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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 37
DECEMBER 27, 2019
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Voices of Faith Ministries showers single mom with donations after rats destroyed her furniture
B
ennice Lovelace and her 8-year-old daughter received an outpouring of support from her church family, Voices of Faith Ministries, after the congregation learned that rats had destroyed all of her furniture at People Self Storage on Salem Road in Covington. Lovelace put her furniture in storage for six month after losing her home when her hours were cut at UPS, where she worked. When she got back on her feet, she found that her furniture was ruined while in storage. Three days before Christmas, congregation members at the church’s Stone Mountain and Conyers campuses showered Lovelace with an abundance of donations and offers to help her set up her two-bedroom apartment. A long line formed during all three of the church’s worship services. “This is a woman who has been very faithful. She never stop coming to church and praising the Lord, in spite of all that she was going through. She
The Toney Valley Civic Association in District 3 received the Ernest Prather Community Award, which was accepted by Barbara J. Mobley.
21st Annual Tree of Love assists needy families, celebrates community champions
D
department store, also honors community champions. “We look forward to giving back to the community and helping the least of these by providing presents to those who may not otherwise receive anything for Christmas,” Johnson said. “We also salute those who have given throughout the year through various projects and initiatives.” This year, the Toney Valley Civic Association in District 3 received the Ernest Prather Community Award, which was accepted by Barbara J. Mobley. The 37-year-old civic association hosts various fundraisers such as its Black & White Mask Ball, held in October, to raise funds to support the nonprofit’s annual student scholarship awards, Neighborhood Watch and Safety,
24 men indicted in “Operation Interception” child sex sting
A
SEE DONATION page 7
eKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson served more than 500 needy children this holiday season through his annual Tree of Love celebration, and honored community champions who are making a difference in the lives of others. Johnson’s program, in its 21st year, assists children in foster care, as well as low-income and singleparent households. Community residents and others buy Christmas presents for the families after picking their names from the Tree of Love. The gifts are presented to the families on the Saturday before Christmas during a holiday program that includes music, entertainment and greetings from elected officials. The program, held at The Gallery at South DeKalb mall, outside Macy’s
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Votin’ In The Valley, Toney Valley clean-ups, Breakfast with Santa, The Toney Voice newsletter, Toney Elementary School partnerships through donated books, community garden, staff and administration recognition and other projects. Joseph Little received the Lou Walker Citizen Award for his commitment in volunteering for 17 years in District 3. Johnson said Little helps recruit other volunteers and “comes early and stays late” for events and community activities. Johnson also paid a special tribute to his mother, the late Diana M. Johnson, who passed away in 2017. Johnson said he used his own personal money to fund the award in his mother’s memory because he appreciated the sacrifice that she made in
SEE TREE page 7
DeKalb County Grand Jury has indicted 24 men for allegedly soliciting minors for sex in connection with a multi-jurisdictional undercover operation that took place in early 2019. The suspects charged in the “Operation Interception” sting range in age from 20 to 55 time of the crime. The men were charged with at least one count of Utilizing an Electronic Device to Seduce, Solicit, or Entice a Child, in separate indictments returned by Grand Jurors this month. Other charges included Human Trafficking, Criminal Attempt to Commit Aggravated Child Molestation, and Obscene Internet Contact with a Child. The charges against the defendants stem from a five-day undercover operation based in Brookhaven beginning January 30, 2019 through Super Bowl weekend in Atlanta. According to the investigation, the men contacted decoys online, believing they were 14-year-old children, and either engaged in sexually explicit conversations with them and/or distributed obscene photographs to them. Many traveled to Brookhaven with the intent of meeting a child for sex. They were instead arrested by undercover agents after arriving at the designated meeting location. The operation was coordinated by the GBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Brookhaven Police Department. Following indictment, the defendants will be scheduled for arraignment and later, trial. The cases are being prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Sexual Exploitation and Crimes Against Children (SECAC) Unit, which conducted an extensive preindictment investigation. The list of the defendants and the charges on which they were indicted are outlined as follows:
See Defendant chart on page 7
PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 27, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
DeKalb County Fire Rescue is hiring firefighters Interested in becoming a firefighter with DeKalb County Fire Rescue? The next open application period begins Dec. 29. The hiring process with DeKalb County Fire Rescue consist of the following steps: Initial Application Demonstration of Aptitude - Candidates can demonstrate aptitude by providing any of the following: • Currently licensed by National Registry or State of Georgia Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) or above • Completion of an Associates Degree or higher from an accredited college or university • Submitting standardized test scores, taken within 36 months of application, that meet the minimum scores accepted by DeKalb County Fire Rescue (see below) - SAT: Verbal/Critical Reading - 430 and Math - 400 - ACT: English - 17, Math - 17, and Reading - 15 - ASSET: Reading - 38, Writing - 38, and Math - 39 - COMPASS: Reading - 70, Writing - 38, Algebra or Pre-Algebra - 37 - ACCUPLACER: Reading Comprehension - 55, Sentence Skills - 60, and Arithmetic - 34 • Physical Agility Test (PAT) • Oral Interview • Background screening • Medical Evaluation and Physical To fill out a Job Interest Form, visit: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/ fire-rescue/become-dekalb-firefighter. A recruiter will contact you personally to discuss a career with DeKalb County Fire Rescue. Inquiries and requests for more information can be sent to: dcfrrecruiting@dekalbcountyga.gov or 678-406-7778.
