the DeKalb FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020 • VOL. 24, NO.

48 • FREE

SERVING EAST ATLANTA, AVONDALE ESTATES, BROOKHAVEN, CHAMBLEE, CLARKSTON, DECATUR, DORAVILLE, DUNWOODY, LITHONIA, PINE LAKE, STONE MOUNTAIN, STONECREST AND TUCKER • A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

Attendees of the Mike Glenn exhibit’s debut included Decatur Active Living’s Greg White, Decatur commissioners Tony Powers and Kelly Walsh, Decatur City Manager Andrea Arnold, Nettie
Douglass (Great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington and great-great-granddaughter of Frederick Douglass), and former NBA player Reggie Johnson. Photos provided by Terrance Carter

Former NBA star reflects on Decatur exhibit

BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Mike Glenn spent 10
years playing for various teams
in the NBA, and then moved
on to doing commentary for
Fox Sports’ broadcasts of
Atlanta Hawks games.
Glenn said he has received
a lot of attention thanks
to his collection of books,
though most of his collection
has nothing to do with the
NBA. Instead, his collection
includes books and documents
published as early as the 1770s
that detail African American
life and culture in the United
States.
Glenn’s book collection
has turned into an exhibit
called Once He Learns How
to Read: A Legacy of Literacy
and was on display Jan. 6
through Jan. 22 at the Decatur
Public Library.
“I use rare books, first
edition books all the way back
from the 1700s… and also
stamps,” Glenn said.
Glenn’s goal is for
viewers of his exhibit to
connect the spirit, goals, and
successes of the abolition
movement of Boston to the
Civil Rights Movement of
Atlanta, according to Glenn
and Decatur Active Living’s
Greg White. Glenn partnered
with the Decatur Education
Foundation, Decatur Library,
Decatur Active Living and
Decatur High School to help
bring his exhibit to life.
“I was trying to make
a connection between the
abolitionists of Boston…
and civil rights,” Glenn said.
“Some of those were identical
battles and their successes
need to be studied and learned
from.”
Glenn’s exhibit includes
petitions, slave narratives,
and documents on ride-ins,
boycotts, religion and military
heroics, according to White.
“My favorite book
throughout history is the
Narrative of the Life of
Frederick Douglass,” Glenn
said. “The most valuable book
in that collection is Phillis
Wheatley’s Poems on Various
Subjects, Religious and Moral
…it’s hard to choose from so
many things that I really love.”
Glenn has been writing

Mike Glenn with Patti Garrett, mayor of Decatur.

SEE EXHIBIT ON PAGE 7

Visit www.TheChampionNewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.

