePalma, the city’s parks and recreation director joined forces with Curtis Winston, the YMCA’s South DeKalb’s executive director on the Metro Atlanta YMCA’s Annual Days of Service, Sept. 13—14. “It was a great day for the YMCA’s Days of Service in the City of Stonecrest. It was a perfect way

to exemplify how partnerships and volunteers of all ages are the key to a successful and thriving community,” Winston said. “We are overjoyed to see our plans come to light,” Mayor Lary said. “The inside and outside of the Browns Mill Recreation Center has been completely renovated. But most importantly we took care of our constituents, improving their quality of life, as we

said that we would do,” Lary said. The pine straw and pine bark were donated by Home Depot and the South DeKalb Family YMCA donated $500 toward the beautification project, according to DePalma. “We are implementing a new standard of excellence and its going to be great for our residents,” DePalma added. For more photos, visit ocgnews. com.

DeKalb to begin replacing Briarcliff Corridor water main On Sunday, Sept. 22, repair work will begin for the Briarcliff Corridor Water Infrastructure Replacement Project. The project includes replacing 44,500 feet of the aging water main in the Briarcliff Road/North Decatur Road area. Briarcliff Corridor Water Infrastructure Replacement Project Area Map Authorized contractors will install 12-inch or 8-inch ductile iron pipe within the road right of way with a single lane closure in place as work progresses. Work is expected to last approximately 24 months, unless unforeseen circumstances arise. Normal construction hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday – Friday. Construction in Emory Village area will be from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday – Thursday. Officials said residents should review their existing plumbing infrastructure to ensure plumbing meets current code standards. For more information, visit the project page at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/ briarcliffproject, call 1-800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.

ELECTION DAY Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Let’s

ADVANCED IN-PERSON AND ABSENTEE VOTING Starts October 15th and ends November 1, 2019 LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THIS ELECTION October 07, 2019 TO REGISTER TO VOTE GO TO https://registertovote.sos.ga.gov FOR POLLING LOCATIONS VISIT www.JasonLaryforMayor.com/vote DONATE TO MAYOR JASON LARY’S CAMPAIGN www.JasonLaryforMayor.com/Donate-Now VOLUNTEER WITH US OR VISIT OUR CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS 2975 Evans Mill Road | Stonecrest, GA 30038 (Just off the corner of Evans Mill Rd. @ Mall Parkway) Give us a call at 770-484-8740

VISION TO CREATE A CITY VISION TO GROW A CITY

www.JASONLARYFORMAYOR.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jason Lary for Mayor

PROVEN LEADERSHIP . . .


PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

DeKalb County Board of Health to meet Sept. 26 The next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, in the Bohan Auditorium, located in the Richardson Health Center at 445 Winn Way, Decatur. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Agenda items for the meeting include: • The approval of minutes from previous meetings; • The District Health Director’s Report, including service awards and retirements;

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com

Six candidates square off at Stonecrest Business Alliance forum Business community leaders had a chance to hear from the six candidates vying for the Stonecrest City Council District 5 seat vacated by Diane Adoma. The Stonecrest Business Alliance presented the Sept. 18 breakfast forum at the AEI StartUp Factory in the city of Stonecrest. Former Reuters journalist Michael Cooper served as moderator for the debate, which included candidates Nathan Alexander, Tammy L. Grimes, Barbara Hall, Dave Marcus, Virginia Pierce-Kelly and Christopher Seabrook. The candidates fielded several questions focused on the business of the city including economic development, the Stonecrest Overlay District, comprehensive land use plan and city ordinances. The questions were submitted from members of the Alliance as well as the audience. Attorney Bernard Knight, chairman of the Stonecrest Business Alliance Board of Directors, said the forum provided an opportunity for its members and citizens to test the knowledge of the candidates and hear their ideas about how to move the city forward in terms of advocating and creating opportunities for business growth and sustainability. “I was extremely grateful for the attendance by all six of the candidates. I think that all of them did their best to answer the questions,” said Attorney Bernard Knight, chairman of the Stonecrest Business Alliance Board of Directors. “I think the forum was very informative. We have an excellent field of candidates. I am confident that Stonecrest will have a great addition to the City Council.” Knight thanked Bill Allen, who owns the StartUp Factory, and his staff, for hosting the event. Knight also thanked Edwina Clanton, who serves as vice chair of the Alliance, and board member Stacey Thibodeaux, for helping to organize the forum.

