FREEPRESS
the DeKalb
Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker
Leaving a legacy
Officers and civilian employees involved in all aspects of jail information management train on the new Odyssey solution system.
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
I
n an interview with the Champion
Newspaper, DeKalb County Sheriff
Jeff Mann said he wants to leave
behind a legacy during his tenure in
office. One of the keys to leaving a
lasting impression is upgrading the
technology at the sheriffs office, he said.
Mann came a step closer to achieving
that goal when the sheriffs office
implemented a new jail information
management system.
When I first became sheriff, I talked
with my staff about future goals and one of
those goals was technology. What I want
one of my legacies to be while Im in office
is to have a paperless environment, Mann
said. What this does is move us a long
way toward that. Its very impressive.
On Aug. 14, the sheriffs office replaced
a 16-year-old system with a customized
version of the Tyler Technologies Odyssey
solution.
The new program allows for easier
intake of data and helps to unify the jail
management system, Mann said.
Mann said the sheriffs office invested
approximately $2.8 million in capital
improvements for the Odyssey program
and was part of a year-long process.
We want to work in the paperless
environment that I envisioned. All of
our divisions and the courts and district
attorneys office will benefit from this
system. Its a critical part of the criminal
justice system and were very excited about
it. Its state of the art, Mann said. To be
able to get to this point and see the hard
work and enthusiasm of the entire sheriffs
Visit www.championnewspaper.com for local, real DeKalb County news.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 VOL. 21, NO. 28 FREE
New tech program replaces
outdated software at sheriffs office
office is amazing. Whenever a goal is
achieved, thats satisfying.
The DeKalb County Jail is the states
largest single-facility adult detention
center. In 2017, the daily jail population is
estimated at 1,900 inmates. DeKalb County
Sheriffs Office officials said the new
Odyssey program will handle all aspects of
inmate processing, allow for data sharing
with other agencies and manage the
processing of all civil papers.
Chief Xernia Fortson oversaw the
implementation of the new Odyssey
program. Fortson said the work and how
the program was developed came from
people who will work with the system daily.
Thats the piece that makes it exciting.
The work and how this was developed
came from the people that are in the
Odyssey management system all the time,
Fortson said. The people who need to
adopt it are the ones who helped create
and build it.
Fortson said the new system will
improve the sheriffs office security of
confidential jail management databases
as well as eliminate the cost and time
associated with duplicating data.
Fortson also said the new system
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
allows the sheriffs office to spend less time
training new hires because the Odyssey
system is more intuitive than the prior
16-year-old system.
This isnt the first time DeKalb County
implemented Odyssey. In 2016, DeKalb
Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry
selected the Odyssey Case Manager to
manage the court database system.
As with the DeKalb County Sheriffs
Office, DeBerry said the DeKalb Superior
Court was operating on an antiquated
system prior to 2016.
All the courts relied on the [old system]
and it just wasnt functional. Our prior
system could not support images and we
spent a good bit of money on it annually,
DeBerry said. The new system is just more
comprehensive and better for all.
Currently, Tylers Odyssey solution is
being used in more than 900 counties in 24
states. DeKalb Countys new all-Odyssey
site is https://ody.dekalbcountyga.gov,
replacing the old OJS site.
According to DeKalb officials the
Odyssey site will give users access to both
the DeKalb courts case information and the
DeKalb jail inmate information.
DeBerry said the new technology is
better for the environment and better for the
people who use it.
Right now, everyone is not willing
or ready to give up paper. But this is a
step in the right direction. Its better for
the attorneys or anyone trying to use the
system. We will continue to evolve with
technology and I think well have greater
savings, DeBerry said. We did a lot of
training and its a great system. Were really
excited. This is a monumental change and
improvement and it allows us to keep up
with technology.
@DeKalbChampNews
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 2

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb
responds
favorably
to $100k
DeKalb County school employees and residents responded favorably to a district-wide convocation at Gwinnetts Infinite Energy Arena on
Aug. 4. Photos submitted.

convocation
BY R. SCOTT BELZER colors or wore school-specific
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com T-shirts to show pride in their
community. The pictures and
videos also showed school
DeKalb County School officials speaking, dancing,
District (DCSD) held a celebrating and welcoming the
$100,000 event, the majority of
which were favorable.
DCSD received mixed initial
reactions in July when the
convocation was announced.
Teachers said they wanted