 LOCAL
LITHONIA
Pastor Jamal Bryant talks about how he hopes to see more churches in
the area to work on similar initiatives. Photos by Jay Phillips
RIP Medical Debt,
New Birth help
DeKalb residents
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Atlanta Hawks’ point
guard Trae Young made
headlines throughout the
first two weeks of January
for a donation he made that
wiped out more than $1
million of medical debt for
Atlanta residents.
Young partnered
with RIP Medical Debt,
a nonprofit organization
which allows donors to
erase public medical debts.
RIP Medical Debt rose to
prominence after a segment
on John Oliver’s Last
Week Tonight, when the
organization erased $15
million in debt with only
$60,000.
RIP Medical Debt now
has a new partner that is
helping erase the debt of
DeKalb County residents.
RIP Medical Debt
and New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church partnered
in November of 2019 to
help erase the debt of 1,200
DeKalb residents.
“This effort has truly
helped families start the
new year without the stress,
worry and concern that
often accompanies looming
medical bills and calls from
debt collectors,” said New
Birth Missionary Baptist
Church senior pastor Jamal
Bryant.
New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church wasn’t
allowed to communicate
with those they helped, but
DeKalb resident Dorothy
Malcome was so moved by
the action that she came to
New Birth to thank them
in person, even though she
wasn’t a member of the
church, according to Erik
Burton of New Birth.
“Miracles do happen,”
Malcome said. “It was right
on time…That was the best
Christmas present ever.”
Malcome was born in
Macon and raised in Atlanta.
During her time in Atlanta,
she has been an elevator
operator at a hotel in
Buckhead, she also danced
on James Brown’s show
Future Shock, and started a
family.
Malcome was
diagnosed with carpal tunnel
syndrome which required
surgery on both wrists;
she has also undergone
knee replacements in both
knees, had an ovarian tumor
removed and other medical
issues that caused her to
accrue a large amount of
debt.
Malcome said she
received a letter in the mail
from New Birth Missionary
Baptist Church telling her
that her medical debt had
been paid.
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 2
Pastor Jamal Bryant hugs Dorothy Malcome.
“When I first got the doesn’t want this initiative we don’t want to be the only
letter, I thought it was a
hoax,” Malcome said. “Then
I just ran around the house
thanking God… I was so
to end here. According to
Bryant, New Birth wants to
turn it into a yearly event for
themselves and encourage
[church erasing medical debt
in this area], we’re just glad
to be the first one.”
According to the
happy… It’s overwhelming. other local churches to join church, nearly $1.3 million
I’m just lost for words. I’m in. in medical debt was erased
very thankful to New Birth “Even though we’re a through its community
for choosing my family and global church, we’re making outreach effort with RIP
blessing us with this debt a local impact,” Bryant said. Medical Debt, with an
relief.” “We have to do it again. average resolved medical
Bryant said that he We’re of the mindset that debt of $1,065.
Proposed Substantial Amendment to the 2019-2023
Consolidated Plan, including the 2019 Annual Action Plan
Comprehensive Property Condition Survey for
Unincorporated DeKalb County
DeKalb County is proposing to amend to the 2019-2023 Consolidated
Plan, including the 2019 Annual Action Plan for the Comprehensive Property
Condition Survey for Unincorporated DeKalb County. The Community
Development Department seeks to utilize $112,842 in 2019 CDBG Program
Income to complete the Phase II of the survey.
The objective is to develop a detailed geocoded inventory of blighted
properties in unincorporated DeKalb County. This will also serve as a tool to
prioritize blighted issues based on property conditions. Phases III and IV will be
completed using County General funds.
All citizens are invited to view the proposed substantial amendment to this
program from January 22, 2020 to February, 20 2020 on the DeKalb County
Community Development website, https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/
community-development/public-notices
DeKalb County Community Development Department
750 Commerce Drive, Suite 401, Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 371-2727
Fax: (404) 371-2742
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Comment forms may be obtained and completed at the above listed
location. Comments may also be faxed or emailed to the Community
Development Department.
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Visitors of the DeKalb Board of Ethics website are greeted by this photo, indicating that the board is “under
construction,” or waiting for approval to appoint members.
“Simple fix” to ethics code
supported by DeKalb commission
BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
A resolution supporting a “simple fix”
to the controversial DeKalb County Code of
Ethics, which establishes the county’s Board
of Ethics, was approved by DeKalb County
commissioners Jan. 13 in a 5-2 vote.
Commissioners’ proposed fix would
only change the appointment process
of ethics board members, a fix vocally
supported by Dekalb residents at recent
board of commissioner’s meetings.
“The only part that has been changed
is the appointment process. That’s what
the people asked for and that’s what
we’re doing,” said Commissioner Kathie
Gannon, who sponsored the resolution
along with commissioners Steve Bradshaw
and Lorraine-Cochran Johnson.
The ethics board has been dormant
and unable to make recommendations on
the more than 40 complaints received since
August 2018 when the Georgia Supreme
Court ruled the board was unconstitutional
due to its members being appointed by non-
elected entities.
Commissioner Larry Johnson voted
against the resolution, stating that the
resolution was rushed and processes were
not followed by first getting approval
by the county’s operations committee.
Commissioner Mereda Davis-Johnson
agreed, adding that the ethics bill needed
more changes.
“You have one person [the
ethics officer] taking the information,
deciding whether there is probable
cause, investigating the case, bringing
it to the [ethics] board, then making a
recommendation,” said Davis-Johnson. “If
someone brings an ethics charge against me
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 3
BROOKHAVEN
Tax district approved for newly
annexed Brookhaven community
BY ASIA ASHLEY
Asia@dekalbchamp.com
The recently annexed Lavista Park area into the city
of Brookhaven from unincorporated DeKalb County will
now be part of a special tax district. Those 676 properties
were annexed by the Brookhaven City Council on Dec. 10
using the 60 percent method, which requires 60 percent of
registered voters in the proposed area to agree to be annexed.
The special tax district for Lavista Park was approved
by Brookhaven City Council Jan. 14 following the the city’s
adoption of a new policy for annexed communities which
was approved Sept. 24.
City Manager Christian Sigman said the tax district
was created for the new city communities to pay for
for ethics, I want it to be fair. I don’t want it infrastructure improvements and support services that will
to be biased on one side or the other. bring the new areas up to city of Brookhaven’s standards.
Prior to the August 2018 ruling, Funds generated through the additional ad valorem property
members of the ethics board were appointed taxes on the properties will help fund maintenance of the
by DeKalb Bar Association, DeKalb streets, sidewalks, parks, and law enforcement in the Lavista
Legislative Delegation, DeKalb Chamber of Park area.
Commerce, DeKalb universities, Leadership Burke Brennan, communications director for
DeKalb, the chief judge of DeKalb’s Brookhaven, explained that those in the tax district
superior court and a DeKalb probate court will continue to pay the tax rate they were paying as
judge. However, DeKalb Bar Association, unincorporated DeKalb County residents, and the difference
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, DeKalb between the county rate and city of Brookhaven’s rate will
universities and Leadership DeKalb are not be used in the tax district.
considered elected entities. “It’s equitable to taxpayers that are already in
DeKalb commissioners’ resolution Brookhaven, so they’re not obligated to another area,”
proposes that those entities be allowed Brennan said.
to make nominations to the board, and The special tax district will remain in effect until
then be confirmed by appointing officials. abolished by the city council.
Commissioners are recommending
appointments be made by: chief judge
of DeKalb Superior Court, chief judge
of DeKalb Probate Court, chief judge of
DeKalb Magistrate Court, chief judge
of DeKalb State Court, DeKalb tax
commissioner, majority vote of Dekalb’s
House delegation and majority vote of 8SHE]’W
DeKalb’s Senate delegation. 7TIGMEP
During the November 2019 election,
DeKalb voters turned down a proposed More than a bank.
ethics reform bill, Senate Bill 7, largely due
to changes that would have replaced the Your good partner.
ethics officer with an ethics administrator SBA Loan
who has fewer duties. The bill also would
Steve Bae 678.385.0815
Commercial Loan
have required county employees to first Jeannie Yoo 470.514.1022
file complaints through the county’s Home Loan (NMLS#236883)
Jin Myung Lee 470.514.1712
human resources department for remedy
and changed which entities could make HQ / Loan Center Home Loan New York LPO* Dallas (TX) LPO * Colorado LPO* Duluth Branch
(678) 385-0826 (470) 514-1712 (646) 912-9456 (972) 247-1788 (720) 925-5978 (678) 385-0800
appointments to the board. Doraville Branch Johns Creek Branch Sugarloaf Branch Chamblee Branch McGinnis Branch Houston (TX)
DeKalb County’s recommendations (678) 385-0840 (678) 892-7000 (678) 892-7020 (678) 892-7030 (678) 892-7040 (713) 821-3570
*Loan Production Office
will be sent to members of the county’s
legislative delegation as the Georgia General
Assembly prepares to revisit the ethics topic
in the coming weeks.
OPINION
Dodging the bullet—literally and figuratively
When tensions in the Middle
East between the United States,
Iran and Iraq escalated to the point
of Iran firing missiles Jan. 7 at Ain
al-Asad U.S air base in western
Iraq and Iraq’s Erbil International
Airport, many throughout the world
braced for what was believed to
be inevitable—another war in the
Middle East with the U.S. being
involved.
Luckily the airstrikes against
U.S. targets did not result in any
deaths and did what has been called
minimal damage. There has been
much speculation by many that
the intent of the airstrikes was not
to cause death and or destruction
but rather to show the U.S. and the
Iranian people that their government
did not back down from retaliating
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The CHAMPION
John Hewitt
johnh@dekalbchamp.com
against the U.S. after the death of
Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.
The day following the airstrikes,
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah
Ali Khamenei referred to the
missile strikes as a “slap in the face”
for the U.S. and said U.S. troops
must immediately leave the region.
Rather than withdrawing troops
as Khamenei had suggested, days
prior to the missile attacks, the
U.S. sent more than 3,000 military
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 4
service personnel to the Middle
East in preparation for the expected
retaliation by Iran.
As this conflict continues to
play out, there will no doubt be more
back-and-forth threats, accusations
and reactions between U.S. President
Donald Trump and Khamenei. It is
highly unlikely that American forces
will be decreased and more likely
that their presence and numbers
will dramatically increase over the
coming weeks and months.
The Middle East region has
been in conflict for centuries and
according to Wikipedia, since
1902, there have been 96 verified
conflicts that resulted in at least 100
casualties. U.S. presidents Harry
Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower,
John F. Kennedy, Lyndon
Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald
Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald
Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill
Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack
Obama and Donald Trump have
all been involved in conflicts in
the region and each has been both
ridiculed and praised for their
perceived accomplishments and
failures.
I fear that we will soon reach
a breaking point after so many
failed attempts at realizing peace
in the Middle East. My opinion on
the matter can be easily surmised
by the Albert Einstein definition
of insanity, “doing the same thing
over and over again and expecting
different results.”
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 5