Georgia Legislative Black Caucus to host
 2019 annual legislative conference State Rep. Karen L. Bennett, chairwoman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Inc., announced that the 2019 Annual Legislative Conference will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta. This year’s theme is “Elevating Georgia: Sustaining Pathways for Tomorrow’s Future 2020 + Beyond.” The Leadership Luncheon, “Collaborative Insight: State Rep. Karen L. Bennett Envisioning Georgia - 20/20,” will be held at 12:30 p.m., in partnership with the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. Registration for the conference is $75. To register visit https:// gablackcaucus.ticketleap.com/alc19/

Salem-Panola Library Friends to host Community dialogue session Oct. 5 The Friends of Salem Panola Library will host a community dialogue session on Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will be held in the community meeting room of the Salem-Panola Library, 5317 Salem Road, Stonecrest. The meeting will give city of Stonecrest residents an opportunity to discuss several issues including what makes for thriving communities, sustainable employment, economic diversity, continued education, extracurricular activities and library programming. Attendees also will have a chance to speak with community leaders. “Meeting with people to listen and talk about quality of life issues is so important,” said Joyce Lindsey, president of the Salem-Panola Friends. “The library and the Friends are seeking input from the community to plan and deliver programs that help community members to live healthy and prosperous lives.” Malaika Geuka-Wells, Friends member, said those running for offices in the city of Stonecrest have been invited, as well as government officials. “Bringing our community together for meaningful dialogue is valuable and important at any time,” said Geuka-Wells “It’s especially timely as this dialogue will take place during the City’s second election. We are hopeful that incumbents, those running for office, Stonecrest consultants and staff, as well as other government officials will attend to listen as residents explore and discuss their hopes for their community.” Lunch will be provided. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card, free books, a Friend of the Salem-Panola Library annual membership, and other prizes. Winners must be present to win. Attendees are asked to register for the meeting by contacting Marilyn Cotten at 267-253-6333 or emailing friendsofthesalempanolalibrary@gmail. com.

CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1ST 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, OCTOBER 28TH 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: LOCATION:

TMOD 19-0003 Stonecrest Overlay Stonecrest Overlay

PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

Text amendment to the Overlay to amend the prohibited and permitted uses and a map amendment to change the boundaries of the Overlay as a whole and the boundaries of Tiers 1-5.

LAND USE PETITION: LOCATION:

TMOD 19-0004 Stonecrest Zoning Ordinance City-Wide

PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

Define “Small Box Discount Store” and amend the City of Stonecrest Zoning Ordinance Table 4.1 (“Use Table”) to prohibit Small Box Discount Stores in the City of Stonecrest.

LAND USE PETITION: LOCATION:

TMOD 19-0005 Stonecrest Zoning Ordinance City-Wide

PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

Amending the City of Stonecrest Zoning Ordinance Table 4.1 (“Use Table”), to define “Party House”, permit Party Houses only via Special Administrative Permit in Zoning Districts “RE” and “RLG,” and prohibited Party Houses in every other zoning district.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

RZ-19-007 *Full cycle deferral Aug City Council Meeting Rocklyn Homes c/o Battle Law 1794 Phillips Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) Zoning District Applicant is requesting to rezone 30 acres to RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) Zoning District for the development of 240 fee simple single attached units at a density of 8 units per acre. RZ-19-008 Salim Damani 4623 Klondike Road R-85 (Residential Med Lot) Zoning District Applicant is requesting to rezone 3.0 acres to C-2 (General Commercial) Zoning District for future commercial development.


WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • PAGE 5

Hot temperatures, lack of rainfall cause brushfire at Arabia Mountain By Mackenzie N. Morgan A blaze swept over a wooded area at the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area in the City of Stonecrest on Sept. 17. The fire, which was reported around 1 p.m., covered nearly 3 to 5 acres of woodland in a remote area south of I-20. Authorities did not confirm a cause but said that hot temperatures and low rainfall were probably factors. The DeKalb County Fire Rescue team worked relentlessly to contain the fire with help from the Georgia Forestry Commission, which brought in two planes carrying fire retardant and buckets holding up to 26,000 gallons of water dumped from the air. “We need rain. It’s been very dry,” said Captain Dion Bentley of the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department. Bentley said that this was the first time that the Georgia Forestry Commission has helped put out a fire in the metroAtlanta area. Due to the remote location, firetrucks weren’t readily able to access the affected area, Bentley said. “We were grateful to have their help because there really was no way for us to access the fire and keep putting water on it, due to its location,” said Bentley. DeKalb Fire and Rescue worked late into the evening checking for hot spots to ensure the fire did not resurface. No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged, officials said. This is not the DeKalb County park’s first brush with wildfires. A wildfire torched roughly 10 acres back in 2016, officials said. The park is open to visitors and programs planned for this month are under way, officials said. Arabia Mountain is in east DeKalb, in the new city of Stonecrest. The Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance was selected as a recipient of the Paul Nelson Award for Outdoor Recreation and Preservation at the 2019 Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference, which took place Sept. 8 – 11 at the Great Wolf Lodge & Conference Center in LaGrange, GA. “We are thrilled to have received this honor and are excited to continue to promote the natural wonders of the AMNHA,” said Mera Cardenas, executive director for the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by your peers. A lot of the work we do is not done in a vacuum. Partners such as the Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve, the PATH Foundation among others help us bring Georgians and people from around the country out to explore the unique treasure we have,” said Cardenas.