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
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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.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com
DECEMBER 27, 2019 • PAGE 3
Lithonia Mayor Shameka Reynolds’ swearing-in ceremony set Jan. 6
L
ithonia 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, Mayor-elect 7 p.m., at Lithonia Shameka S. Reynolds Middle School, 2451 Randall Ave., Lithonia. Chief Judge Tunde Akinyele will administer the oaths of office. Reynolds moves up to the city’s top leadership position after serving on the City Council for eight years. She is the granddaughter of the late W.G. and Ammer Reynolds, founders of historic Tri-Cities Funeral Home in Lithonia, which she now owns and manages with her parents and brother. Reynolds, who will turn 44 on Jan. 30. With his election in November, Honore’ is making a return to public office. He first served on the City Council after defeating incumbent Marcia Woods Glenn for the office of mayor in 2003. Honore and Vanneriah Wynn, who had never run for office before, were the top two highest vote getters in a three-way race for two open seats on the council. The community is invited to attend the celebration. To RSVP, contact the City Clerk’s office at 770-482-8136 or e-mail cityclerk@lithoniacity.org.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary’s swearing-in ceremony, reception set Jan. 7 Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary will be sworn into office for his second term on Tuesday, Jan. 7. A meetand-greet reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the swearing-in ceremony at 7 p.m., in the small chapel at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest. DeKalb County State Court Judge Ronald B. Ramsey will administer the oath of office. Remarks will be brought by New Birth’s senior pastor, Jamal Bryant; Union First Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Edward L. Randolph, Jr.; State Rep. Vernon Jones, District 91; and others. The community is invited to attend.
Mayor Jason Lary
DeKalb CEO Thurmond proposes cost-of-living increase for county retirees For the second consecutive year, DeKalb County retirees and beneficiaries could receive a two-percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). “After 14 years with no cost of living increases for DeKalb County retirees, we commend the CEO and the Board of Commissioners for recognizing this problem,” said Janice Henck, vice president of the DeKalb County Retired Employees Association. “We appreciate the CEO Michael Thurmond funds being included for the second year in a row in the proposed 2020 budget.” Approximately 11,000 retirees and beneficiaries would benefit from the increase, which is included in DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s proposed fiscal year 2020 budget submitted to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 13. The annualized cost of the adjustment will be $2.1 million, if commissioners approve the increase, which would become effective on July 1, 2020. Before receiving a two percent increase in July 2019, retirees had not received a COLA in 14 years. “We are able to propose this much-needed increase because the county has made prudent financial decisions for the past three budget cycles,” Thurmond said. The budget will be voted on by the Board of Commissioners no later than Feb. 28, 2020.
WSJ’s Cameron McWhirter to keynote DeKalb NAACP Jubilee event on Jan. 1 Cameron McWhirter, to not only be a celebration historian, author and but an educational event for reporter for The Wall families. Street Journal’s Atlanta “We celebrate the Bureau, will keynote signing of the Emancipation the DeKalb NAACP’s Proclamation on Jan. Jubilee Celebration 1 because it is our on Jan. 1, 10 a.m., at Independence Day,” said Rainbow Park Baptist Hardy. Church, 2941 Columbia Attorney D.E. Smith, Cameron McWhirter, reporter who is chairing this year’s Drive, Decatur with The Wall Street Journal Steven Dial, senior event, said historic events pastor. such as the NAACP’s annual McWhirter will discuss his book, Emancipation Proclamation “Red Summer: The Summer of should be a priority and he, too, 1919 and the Awakening of Black is encouraging the community to America,” which examines the attend. horrific summer of 1919 when anti“Too many of us either don't black race riots broke out in more know it or worse, don't care,” than 33 cities across the country. Smith said. “We'd rather celebrate DeKalb NAACP President the 4th of July, which freed those Teresa Hardy is encouraging the of European descent and left us in community to come out and support slavery.” the celebration, which is intended President Abraham Lincoln
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issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863 as a war-time necessity mainly to deprive the South of free labor. The measure
freed black slaves who were living in Confederate States that were in rebellion against the United States: Arkansas, Mississippi,
SEE JUBILEE page 7
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.
PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 27, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Dee Dawkins-Haigler to launch book:
“A Message to Our Daughters: Turning Trials into Triumphs” Former State Rep. Dee DawkinsHaigler and 15 other women on New Year’s Day are launching a collection of heart-felt messages to inspire, encourage and empower a new generation of young women in the wake of a murdered Clark-Atlanta University student. The book, entitled “A Message to Our Daughters: Turning Trials into Triumphs,” was compiled by DawkinsHaigler and will launch on Jan. 1 at www.amazon.com. “After the murder of Clark Atlanta University student Alexis Crawford at the hands of her roommate and the roommate’s boyfriend, we felt compelled to share our stories of faith, perseverance and the ability to overcome all situations with young women in hopes that would know that
trials could be turned into triumphs,” Dawkins-Haigler said. Alexis Crawford, 21, was found dead in a park, 11 miles from the apartment she shared with her roommate, Jordyn Jones, who, along with Jones’ boyfriend, Barron Brantley, were charged with premeditated murder in Crawford’s death in November. Police said Crawford died of asphyxiation. She filed a complaint three days before she disappeared, stating that she was drunk and believed Brantly sexually assaulted her in her apartment bathroom. The book was authored by a diverse group of women who are part of a membership organization of mothers who have children who from 2 to 19 years old.
DeKalb County Parks to host community meeting on Hairston Park improvements The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a community meeting to review upcoming park improvements for Hairston Park, Stone Mountain. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m., at the DeKalb Watershed Management Building, 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur. The meeting will take place in conference room A. Information will be provided on current park improvements and recreation projects. For . information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@ dekalbcountyga.gov.
DeKalb offers free Christmas tree curbside collection The DeKalb County Sanitation Division is offering free Christmas tree curbside collection for residents within its service area, through Friday, Jan. 10. Trees will be collected during residents’ regularly scheduled sanitation collection service days. To participate, residents must remove all decorations from trees and place them curbside. Tree length must be 7 feet or less. Trees that cannot be trimmed to the required size may be taken to the county-owned Seminole Road Landfill or collected by the Sanitation Division’s special collection unit (fees may apply). All trees will be recycled and converted to mulch.
For more information about free Christmas tree curbside collection, to arrange for a special collection for larger trees or to inquire about general sanitation-related services, contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga. gov, visit www.dekalbsanitation.com or follow the Sanitation Division on Twitter @ DKalbSanitation.
Rockdale Democratic Party to hold elections for leadership positions The Rockdale Democratic Party will have its first general meeting of 2020 on Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m., at a location to be determined. Save the date! During the meeting, elections will be held for Post 2 Precinct captains, At-Large Precinct captains and open board seats. Post 2 precinct captains: Those who are interested in running must email a letter of interest to the board. At-large precinct captains: All seats will be reviewed for reappointment by the Board. Open board seats: There are vacancies for 2nd V. Chair and Secretary. Eligible candidates must have served as Precinct Captain for at least 30 days prior to the election. Precinct captains and board members who are elected will be asked to sign a Declaration of Involvement of the Party and Commitments. The Party also is recruiting members to serve on several committees in preparation for the 2020 Elections. Prior experience is not a requirement. The following committees need participants: • Political Action • Education
Hillcrest Church of Christ
1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm
BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Hillcrest Church of Christ”.
• Finance • Community Action • Women... In It 4 the Blue • Membership/Recruitment • Hospitality Those who are interested in running for precinct captain, a board seat or serving on a committee should e-mail rcdpeb@gmail.com.
Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful to host “Bring One for the Chipper” program Recycle your live Christmas tree! Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) will host the “Bring One for the Chipper” program at the Home Depot, 1330 Dogwood Drive, Conyers on Saturday, Jan. 4, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Chipper program offers citizens the opportunity to dispose their cut trees at a central location in the community, while recycling the trees for reuse for a good cause. Across the state, thousands of volunteers in hundreds of Georgia’s communities come together for the Chipper event. Since its inception in 1991, more than 27 years ago, the program has collected more than 6 million trees for beneficial reuse. The mulch from these trees has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects and individual yards. For more information on the tree recycling program or other community recycling projects, contact Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful, at 770-278-7052 or by email at kcrb@ rockdalecountyga.gov.