“I look forward to broad

A man with a plan the long-challenged corridor of game still has more than a few
participation in this process ‘One Man’s Memorial Drive in DeKalb County. handicaps. Personally, I view that
and receiving the insights Working with the county as a plus—hell, nobody’s perfect. I
and suggestions from various Opinion’ department of planning and zoning, would much rather have public
stakeholders,” said DeKalb County Bradshaw first believed in the need officials spending long hours in
Commissioner Steve Bradshaw Bill Crane to gather data on area employers, endless meetings trying to build
(4th District) as the county kicked bill.csicrane@gmail.com desires and trends noted by long-time consensus and find solutions
off public meetings regarding the local residents and holding public than refining their scratch golf
revitalization of the Memorial Drive meetings to seek input before hiring game on our time. Keep swinging
Corridor. and has learned with others, as knowledgeable, outside and typically Commissioner. You’ll get us there.
Much like fictional Army well as serving in a wide array of private sector consultants to write a
Special Forces Commander community leadership positions. fancy, if not fanciful, redevelopment Bill Crane also serves as a
“Hannibal” Smith of the A-Team, A 26-year resident of DeKalb plan. And while it is far too early political analyst and commentator
there are a lot of us who love to see County and District 4 near Clarkston, to declare victory, signs of life are for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
a good plan come together. And Bradshaw has well demonstrated his beginning to form along the troubled AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
former U.S. Army Captain and good judgment and talent for picking thoroughfare. His work across FM, as well as a columnist for The
Gulf War veteran, DeKalb County good people through his marriage the 4th District is also evident in Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
Commissioner Steve Bradshaw is to Diane Bradshaw, his wife of 32 expanding and improving parks and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
definitely a man with a plan. years. The two began life as a young green spaces across the region, while native and business owner, living
Elected to his first term Army couple, traveling the world also partnering and supporting the in Scottdale. You can reach him
overwhelmingly in 2016, together; Diane recently retired after initiatives of other members of the or comment on a column at bill.
Bradshaw was recently elected the also serving our community as a commission to improve theirs. csicrane@gmail.com. 
commission’s presiding officer by nurse, primarily at Emory Decatur Though I have not had the
his peer commissioners after serving Hospital (formerly DeKalb Medical pleasure of spending an afternoon
two years as deputy presiding officer. Center) for 26 years. on the links with Commissioner
Bradshaw runs meetings with an With his quarterly breakfast Bradshaw, it is my understanding
open mind and ears—something meetings and regular time out in the that after 25 years as a golfer, his
entirely too rare these days on district, Bradshaw keeps an ear to
the local government scene, and the ground and is constantly seeking
particularly noted by someone who input as well as paying attention to
has sat among those audiences for what is “percolating,” good and bad,
decades. across the 4th District.
As with his Army service, Though the credit can be shared
where Bradshaw was an Airborne across the county, his district and
School graduate and received two our state—times are generally
commendations in addition to a good. Employment and investments
Meritorius Service Medal, Bradshaw are up, crime is down and area
understands chain of command, property values are surging. While
works effectively as part of a team, Clarkston, Stone Mountain and the
has keen perception and pays primarily East DeKalb district were
attention to what’s going on around once viewed as struggling, pockets
him; his attributes allowed a veteran similar to Scottdale, annexation-
of combat and multiple tours in hungry Clarkston and the Tucker/
theaters to come home fully in one Stone Mountain Industrial corridor,
piece. now sport some of the most popular
After his time in uniform, “move-in” Zip codes in metro
Bradshaw spent 20 years in the Atlanta.
private sector, primarily on the sales Bradshaw could have chosen to
and operations side of corporations just sit back, as others in this position
such as Delta Global Staffing. Later previously have done, but instead he
an adjunct professor of public policy seeks to be a catalyst for broadening
at Georgia State University and a those successes and continuing
certified professional instructor at to make things better across our
the University of West Georgia, county. Nowhere is that more evident
Bradshaw has a lot of time in the than his ongoing efforts to build a
classroom sharing what he knows plan for reviving and reinvigorating

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Publisher: Staff Reporters:
STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Asia Ashley PUBLISHER
Jay Phillips We sincerely appreciate the
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! Chief Financial Officer: discussion surrounding this and any
issue of interest to DeKalb County.
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Social Media Manager: The Champion was founded in
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Donna Seay 1991 expressly to provide a forum
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The DeKalb Free Press, residents on all sides of an issue. We
its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Kemesha Wadley have no desire to make the news
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EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 6