Officials, residents convocation at the Infinite

Energy Arena in Gwinnett
County on Aug. 4, bringing
together more than 13,000
provide feedback employees for a day of
performances, inspirational
speeches and fellowship.
incoming 2017-2018 school
year.
My superintendent is better
to keep the last day of pre-
planningAug. 4inside the
classroom. Others questioned
than yours! read one Tweet the use of funds for a pep-rally,
featuring DCSD Superintendent
R. Stephen Green dancing.
citing a similar event hosted by
former superintendent Crawford
Every little step he takes is for Lewis in 2002.

on Aug. 4 On Aug. 4, official DCSD

Twitter accounts and accounts
from district employees were
our DeKalb County students!
Less than one week later,
at the Aug. 7 DCSD board of
DCSD board of education
chairman Melvin Johnson
opened the Aug. 7 board of

fellowship event flooded with images and videos

of the event. In both, groups
from each school donned school
education meeting, employees
and DeKalb County residents
expressed reactions to the See Convocation on Page 17A
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 3

AROUNDDEKALB
ATLANTA
Fundraiser to honor doctors, physicians
and caregivers
The third annual Salute to Doctors,
Physicians and Caregivers Awards Ceremony,
sponsored by the FSP South DeKalb
Community Development, Inc., will be held
Sept. 9 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel,
1615 Clifton Road in Atlanta.
The event recognizes doctors, physicians
and caregivers who have made contributions
in their community through personal services
and sacrifices that have impacted the lives of
others.
The black-tie affair begins at 6 p.m. with a
ticket price of $100. For ticket and additional
information visit www.fspsouthdekalbcommdev.
CLARKSTON
player Mike Glenn beginning at 9 a.m., and a
summer celebration festival at 3 p.m. The festival
will include food, music and activities. The park is
located at 735 Ridge Ave. For more information,
email David Dorbin at efforthelps@gmail.com.
Church to offer free clinic
Clarkston First Baptist Churchlocated at
3999 Church St.will host a Hope Through
Health, clinic on Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. until 4
p.m.
The free clinic, will offer attendees such
services as medical care, vision tests and
dental screenings as well as food and clothing.
The clinic is a result of a partnership
between Clarkston First Baptist Church, Ray of
Hope Christian Church, DeKalb County Board
of Health and Clarkston Community Health
Center.
For more information, visit www.rayofhope.
org or call (770) 696-5100.

DUNWOODY
org or call (770) 484-9660.

DECATUR
Back-to-school carnival planned
Veterans of Foreign Wars will host a back-to-
school carnival on Aug. 26 from noon until 5 p.m.
Admission to the event is free.There will be horses,
cowboys, games, prizes, food, live entertainment
and school supplies while they last.
Veterans of Foreign Wars is located at 5362
Covington Highway in Decatur.For additional
information contact Betty at (678) 523-3598
Cub Scouts to host ice cream social
Cub Scout Pack 175 will host an ice cream
social Aug. 20 at Glenwood Elementary
in Decatur. Attendees will participate in a
traditional pack meeting, and afterward
everyone, including siblings, can join in on
organized games and ice cream. Glenwood
Elementary is located at 440 E. Ponce de
Leon Ave. For more information, email David
Leonard at davidbleonard@comcast.net.
Community Fun Day scheduled
Pruitt Health Decatur in association with
the Annie W. Thomas Foundation will host a
Community Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 19,
10:30 a.m. 2 p.m. The event is free and open
Nature Center to host Butterfly Festival
The Dunwoody Nature Centerlocated at 5343
Roberts Drivewill host the 24th Annual Butterfly
Festival on Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Butterfly Festival features two tents with
hundreds of live butterflies in addition to a birds of
prey show, animal encounters, games, educational
booths, crafts, music, food and drinks. Attendees
will be able to feed butterflies, encounter live
reptiles, see owls and eagles in action, and educate
themselves in the process.
Admission for the event is $10 for adults and $5
for children. Children ages 3 and younger get in for
free. Attendees are instructed to park at Dunwoody
Church of Christ, located at 5676 Roberts Drive or
New Hope Church, located at 5477 Roberts Drive.
For more information, visit www.
dunwoodynature.org/schedule or call (770) 394-
3322.
Smoke Rise Academy to showcase Bye Bye
Birdie
As part of its summer schedule conclusion,
Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts, housed at Smoke
Rise Baptist Church, 5901 Hugh Howell Road, will
show its production of Bye Bye Birdie on Aug. 18
and 19.
Bye Bye Birdie, originally produced for Broadway
in 1960 by Michael Stewart, Lee Adams and
Charles Strouse, is a satire musical set in 1958.
The plot involves a nationally loved rock star joining
the army and participating in a last-ditch publicity
stunt.
Both shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. at
Smoke Rise Baptists Fellowship Hall. For more
information, visit www.smokerisebaptist.org/arts or
call (678) 533-0562.
TUCKER
Library to host author expo
The DeKalb County Public Library will host its
first Author Expo Aug. 19 at Tucker-Reid H. Cofer
Library. The event will celebrate local authors from
across metro Atlanta. Authors will be on hand to
discuss their work, sell and autograph books and
talk about their personal journeys as authors.