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DECEMBER 27, 2019 • PAGE 5
Spreading Holiday Cheer
Local chess master Orrin C. Hudson gives the gift of learning at holiday chess workshop By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer
State Rep. Vernon Jones sponsors bike drive for needy kids State Rep. Vernon Jones, District 91, remembers how tough life can be as a farmer and he’s motivated to spread goodwill, especially toward kids, this time of year. “My parents were farmers. Sometimes, we didn’t get anything for Christmas, if the crops didn’t do well,” Jones said. “Everybody else would have new bikes and we would have to ride theirs. We would have to have Christmas at another time.” This year, Jones received donations of about 40 bikes that he provided to DeKalb County’s Child Advocacy Center, which sponsors a program called “Hope for the Holidays” to assist children who are no longer in foster care. Jones said he began supporting the program several years ago when he was DeKalb County’s CEO. “I just continue to do it because I like to see children happy, especially during Christmas,” Jones said. Jones said he thanks the community for its support in heeding his call for bicycles(he used FB to reach out) and he thanked partner, Atlanta Pro Bikes, which assembled the bicycles, checking the air pressure, tires and brakes at no charge. “They (Atlanta Pro Bikes) were awesome. We couldn’t have done it without all of those who were generous enough to provide the bikes,” Jones said. “ I know those bikes made a lot of kids happy on Christmas Day.”
Redan Soul Line Dancers adopt family of 8 children for Christmas The Redan Soul Line Dancers in DeKalb County helped spread some holiday cheer by pitching in to buy Christmas presents for a single mother with eight children. The dancers were able to assist the family through an organization called Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure (H.O.M.E.). “We enjoy coming together dancing, but we love helping the community and others. It is truly a blessing to be a blessing and to share the true meaning of Christmas,” the organization said in a statement. The group has held dancing events to also help raise funds for people with dementia, DeKalb County Senior Olympics and the Redan Recreation Booster Club for children and adult mentoring programs. The Redan Soul Line Dancers offer free classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 am. For more information, call the Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia, at 770-4925434.
children become the champions God created them to be.” Guests who attended the event A group of people packed a got a sample of Hudson’s high morning chess camp and breakfast energy and engaging teaching hungry for knowledge at the style while learning strategies to International House of Pancakes in help them succeed in the new year. Stone Mountain on Dec. 23. The Congressman Hank Johnson dropped pre-holiday workshop gave parents by the event, as well as State Rep. and children an introduction to chess Vernon Jones (District 91); and fundamentals and the opportunity to former DeKalb County educator, Dr. meet and learn from internationallyLonnie Edwards. known chess champion Orrin C. Hudson said he appreciated Dr. Hudson, founder of the nonprofit Edwards, who has been a long-time mentoring organization, Be Someone. supporter. Edwards purchased copies More than 30 adults and children of Hudson’s book, “One Move at a huddled around Hudson’s giant Time,” chess boards and T-shirts to chess board to learn strategies and help other young people “get in the techniques to win on the chess board game.” and in life. Hudson, who has been Each participant who attended also teaching chess for over three decades, received a free backpack filled with says playing chess regularly improves school supplies sponsored by Kings critical thinking, concentration, of Support Foundation. To learn creativity and even raises IQ. more about Hudson’s work, visit "I’m just trying to do my part to besomeone.org. serve the community and help our
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Rockdale County Clerk of Superior and State Courts Approachable • Accessible • Accountable
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PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 27, 2019
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Tony Terry receives keys to City of Stonecrest R&B recording artist Tony Terry swooned guests with his hit song, “When I’m With You,” as he kicked off the Dec. 20 holiday celebration hosted by the City of Stonecrest at the AEI Startup Factory. Mayor Jason Lary presented Terry with keys to the city at the benefit event, which included buffet food bars, live entertainment and dancing. Terry, who lives in the metro Atlanta
area, said he was thrilled to be honored by Mayor Lary. Proceeds supported Stonecrest Fest, Inc. to assist families in crisis. The nonprofit hosts cultural festivals to support community businesses and educational venues and events. Al Franklin, the city’s community and cultural affairs director, said about 175 people attended.
Mayor Jason Lary (left) and Al Franklin (far right) pose for a snapshot with Tony Terry.