COUNTYWIDE

Reading pilot program underway at four schools

BY GALE HORTON GAY
FREELANCE REPORTER
Organizers of a
pilot program in DeKalb
elementary schools designed
to improve students’ reading
proficiency are praising
its volunteers and are
optimistic about its yet-to-
be-determined results.
The program pairs
AARP Foundation
Experience Corps volunteers
with students at four
DeKalb County School
District elementary schools
for twice-a-week tutoring
sessions with the goal
to improve the students’
reading fluency. Elementary
schools in the pilot program
are Redan, E.L. Miller,
Murphy Candler and
Stoneview.
“Two-thirds of
Georgia’s third graders do
not currently meet third
grade reading standards,” Barbara Lee, left, and Valerie Ayer, two retired educators, are volunteers in a reading pilot program. Photo by Gale Horton Gay
said Milton J. Little Jr.,
president and CEO of United
grade level is 21.1 – well Snellville resident and with the students,” she said. director of grants and
Way of Greater Atlanta.
below the regional average former librarian at Shadow “It’s been working partnership development
“Third grade is a critical
of 44.9,” said Little. Rock Elementary School, well,” said Ayer. “I with DeKalb County School
turning point where children
United Way of Greater said she decided to volunteer have been enjoying the District. “The turnout was
need to transition from
Atlanta was awarded a for the program after retiring experience.” overwhelming. It gives us
learning to read to reading to
$100,000 grant to launch from the DeKalb school The success of the pilot an opportunity to make
learn.”
the AARP Foundation system as an instructional program will be determined a difference in children’s
The program is a
Experience Corps program coordinator. by evaluating student ability to read proficiently.”
partnership between AARP,
in DeKalb County. The “I believe in the performance on standardized He praised the AARP
the United Way of Greater
literacy program operates program,” said Ayer. tests. According to the program as strategic, data
Atlanta, DeKalb County
in Macon and more than 20 “Reading is so essential, it’s Experience Corps website, driven, research based and
School District and DeKalb
other sites throughout the so important. “After a year, many having shown positive
County Human Services.
country. Ayer currently spends students who work with results nationwide. He also
“Third-grade reading is
The schools in the pilot reading time with two Experience Corps volunteer praised the volunteers and
a strong predictor of overall
program were selected by students—one a first grader tutors achieve as much as the collaborative efforts of
wellbeing for children,”
school officials based on and the other in the second 60 percent improvement the organizations involved.
said Ellyn Cochran, senior
reading rates and having grade. in critical literacy skills “We can’t do it by
director, Early Learning and
afterschool programs. “It’s reading but it’s compared to peers.” ourselves,” said Glymph.
Development/Community
The corps recruited more than that…it’s the “It’s been amazing,”
Engagement at United Way
volunteers age 50 and older relationship you are forming said Alvin Glymph,
of Greater Atlanta. “Those
who are not reading by the and more than 80 people
third grade will continue signed up–double the DeKalb County Seeks Audit Oversight Committee Members
to struggle as they move number of volunteers needed
forward.” for the pilot. After screening DeKalb County Government is seeking interested county residents to serve as a volunteer on a 5-member Audit
Cochran said two-thirds and selection, volunteers Oversight Committee as required by House Bill 599 of the Georgia General Assembly.
of Georgia children are not underwent two days of The role of the Audit Oversight Committee is to function independently in conducting performance and financial-
training in October as well related audits for all departments, offices, agencies and programs of the county. The objective is to ensure county
reading proficiently by the programs are effectively achieving the purpose for which they were authorized and funded.
third grade. as a half-day refresher in
January. Individuals must meet the following requirements:
“Georgia is not unique,” •Reside in DeKalb County
said Cochran. “Atlanta is not Currently 35 volunteers
are holding one-on-one •Possess expertise conducting performance audits
unique. This is a challenge •Have a minimum five years of experience and be certified in one of following:
throughout our country.” tutoring sessions with 72 o Public accountant o Internal or performance auditor
“In DeKalb’s 30058 students in kindergarten o Management accountant o Ten years other relevant professional experience
zip code [Lithonia and through the third grade with
Stonecrest], the score for an emphasis on reading Board terms vary from one to five years.
third graders reading at fluently. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted through January 31, 2020, via email at
Valerie Ayer, a AOCRecruiting@dekalbcountyga.gov.
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Bradshaw elected new presiding
officer of DeKalb commission
The DeKalb County
Board of Commissioners
voted unanimously Jan.
14 to elect District 4
Commissioner Steve
Bradshaw as the board’s
presiding officer which
will allow him to run
meetings and appoint
members and chairpersons
to county committees.
District 2 Commissioner
Jeff Rader had served the
last two years in the role.
District 7 Commissioner
Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson was elected
deputy presiding officer.
Bradshaw began his
term as commissioner on
Jan. 1, 2017. He served
as the deputy presiding
officer since January
2018 and also was
elected to that position
by unanimous vote of his
colleagues.
“I would like to
thank my esteemed
colleagues on this board
of commissioners for
your vote of confidence,”
EXHIBIT
Continued From Page 1
since 1997, but his
collection efforts began
when he started searching
for rare books and articles
shortly after his first book
published.
“My first book [that I
wrote] was called Lessons
in Success from the NBA’s
Top Players… and I used
quotes in it from famous
people,” Glenn said. “I
started to want to collect
the books that those
quotes came from… and
my collection just kept
growing. For better or for
worse.”
After his collection
got big enough, Glenn
turned it into an exhibit.
“A couple of years
later I decided that I
needed to share them
with others,” Glenn said.
“That’s when I decided on
Commissioner
Steve Bradshaw
Bradshaw said in a
county press release.
“I am indeed honored
and humbled by your
demonstration of support.
As we move forward, I
will work hard to prove
myself worthy of your
vote of confidence.”
Since taking office,
Bradshaw has served on
several committees. He
began serving as the chair
of the Public Works &
Infrastructure Committee
in January 2019. He also
Todd Ohlandt of Decatur Education Foundation looks at some of the
articles included in Mike Glenn’s exhibit. Photo by Terrance Carter
the novel idea to have a
book exhibit.”
Glenn’s collection has
grown every year since
the late 1990s, and he has
partnered with the Decatur
Public Library for the last
two years. Though Glenn
said this year’s exhibit
might have been his best
yet, he said he thinks he
can top it with his next
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 7
Commissioner
Lorraine Cochran Johnson
served as the chair of
the County Operations
Committee (2017 and
2018) and as a member of
the Planning, Economic
Development and
Community Committee
(2017, 2018 and 2019).
Bradshaw also has served
on the Procurement Ad
Hoc Committee (2018 and
2019) and the Executive
Evaluation Committee
(2019).
Cochran-Johnson
took office in January
exhibit. The Decatur
Public Library and Glenn
will partner for his next
exhibit in 2021.
“It has grown each
year,” Glenn said. “People
have loved it and have
been inspired by it. I’m
really encouraged and
inspired by the people who
come out and leave such
wonderful comments…
2019. She currently
serves on the Planning,
Economic Development
and Community Services
Committee and is the
incoming chair of
the Public Works and
Infrastructure Committee.
She also served on the
Employee Relations and
Public Safety Committee
in 2019.
“I am honored
to serve alongside
Commissioner Bradshaw,”
Cochran-Johnson said.
“I will work hard to
represent DeKalb and
I am grateful for the
opportunity to expand
my role on the board of
commissioners.”
Added Bradshaw:
“Collectively, we, as the
board of commissioners,
will continue to work
diligently on behalf of
the citizens of DeKalb
County and we thank
you for affording us the
opportunity to serve.”
and see me and meet me
everywhere.”
Glenn said he is
appreciative of the support
due to the time and money
that he and his partners
in Decatur have put into
turning the exhibit into an
educational attraction.
“It’s far from an easy
thing, so I really need that
encouragement and I thank
[everyone] for coming
out and showing their
support and love for it,”
Glenn said. “That really
keeps me going and makes
me want to have an even
better one next time.”
Those interested in
updates on Glenn’s next
exhibit can follow DeKalb
County Public Library on
Twitter (@dekalblibrary)
and Glenn’s Facebook
page (@stingerglenn)
for updates on locations
where the exhibit could be
displayed.
TUCKER
Property crimes
decrease in Tucker
The city of Tucker, through
partnership with the DeKalb
County Police Department,
experienced a 25 percent drop in
the number of property crimes
reported in 2019, according to
city leaders. Among the largest
improvements was the decline in
the number of residential burglaries,
which was nearly cut in half, at 43
percent, according to a press release
from the city.
The city also had a decrease
of 23 percent in reported business
burglaries, a 22 percent reduction
in auto thefts and a 14 percent
reduction in entering autos.
“Last year the hard work of our
officers and detectives produced
very positive results in the area
of property crime,” said Lt. D.G.
Schoeppner, the city’s police
liaison. “We hope to use that as
a platform to reduce crime in all
categories in this new year.”
DCPD provides law
enforcement within the
city of Tucker through an
intergovernmental agreement.
Under the agreement, the city has
a dedicated liaison to DCPD who
is available as a resource to the
public, as well as hosts routine
crime briefings for the mayor, city
council and senior leadership.
“Tucker’s partnership with the
DeKalb County Police Department
is strong and our citizens recognize
that,” said City Manager Tami
Hanlin. “Our officers are out
in the community daily, forging
relationships with residents and
business owners. They are working
diligently on new strategies in areas
of high crime. Moreover, they have
been great partners with our city
staff and elected officials to help
address the priorities of the city.”
One area of crime that did
increase in 2019 was homicide.
Tucker had five homicides in 2018
and seven homicides in 2019,
according to police records. The
victims in each case were targeted,
rather than these being random
crimes, according to police.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 8

OUR SOUTH DEKALB MALL

LOCATION ONLY

CLOSING!
25 50
Dan Corso, Dan Gavitt, JoAn Scott and Kevin White discuss Atlanta’s
plans for the Final Four. NOW SAVE

Atlanta ready to % %
host Final Four TO

BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com ♥♥
♥
Atlanta will host the
2020 Final Four for Divi- OFF OUR LOWEST TICKETED PRICES!
sion I college basketball SELECTED COSMETICS, FRAGRANCES AND BRANDS ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS SALE
and the championship
THIS WEEKEND ONLY ... ALL FINE JEWELRY

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games for Division II

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basketball. Atlanta Bas- FIRST THEN
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planning activities and ♥♥ JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!! ♥ ♥
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ensure that the event is AND TOWELS!