PAGE 6 •SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

FINDING COMMON GROUND

DeKalb DA Boston co-hosts symposium on Justice Reform for 21st century 
 More than two-dozen elected prosecutors from across the country met in Atlanta on Sept. 17 with law enforcement leaders to discuss criminal justice reform and how to work together to address racial disparities, shrink the footprint of the justice system and build safer, healthier communities. The symposium focused on how to promote practical strategies and solutions that address longstanding issues around racial equity. The group also discussed a shared vision for justice in the 21st century and how reformminded criminal justice leaders can support each other in advancing that vision, even in the face of resistance to change.
 
 DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston, who co-hosted the national group, said the symposium provided much-needed dialogue between justice partners across the nation. “While prosecutors hold great power to enact change, systemic progress requires that all actors in

District Attorney Sherry Boston

the criminal justice system make a commitment to reforms that further equity, accountability and directly challenge the ways in which our system has failed communities, especially communities of color,” said Boston. 
 
 Miriam Krinsky, executive director of Fair and Just Prosecution, the organizer of the meeting, said prosecutors such as Boston are the key to transforming the justice system. “We are in a unique and exciting moment where a growing number of elected prosecutors such as DA Sherry Boston are embracing a different – and

more humane—starting point for our justice system. In advancing these priorities, it is critical that they come together with law enforcement leaders to find common ground,” said Krinsky. “We hope this conversation is the beginning of a sustained dialogue that helps build understanding, trust and strong alliances among some of the most inspiring criminal justice leaders in the nation, all of whom share an abiding commitment to advancing public safety and strengthening bonds of trust with their communities.”
 
 Organizers said key takeaways from the symposium include: • A growing group of elected prosecutors and law enforcement leaders are shifting the way they see their roles – creating an opportunity to move from purely punitive and carceral approaches of past decades toward a more holistic approach to addressing crime. • Enacting bold change in the justice system has

garnered criticism and even hostility toward prosecutors and law enforcement leaders seeking to advance reform; strong and thoughtful alliances are needed to address and respond to these counterforces to change. • Reform-minded prosecutors and law enforcement leaders across the country are committed to building and sustaining collaborative relationships to advance policies and practices that honor the dignity of people and communities most impacted by the criminal justice system. “We hope this conversation is the beginning of a sustained dialogue that helps build understanding, trust and strong alliances among some of the most inspiring criminal justice leaders in the nation, all of whom share an abiding commitment to advancing public safety and strengthening bonds of trust with their communities,” Krinsky said.

First Afrikan Church to host Stonecrest mayoral debate Oct. 7 The Stonecrest Citizens Coalition, First Afrikan Church Community Action Team and South DeKalb Improvement Association Education Committee will host the Stonecrest Mayoral Race Debate on Monday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the First Afrikan Church, 5197 Salem Road, Stonecrest. For more information, contact the coalition at 770-484-1652 or email sccga0118@gmail.com.

‘LIKE US’ on FACEBOOK for BREAKING NEWS, LOCAL HEADLINES, EVENTS, PHOTOS, VIDEOS and MORE! facebook.com/ OCGNEWS


WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 • PAGE 7

DANCING continued from page 1

VIGIL continued from page 1

Lisa Bobb, owner of Squash Blossom Boutique Paired with Shervoski Moreland, Dance 411 Assistant Chief Sonya Porter, DeKalb County Police Department Paired with Kevin Tyson, Dance 101 Major Jefferey Leslie, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Paired with Vanessa Gibson, Eagles Landing Dance Center Charlene Fang, Lions Lighthouse Board Member Paired with Winston Miller, Arts in Motion