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 Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. The John K. Morgan 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. Past recipients of the John K. Morgan Scholarship are: Sonca Pham (2011), Mary Ann Rhoden (2012), Shavontae Yoakum (2013), Sophia Moll (2014) and Donovan Norfleet (2014),
Lilia Perju (2015), Jessica Quevedo (2016), Ivy Gonzalez (2017), Amber Boles (2018) and Faith Shamley (2019). 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 the evening of the scholarship presentations at Rockdale Career Academy on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 6 p.m. The F. William Hughey Community Service Award will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding, collaborative community service in the Rockdale community. A $500 cash donation will also be made to a community organization that serves the Rockdale community as selected by the recipient of this award. Past recipients of the F. William Hughey Com-
munity Service Award are: Mike and Nadine Yoder (2011), Ron Simpson (2012), Lillis Brown (2013), Reverend Al Sadler (2014), Ed Conway (2015), Claire Cline (2016), Levette Thompson (2017), Dr. Doreen Williams (2018) and Jeff Beech (2019). Nominations for the Hughey Community Service Award are also due no later than Jan. 31, 2020. Applications for the Rockdale Coalition John K. Morgan Scholarship and nomination forms for the F. William Hughey Community Service Award are available for download 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.
City of Stonecrest 2019 Annual SPLOST Financial Report (as required by OCGA 48-8-122)
SPLOST I Projects
Year Approved
Original Estimated Cost
Amount Expended (Current Year)
Total Amount Expended
Project Completed This Year?
Estimated Completion Date
Project On Target?
Project Underfunded
Excess Funds
$10,000,000
Amount Expended (Prior Year) $-
Resurfacing Transportation Improvements Parks & Recreation Multi-modal Improvements Capital Improvements Comprehensive Transportation Improvement & Design Plan SPLOST Program Management TOTAL
2017
$2,951,483
$2,951,483
No
2024
Yes
No
$-
2017
$18,039,000
$-
$-
$-
No
2024
Yes
No
$-
2017
$5,000,000
$-
$672,824
$672,824
No
2024
Yes
No
$-
2017
$3,240,000
$-
$-
$-
No
2024
Yes
No
$-
2017
7,161,000
$-
$107,525
$107,525
No
2024
Yes
No
$-
2017
$500,000
$-
$-
$-
No
2024
Yes
No
$-
2017
$3,820,000
$-
$34,321
$34,321
No
2024
Yes
No
$-
$47,760,000
$-
$3,766,153
$3,766,153
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DEFENDANT continued from page 1
DECEMBER 27, 2019 • PAGE 7
TREE continued from page 1 raising him alone, encouraging him as he pursued his college degree and professional and political careers. The Diana M. Johnson award, along with $200, went to Alexis Newton, a single mother from Augusta who is raising eight sons alone. Johnson said Mothers Offering Resources to Everyone (M.O.R.E.), a mentoring program he has supported for years, recommended Newton for the award. This year marked the second year for the award. Johnson praised Newton as a hard worker and devoted mother in saluting her. “She completed her GED in 2010. She earned her college degree… She works full time. All of her boys play sports. They are very active. She’s part of the PTA in all of their schools. It’s been hard but not impossible. She is the picture of hard work and determination,” Johnson told the audience. Newton said she was grateful to be honored and offered words of encouragement to other parents who may be struggling financially or with drug or alcohol addiction. “I just want to thank God. I come from nothing… It can be done,” said Newton.
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DONATION continued from page 1 never complained. She stayed focus. She’s a very private person and did not want to come up,” said Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder of Voices of Faith. “I want you all to bless her, help her in any way that you can.” Bishop Hawkins said Lovelace’s plight came to his attention after CBS46 did a news story on Lovelace. Lovelace told CBS46 when she reported to storage management that her furniture had been destroyed, she ran into a dead end. “I advised him that my storage unit was full of rat feces and urine, and he stated they have had a rat problem, and they had Orkin out for more than five years, and they were aware of the situation,” Lovelace told CBS46. Lovelace said the manager said, however, since she did not include insurance coverage on her contract, there wasn’t anything they could do about her furniture. Bishop Hawkins said God is bigger.
JUBILEE continued from page 3 Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, parts of Louisiana (New Orleans was among areas excluded) and parts of Virginia (portions which later became West Virginia were excluded). The Emancipation Proclamation also allowed willing black men to enlist in the United States Armed forces. Each Jan. 1, the DeKalb County NAACP’s Jubilee program consists of a theme, a keynote
speaker, music by the Rainbow Park Baptist Church Choir and an educational program booklet. The 2020 theme is “The promise of America is not the promise to us. Admission is free to attend the program, however, registration is encouraged. Go online to register at: www. naacpdekalb.org. For more information, call 404241-8006 or email info@naacpdekalb.org.
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