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to members of each orga- LOWEST TICKETED PRICES! LOWEST TICKETED PRICES! LOWEST TICKETED PRICES!
nization. Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of
The Final Four
matchups will be played
Atlanta, talks about looking forward
to the Final Four. EVERYTHING MUST BE SOLD!
in Mercedes-Benz Stadi- FIXTURES FOR SALE! See Store For Details.
um starting April 4, while the Division II and Division III
championship games will be played in State Farm Arena
April 5.
This will be the fifth time Atlanta has hosted the Final
ONLY AT OUR DECATUR LOCATION!
Four but the first time that Mercedes-Benz Stadium has host-
ed the event.
“What I know is that we hosted the absolute best Super
SOUTH DEKALB MALL
Bowl ever,” said Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
2731 CANDLER RD (404) 243-2611
“And what I know is that we will also host the absolute best MON, TUE & WED 10AM-8PM, THU 10-9PM, FRI & SAT 10AM-10PM, SUN 12-7PM
Final Four ever. You can bet on that in 2020.”
The process for Atlanta to host the Final Four began in ALL SALES FINAL.
2014, according to Dan Corso, Atlanta Sports Council pres-
ident and chairman of Atlanta Basketball Host Committee ExcludEs prior salEs. “original” & “rEgular” pricEs arE offEring pricEs that may not havE rEsultEd in salEs, and intErmEdiatE markdowns
may havE bEEn takEn. actual savings may ExcEEd statEd pErcEntagE off. offErs valid at this location only. as of 1/13/2020 all salEs
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The host committee put together a presentation outlin- through 2/12/2020. duE to thE naturE of this salE, wE can no longEr honor coupons, mall cErtificatEs or advErtisEd pricEs offErEd
ing why Atlanta should host the Final Four and pitched it to at other Macy’s stores or Macys.coM. the rug departMent is a leased departMent and discounts May vary froM storewide discounts.
sElEctEd vEndors, cosmEtics and fragrancEs arE ExcludEd from salE pricEs.
SEE HOSTING ON PAGE 10
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 9

WEEK in PICTURES... As seen on DCTV

District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, and Olympian Dee Dee Trotter, a DeKalb County native, recently visited
Drew Charter School to speak to the students.

DeKalb County government held the 36th Annual MLK Celebration with guest speaker Rev. James “Major”
Woodall, and Nathaniel Mosby Humanitarian Award recipients Claire E. Sterk, president of Emory University,
and Dr. Eugene P. Walker former State Senator and former DeKalb School Board Chairman.
DeKalb County’s District Attorney Sherry Boston kicked off the start of
her DeKalb at-risk adult multidisciplinary team to aid in the detection,
investigation and prosecution of abuse of elderly and disabled adults in
the county. The team consists of several DeKalb County departments and
local organizations.

23
DCTV CHANNEL 23
Get your front row seat to all
@DCTVCHANNEL23 things DeKalb County through your
DEKALB COUNTY GOV EMMY Award-winning station.
U USTREAM.TV/CHANNEL/DCTV-CHANNEL-23
WWW.DCTVCHANNEL23.TV
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 10

AROUNDDEKALB
AVONDALE ESTATES
Women invited to salad luncheon
Women in the Avondale Estates and Decatur
areas are invited to a salad luncheon on Jan. 25
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Family Life
Center of First Baptist Church Avondale Estates,
47 Covington Highway. Guests are encouraged to
bring a salad or dessert, though not mandatory to
attend. The speaker will be Sally Slaton who will
share her experience of raising a blended family
of a daughter and two granddaughters.
BROOKHAVEN
City to host free indoor movie
The city of Brookhaven is offering a free indoor
movie at Lynwood Park Recreation Center,
3360 Osborne Road on Jan. 24. Residents are
encouraged to bring children to see the final
episode of the popular children’s movie series:
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
The movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Those attending
are encouraged to bring snacks and something
comfortable to sit or lay on such as blow up
mattresses, cushions or folding chairs.
DECATUR
DeKalb district attorney to host human
trafficking forum
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry
Boston will be hosting a community forum and
resource fair, “Towards the Light: A 20/20 View
of Domestic Sex Trafficking,” in recognition of
January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
The forum will be held Jan. 23 at Porter Sanford
III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181
Rainbow Drive. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
and the program starts at 6:30 p.m.
Local lawyers to host debt clinic
DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
attorneys will discuss information about
debt cases in DeKalb County and offer free
consultations. Participants should bring
documentation related to their cases. The clinic
will be held Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the
Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St.
STONECREST
Quarry Ruins tour in Stonecrest
The Arabia Alliance’s Ranger Meredith will
take guests on a hike through various ruins on a
two mile stretch of Arabia Mountain Jan. 25 and
share the unique history of some of its ruins. The
hike is expected to last from 2:30 p.m. until 4
p.m. and begins at the Davidson-Arabia Nature
Center. For more information or to register, email:
ArabiaRanger@gmail.com