Evangelist Renee Simpson

Outreach Ministry said she hosted the prayer vigil, which was held on Hunting Creek Drive S.E., to help the families through their grieving. “Every time there is a tragic death in Rockdale, I always hold a candlelight vigil. This is part of my ministry, something I’ve been doing for seven years,” said Simpson. The deaths of the teens have rocked the community, with some condemning the teens for their actions and others saying the homeowner had a right to protect himself and two others who were outside with him that morning. Simpson said, however, she just wanted to help the families of the teens to heal. The funeral service for half-brothers Isaiah Reid and Jaime Hernandez will be held on Sept. 21, at noon, at St. Pius Catholic Church in Conyers. “The families are hurting. They are not holding up well at all, especially the family of the two brothers. But it’s been extremely traumatic for Brandon’s family as well,” said Simpson. Sheriff Eric Levett said the homeowner has not been charged and the investigation is still underway. Sheriff’s spokesman Lee Thomas issued the following statement on Sept. 19. “The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for their assistance in obtaining information on two other individuals who were allegedly involved in the incident at White Oak Ct on September 16th, 2019. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office wishes to identify these persons so that they can be questioned. We encourage anyone with information to contact the RCSO at 770-278-8000 or call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. Initially, the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office reported the incidence as a home invasion but in an updated news release, investigators called the incident an attempted robbery. Thomas said the suspects did not enter the home. Authorities said the homeowner and two other people were outside when the teens approached the house with their faces covered and exchanged gunfire with the homeowner on the lawn. All three suspects were killed. None of the victims on the lawn were injured. Lee said he did not know why the teens would have been out at 4 a.m. but he said there was no school for Rockdale students on Monday because of a teacher work day.

In addition to competing for the championship title, the DeKalb stars will fundraise to support the two non-profits, Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and International Women’s House. The star to raise the most money will be the Dancing with the DeKalb Stars’ People’s Choice. You can support your favorite DeKalb star by donating through their Click & Pledge page. Judges of this year’s dance competition are 2018 champion and executive director of Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, David Manuel; executive director of Leadership DeKalb, Maria Balais; and Kaiser Permanente of Georgia’s director of specialty care operations and strategy, Paul Jacxsens. Dancing with the DeKalb Stars takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center. Doors open to the Resource Expo at 5 p.m., with the dance competition beginning at 6 p.m. Local barbeque favorite, Mable’s The expo and fundraiser has raised over $30,000 for Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and International Women’s House since its inception. “The DeKalb County community has proven to us their dedication to ending the cycle of abuse by continuously supporting our efforts to assist two organizations entrenched in the fight of ending this vicious cycle,” said Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling. “Every year our goal is to exceed what we accomplished the year prior and we look forward to seeing DeKalb help us do that again.” For more information on the Office of the DeKalb County Solicitor-General, visit www.DeKalbSolicitorGeneral.com.

Hillcrest Church of Christ

1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net

ADOMA continued from page 1

WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm

she went through security to attend the council meeting. She entered the council’s executive session where the public is not allowed. She said that Judge Scott told her that she could attend the meeting, although she failed to say that the judge did not grant permission for her to act as a council member. City Attorney Scott reiterated the justification that the restraining order be extended so that the city can function in an orderly manner. The judge said Adoma could file a motion to set aside his order, if she wins another elected position in the city.

BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am

Harvest Festival which will be held on Saturday September 28th from noon till 4 pm. Come and enjoy Food, Fun and Fellowship at the Hillcrest Church of Christ Harvest Festival.

VISIT US ONLINE AT OCGNEWS.COM

ON COMMON GROUND NEWS MARKETPLACE LAWN CARE

DAYCARE

NewGeneration Generation Learning New Learning Center and Academy and Academy NewCenter Generation Learning Wherechildren children learn, learn, play play and Where and grow! grow! Center and Academy

no further than Generation! Open Mondaylearn, FridayNew 6:00 am and - 7:00 pm WhereLook children play grow! Open Monday -- Friday 6:00 • Dropam ins - 7:00 pm • Infants, toddlers, Ga Lottery Pre K, 3271 Turner Hill Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038 3271 Turner Hill Rd, Lithonia, GA ages 30038 K4, and school Open Monday -(678) Friday 6:00 am 7:00 pm • ABEKA Curriculum & Creative 691-5187 (678) 691-5187 Curriculum

• Ages: 6 weeks – 5 years old • Before & afterschool /schoolages • Healthy meals • Field trips highlighting local nature and attractions

3271 Turner Hill Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038 Open Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 7:00 pm (678) 691-5187

3271 Turner Hill Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038 • 687.691.5187 New customers (up to 15% off up until 05/22/20, offer expires 10/18/19)


PAGE 8 •SEPTEMBER 20, 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 900 N. Hairston Rd. 404-294-8500

Suite B Stone Mountain, Spalding Dentistry GAGentle 30083 6460 Spalding Drive 404-294-8500 Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.