HOSTING Continued From Page 8

the NCAA men’s basketball
committee. Atlanta was
awarded the event in No-
vember of 2014, according
to Corso.
Corso said meetings and
plans have been put together
since the city earned its bid,
and the host committee and
their partners are now in the
final stages of preparation.
Corso and Dan Gavitt,
senior vice president of
men’s basketball champion-
ships for the NCAA, said a
big reason for the increased
popularity of the Final Four
is the amount of fan activi-
ties available to residents of
host cities.
“There’s an enormous
amount of activities for fans,
even if you don’t have tick-
ets to the game,” said Gavitt.
“And everything is either
free or very low cost.”
The April 3 Final Four
fan fest at Georgia World
Congress Center will include
interactive activities, perfor-
mances and autographs ses-
sions, according to Gavitt.
Tickets are available for pur-
chase; however the event is
free for children ages 10 and
younger and Capital One
card holders.
The Reese’s Final Four
Friday will also take place
April 3, which will be the
first opportunity for fans to
see all four Final Four teams
practice in Mercedes-Benz
Stadium. The DI all-star
game featuring top seniors
from around the country will
follow the practices.
On April 5, the Final
Four Dribble starts, which is
a parade around downtown
Atlanta, and the DII and DIII
championship games will be
played at State Farm Arena.
NCAA officials hope
Atlanta can set attendance
records for the Final Four,
even with all of the events
going on around the city.
“I think the biggest
thing that you’ll notice is
that we put a basketball
court on the football field,”
JoAn Scott, managing
director of the Division I
men’s basketball tourna-
ment. “Of course, we re-
moved the turf, but we will
bring in 25,000 seats, which
is larger than most NBA
venues.”
Scott said 95 semi-
trucks of seating will be
added to Mercedes-Benz
Stadium with the goal of
reaching an all-time Final
Four record for attendance
with more than 80,000 seats
available.
In addition to the
activities for fans in down-
town Atlanta, the Atlanta
Basketball Host Committee
launched the “Read to the Final Four” will include a “[The Final Four] is
Final Four” event which selection show that will an- the very best sporting event
logs the average time spent nounce the 68 schools with in the world,” said Kevin
reading for 359 different the most average minutes. White, Duke athletic direc-
metro Atlanta schools at the Those 68 schools will be tor and Chair of the Division
third-grade level. placed in a bracket and then I Men’s Basketball Com-
Scott said the event has compete against one anoth- mittee. “I think it has the
already logged 38,622 third er. The four schools with the chance to showcase Atlanta,
graders who have read five most minutes will be cele- which is clearly one of the
million minutes. brated at the beginning of best cities in the world.”
This year’s “Read to the the Final Four.
CITY OF TUCKER NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
CITY CHARTER
A proposed Amendment to the Charter of the City of Tucker amends
Section 5.03(a) to change the date required to submit to the city council
for the proposed operating budget and capital budget for the next fiscal
year.
The proposed Charter Amendment also amends section 5.04 (b) to
change the date of adoption of the final budget by the city council.
The City Council shall meet at the following regular meetings to consider
the adoption of the proposed Charter Amendment:
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL ANNEX
4228 1st AVENUE, SUITE 2-4,
TUCKER, GA 30084
and
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 AT 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL ANNEX
4228 1st AVENUE, SUITE 2-4,
TUCKER, GA 30084
A copy of the proposed amendment is on file at the office of the City
Clerk and in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of DeKalb
County for purposes of examination by the public.
LOCAL
LITHONIA
Reynolds is ready for new challenges
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Shemeka Reynolds
was sworn in as the mayor
of Lithonia Jan. 6. She said
she plans to hit the ground
running using the eight years
she served on Lithonia’s city
council to help her get off to
a fast start.
Before her stint as a
council member, Reynolds
wasn’t sold on running for
city council, not to mention
running for mayor, she said.
Former Lithonia council
member Barbra Lester
convinced Reynolds to
run for the council seat.
According to Reynolds,
Lester noted how well
Reynolds interacted with
customers and residents and
told Reynolds that she should
run for mayor.
“I thank god that I chose
to serve on the city council
STONECREST
$50 million studio could be headed to Stonecrest
The only African-
American owned animation
studio to produce and
distribute its own content and
a biomaterials manufacturing
plant could be on their way
to Stonecrest following
proposals presented at
the city of Stonecrest’s
Development Authority
meeting Jan. 9.
Actors John Amos
and Louis Gossett Jr. were
among the guest attendees
at the development authority
meeting to endorse the
efforts of Charles West of
CW Network Studios, who
is considering Stonecrest as
the location for a $50 million
state-of-the-art animation
facility.
West was joined at
the meeting by Brian
Livesay, founder of Soanes
Consulting, a firm that
helped launch Atlanta Metro
Studios, a $100 million film
studio that replaced Shannon
Mall.
West said his
180,000-square-foot facility
Mayor Shemeka Reynolds and her
cousin, Chris Tucker.
before stepping into the
mayor’s seat, because it’s a
lot,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds said serving
on the council provided her
with invaluable experience
and also provided her with
the motivation to keep going
once she saw the support
she received from Lithonia’s
citizens.
“When I ran [for the
city council], I got so many
will be built and operate on
150 acres and yield 1,500
jobs within its first two years.
The animation studio
will be the only African-
American owned animation
studio to produce and
distribute its own content.
It also will be the nation’s
largest animation studio,
housing several sound stages,
a backlot, 10 voiceover
booths, and an orchestra
production recording facility
for live music scoring,
according to Stonecrest
Director of Communications
Adrion Bell.
Livesay’s firm is
proposing a 260,000-square-
foot facility with seven
stages, office space and a
parking lot for 700 cars. The
facility will bear the name
Stonecrest Film Studios.
Livesay said the demand
for production space has
increased over the years
and spending on film and
production is projected to
increase 10 times in the
next decade so the studio’s
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 11
votes. When I saw how much
support I got, I knew I could
do this… I told myself that
if I do well, I’m going to try
[city council] for two terms
and then see if I can run for
mayor in 2020,” Reynolds
said. “I got the same voter
turnout when I ran for mayor
as I did for city council.
This is just where I am. My
motivation is the citizens of
Lithonia.”
Reynolds said she
also received motivation
and support from someone
outside of Lithonia, actor and
comedian Chris Tucker.
“[Chris Tucker] is
family,” Reynolds said.
“You’ll probably see him
quite a bit in the future. He’s
very supportive… he’s my
cousin. I just need him to
make another movie.”
However, Reynolds
said she knows there will be
challenges involved with her
new roles.
success is almost guaranteed.
“I am overjoyed to be
here. This is an incredible
opportunity,” Amos said.
“Louis and I have been
around for quite some time.
We have seen the changes
that are happening, and I am
so proud of all that you have
accomplished in Stonecrest.
I am proud to say that I am a
part of this development and
we are doing great things.”
Mayor Jason Lary
agreed, saying that Stonecrest
has the space and support for
both film facilities.
“Councilman Rob
Turner and I have
formed the Mayor’s Film
Committee to work with
the Development Authority
and ensure that projects like
these are successful. We
are projecting that the film
industry will soon be our fifth
largest revenue generator,”
Lary said. “We want these
developers and others to
know that we are open for
business and we will be the
leader in film production and
“I’m just getting my feet
wet right now, but I’ll tell
you this, this is an awesome
responsibility that I have and
I’m up for the challenge,”
Reynolds said.
Despite being new to
the job, Reynolds said she
has her mind set on getting
to work.
“Between now and
February, I hope to designate
city council members into
districts so that they can
better serve the community,”
Reynolds said.
Her goals as mayor don’t
stop there.
“Another thing is
rebranding Lithonia as a
destination place,” Reynolds
said. “Beautifying all of the
entry points and reviewing all
of the municipal employees
so that I can make changes
as necessary. We have to hire
a new police chief… and I
want to create an initiative
for more downtown events
Charles West, Louis Gossett Jr., Mayor Jason Lary and John Amos. Photo
provided by the city of Stonecrest.
distribution.”
Lary said he is
supportive of studios of any
kind looking at Stonecrest as
a potential home.
“Studios of any size that
desire to open in Stonecrest
will have access to highways,
the available land to build
their facilities and most of all
full support of the city,” Lary
said.
A third presenter, Jim
on Main Street.”
Reynolds said growing
up and living in Lithonia has
helped her identify some of
her goals as mayor, and she
hopes her time on the city
council will help her connect
with the current council and
get some of these projects
started.
“I can understand a
councilmember’s position.
It helps me because I know
what they’re up against,”
Reynolds said. “I’ve learned
about the citizens, the
administration side and a lot
of the stuff that plays a part
[in city government].”
Reynolds knows she has
a lot on her plate for her first
term as mayor. However, she
said she is confident about
her new role thanks to her
attachment to the city and its
people.
“I’m not a politician; I’m
a servant,” Reynolds said.
“I’m a little different.”
Voyles, gave information on
a biomaterials manufacturing
plant that his company,
Phoenix Biomaterials, LLC,
wants to place in Stonecrest.
The Development
Authority along with its
attorney, Dan McCray, must
now proceed with their due
diligence before approving
the projects, according to the
city’s business development
manager William Settle.
 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING & BUDGET ADOPTION

The DeKalb County Governing Authority will hold Public Hearings on the 2020

LOCAL
Proposed Budget at the times and places listed below:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING & BUDGET ADOPTION DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 12
Tuesday February 11, 2020 10:00AM Maloof Center Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING & BUDGET
Tuesday
ADOPTION
The DeKalb County Governing Authority will hold Public Hearings on the 2020
February 25, 2020 10:00AM
Proposed Budget at the times and places listed below: Maloof Center Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur
The DeKalbFebruary
Tuesday
County11,Governing Authority
2020 10:00AM
will hold Public Hearings on the 2020 Proposed Budget at the times and places listed
Maloof Center Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur below:
Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 10:00AM All interested citizens are invited to attend these hearings and have the right to
Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 10:00 AM
present comments pertaining to the proposed budget. The 2020 Proposed
Maloof
Tuesday
Center Auditorium
February 25, 2020 10:00AM Maloof Center Auditorium
Maloof
Budget is scheduled to be adopted at Center Auditorium
the regularly scheduled meeting of the
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur 1300 Commerce
Board of Commissioners on Tuesday Drive,
February 25, 2020.Decatur

All interested citizens are invited to attend these hearings and have the right to The recommended budget is available for public inspection in the Office of
present comments pertaining to the proposed budget. The 2020 Proposed Management & Budget, 6th Floor, Maloof Center, at all DeKalb County Libraries
Budget is scheduled to be adopted at the regularly scheduled meeting of the during normal business hours, and electronically at www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
Board of Commissioners on Tuesday February 25, 2020.
DeKalb County, Georgia FY20 Proposed Budget Resolution
The recommended budget is available for public inspection in the Office of
Management & Budget, 6th Floor, Maloof Center, at all DeKalb County Libraries FY20 Proposed
during normal business hours, and electronically at www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
Tax Funds
DeKalb County, Georgia FY20 Proposed Budget Resolution
General Fund (100)
FY20 Proposed
Starting Fund Balance January 1st 77,141,247
Tax Funds
Taxes 185,527,741
General Fund (100)
HOST / eHOST Sales Taxes 115,870,087
Licenses & Permits 271,138
Starting Fund Balance January 1st 77,141,247
Intergovernmental 1,615,292
Charges for Services 47,288,489
Taxes 185,527,741
HOST / eHOST Sales Taxes 115,870,087
Fines & Forfeitures 8,951,154
Licenses & Permits 271,138 Investment Income 917,214
Intergovernmental 1,615,292 Miscellaneous 5,166,719
Charges for Services 47,288,489 Est SPLOST Indirect Cost Recovery -
Fines & Forfeitures 8,951,154 Other Financing Sources 4,404,169
Investment Income 917,214 Total Revenue 370,012,003
Miscellaneous 5,166,719
Est SPLOST Indirect Cost Recovery - Animal Services 6,025,352
Other Financing Sources 4,404,169 Board of Commissioners 3,978,136
Total Revenue 370,012,003 Budget 911,753
Chief Executive Officer 3,714,609
Animal Services 6,025,352
Board of Commissioners 3,978,136
Budget 911,753
Chief Executive Officer 3,714,609

Continued on page 13
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 13

Continued from page 12

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 14

EXTENSION SERVICE

Advice about planting zones, vegetable gardens and soil tests

BY SARAH BRODD

DeKalb Cooperative
Extension answers home
and garden questions in
many different ways. Call
(404) 298-4080 Monday
through Friday, 8:30
a.m. to 5 p.m. or leave
a voicemail message
after hours. E-mail
gardening questions to
dekalbmastergardener@
dekalbcountyga.gov and
all others to uge1089@
uga.edu. The website is
www.ugaextension.com/
dekalb. Here is a sampling
of recent questions:

Q. I was buying seeds to

plant in my garden
and saw the planting
zones listed with a
map. What are the
USDA hardiness
zones?

A. The map is a good

way to determine if a
plant you choose will
survive the winters in
your area. A plant that
is planted in South
Georgia will likely
not survive a winter in
north Georgia where
the temperatures
can reach as low as
10 degrees. When
buying plants for your
landscape, always
check the zone(s)
in which it will be
able to survive and
thrive. Most parts of
DeKalb County have soil temperatures that Q. Many of my garden, your lawn or different scoops of soil
a hardiness zone of 7b matter. However, there gardening friends talk a landscape bed. The in a baggy. Bring this
or 8. If a plant has a is still time to plant any about doing a soil test results will tell you how to the Extension office
hardiness of a number winter crops that you to get their garden to fix the soil so your and we will put them
higher than 8, it will might not have gotten ready for the year. Is plants will have all the in a soil testing bag and
not be able to tolerate around to planting last a soil test necessary? nutrients and correct pH send them off to the
our winters. fall. In January, you for optimal growth. University of Georgia.
can start peas, cabbage, A. A soil test is a good When testing your They will send your
Q. It has been warm carrots, lettuce, green idea to see what soil, dig down a couple results through e-mail
recently. What is the onions, radishes and nutrients your soil is of inches in six to eight in seven to 10 business
earliest I can start my turnips. Wait until the lacking or has too much different spots in your days. Agents are here
vegetable garden? end of March or early of. It also tells you the lawn, planting bed, etc. to help answer any
April to put spring and pH level of the soil. Each different area of questions you might
A. January is much too summer crops in the You can test for almost your landscape will have about your results.
soon to start a spring ground. anything in a soil test. be a different test. In
vegetable garden. Even For example, the soil your lawn for example,
if the air temperatures in your vegetable mix up the six to eight
are warm, it is the

Visit The Champion Newspaper online @ TheChampionNewspaper.com

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 15

Free admission to state historic sites

BY GALE HORTON GAY roadster or climb to the
top of an Indian mound.
FREELANCE REPORTER Below is a list of some
events planned for
Lovers of Georgia Super Museum Day:
history and state • Chief Vann House
historic sites may want Historic Site in Chats-
to circle Feb. 9 on their worth
calendars. That’s the From 10 a.m. to 3
day Georgia Historic p.m. free-flow tours
Sites are offering of the house. Visitors
free admission on will be able to tour
its statewide Super the two-story cabin
Museum Sunday. exhibit, 1800s Chero-
As part of Georgia kee farmstead outdoor
History Festival’s exhibit, the museum
statewide celebration, and a 15-minute histo-
visitors can go to any ry film
of 13 state historic sites • Etowah Indian
identified as such by the Mounds Historic Site
Georgia State Parks and in Cartersville
Historic Sites. They are: Guided tours of the
• Chief Vann House site at 10 a.m., 12:30
• Dahlonega Gold and 3:30 p.m. Author
Museum and archaeologist
• Etowah Indian Adam King is sched-
Mounds uled to give a lecture
• Fort King George on Native American
• Fort Morris iconography at 2 p.m.
• Hardman Farm • Fort Morris Historic
• Hofwyl-Broadfield Site in Midway
Plantation Interact with an
• Jarrell Plantation American Continental
• New Echota soldier and watch a
• Pickett’s Mill musket firing demon-
Battlefield strations on the hour.
• Roosevelt’s Little • Hofwyl-Broadfield
White House Plantation Historic
• Traveler’s Rest Site in Brunswick
• Wormsloe labored at Hofwyl buckskin and visitors 2 p.m. Also, local Civ-
From 2 to 3 p.m. Wil- Plantation and their can offered the oppor- il War relic displays,
liam H.A. Collins, role in the cultivation tunity for a hands-on artifact identification,
Visitors can see the curator of the Burning
Cherokee Nation’s and development of experience. Takes a special program by
of Darien Museum, the rice fields of the place from 10 a.m. to author Brad Butkov-
first newspaper, walk and historical geneal-
in the footsteps of Altamaha River Delta. 3 p.m. Parking is $5. ich on soldiers’ stories
ogist Amy Hedrick • Kolomoki Mounds • Pickett’s Mill Battle- and black powder fir-
Revolutionary War discuss the lives and
soldiers, view FDR’s State Park in Blakely field Historic Site in ing demonstrations.
geneaology of en- Ben Kirkland dis- Dallas For more details, go to
hand-controlled slaved families who cusses the uses of Guided hikes at 1 and gastateparks.org.

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SPORTS
BASKETBALL
Lithonia rallies without star guard
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Southwest DeKalb
hosted Lithonia Jan. 17 in
girls and boys basketball.
Southwest DeKalb girls won
their matchup 45-27 while
Lithonia’s boys won 50-48.
Lithonia (20-1) was on
upset alert, as the Bulldogs
were without their star point
guard Eric Gaines for the
game against Southwest
DeKalb (11-10).
“[Gaines] has been
out a week or so, and he’ll
probably be out another
couple of days,” Lithonia
head coach Wallace Corker
said.
However, Javontae
Jackson filled in for Gaines
and made multiple winning
plays down the stretch for
Lithonia.
“We had some lapses
FOOTBALL
The Central DeKalb Jaguars 7U team was recognized by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners with a
proclamation for winning the 2019 Youth Football National Championship. Photo from Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson’s Twitter page.
DeKalb youth football wins national championship
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Central DeKalb Jaguars
7U football team capped
off an historic, undefeated
football season by winning
the national championship
Dec. 14 in Miami, Florida.
To win the
championship, the Jaguars
had to win 16 games
including three back-to-back
games in Miami.
The Jaguars, coached
by Howard Thornton, won
and a few mental mistakes,
but they showed effort,”
Corker said. “They fought
through some adversity with
the score and played really
well together.”
Southwest DeKalb
was at full strength and the
Panthers have been red hot
after winning seven of their
last nine games and entering
the game against Lithonia on
a three-game winning streak.  throw to their total, and
Southwest DeKalb’s star
guard, Ohio State commit
Eugene Brown, came out
clicking. Brown led all
scorers at halftime with 12
points and finished with 25
points and nine rebounds.
“It was a tough
environment. Southwest
is a great basketball team.
Eugene Brown is a great
basketball player,” Corker
said. “Tonight gave our guys
a chance to play and see
the national championship
by beating the Texas
Crusaders 14-12
According to a report
by WSBTV, the Jaguars’
opportunity to play for
a national championship
almost didn’t happen
after the team realized
how expensive it would
be to travel, stay and play
in Miami. However, a
GoFundMe account raised
$12,000 for the Jaguars
which funded travel and
lodging expenses to Miami.
DEKALB FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019 • PAGE 16
what they could do without
[Gaines] on the floor.”
The entire game was
closely contested, and the
last three minutes of the
game saw both teams with a
chance to win. 
With 2:50 left in the
game, and Southwest
DeKalb trailing by two
points, Brown drew a charge.
The Panthers added a free
Lithonia’s Osiris Corker
was fouled on the three-point
attempt at the other end.
Southwest DeKalb’s
Kortney Forest responded
with an and-one.
After turnovers from
both teams, Lithonia’s
Raheem Swain scored a
fast break layup and gave
Lithonia a 49-45 lead that
the Bulldogs were able to
ride until the end.
The end of the girl’s
DeKalb County
Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson and the
DeKalb County Board of
Commissioners honored the
team and coaches on their
accomplishment during the
board’s Jan. 14 meeting.
“I am proud of this
great team, their parents and
coaching staff,” Cochran-
Johnson said on Twitter.
“Join me in congratulating
them!”
Zephaniah Corker (24) defends Eugene Brown (11). Photo by Jay Phillips
game was controlled by Southwest DeKalb’s
Southwest DeKalb, and Taylor Christmas scored 10
didn’t have as much drama, points off the bench to lead
but the performances were a balanced scoring attack for
still plentiful.  the Panthers.
Lithonia took a 5-4 lead Six players scored
over Southwest DeKalb just four or more points for
five minutes into the game the Panthers, with Miya
after Mikayla Spires drained Bostic scoring five, Jayla
a three pointer. Kimbrough scoring eight
Southwest DeKalb and Adrienna Brownlee
answered with a three of scoring eight.
their own, and the Panthers Diamond Jones and
went on to take a 21-12 lead Spires both scored eight
at halftime before coasting to points to lead the Bulldogs.
a victory. 
FOOTBALL
Tucker defensive back commits to Miami
BY JAY PHILLIPS
Jay@dekalbchamp.com
Tucker defensive
back Isaiah Dunson
committed Jan. 19 to
play college football at
the University of Miami
(Florida).
Dunson helped
Tucker reach a 6-5 record
this season and will join
a Miami team that is
coming off a 6-7 season.
Miami has reached a bowl
game in all seven of their
last seasons. Isaiah Dunson intercepts a pass
Dunson will play against Mt. Zion and returns in for
for head coach Manny a touchdown. Photo by Mark Brock
Diaz, who was in his first
season as head coach last Miami’s roster and is
season and is a notable the only player from
defensive coach. Georgia in Miami’s 2020
Diaz has been the recruiting class. Dunson
defensive coordinator will be the only player
at Middle Tennessee, on Miami’s roster listed
Mississippi State, Texas, as being from DeKalb
Louisiana Tech and County, unless something
Miami in the past. changes.
Dunson will join Miami will kick off
eight other players from the 2020 season at home
the state of Georgia on against Temple Sep. 5