to the public. There will be food, a bounce
house, games, crafts, giveaways and a live
performance from the Mekoi Boyz. Pruitt Health
is located at 3200 Panthersville Road, Decatur.
For more information or to inquire about being
a vendor, email Buffie McCoy @awtf@ymail.
com.
STONE
Featured genres will include fiction, non-fiction,
inspirational, self-help, childrens, science fiction and
MOUNTAIN
more. The library is located at 5234 LaVista Road.
For more information, call (770) 270-8234.
City to host Rock the Block event
Stone Mountain will host a Rock the Block event
Aug. 26 at Medlock Park. The event will include
a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with former NBA
LOCAL
TUCKER
New Air Force recruiter
on the job in Tucker
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The U.S. Air Force
Recruiting Office in Tucker
has a new face.
Staff Sargent Morgan
Berresford of East
Palestine, Ohio, was
assigned to the recruiting
office in May.
Berresford graduated
from the Air Force
Recruiting School in San
Antonio, Texas, in March.
She was trained in various
areas of study, including the
job classification system,
testing and enlistment
processing procedures and
public speaking.
Berresford said her
new job is different than
what she is used to. She
was stationed with the 23d
Force Support Squadron, at
Moody AFB as a food shift
supervisor.
This job is like a human
resources job, so its
different from what I was
doing before, she said.
I was working in a dining
facility before, managing
airmen and serving food
to the base. Its similar to
customer service, but this
job is definitely amazing
because I have an impact
on changing peoples lives
by bringing them into the Air
Force, which is amazing.
Berresford joined the
Air Force in 2009 and was
stationed at Langley AFB in
Hampton, Va., until 2010.
She was transferred to
Moody AFB, where she
served until 2017. She was
deployed overseas twice
to Jordan and to Abu Dhabi.
She was deployed for six
months at each location.
Jordan was definitely
an experience, a little bit
out of the normal as a
base because we were just
starting up, she said. So,
we were kind of able to
build the base up from the
bottom up, which was very
Morgan Berresford
interesting. I definitely got to
learn a lot of new skills.
In Abu Dhabi, that
deployment was amazing,
she added. The travel
experience was out of
this worldbeing able to
travel all over that area,
Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The
mission there was similar
to stateside, so we were
pretty much at our regular
jobs, but just overseas. We
just assist the pilots in the
mission.
Today, Berresford is
looking for the best and the
brightest to recruit.
The mechanical and
electrical section is what
were hiring for the Air Force
right now, and as a recruiter
my job is to go out and find
those people that are best
for the Air Force and how
we can change their lives
and make it better for them,
she said.
Berresford said she
and her staff make it their
mission to be active in the
community.
Were always looking for
more ways to get out and
meet people and tell them
what the Air Force is all
about, she said. My goal
right now is to get out and
put my face to a name and
meet as many people as I
can in the community so if
they know someone who
wants to join the Air Force
theyll know exactly where
to find me.
40% OF FOOD IN
AMERICA IS WASTED
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 4
COUNTYWIDE
MARTA nabs would-
be fare evaders
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
In a six-week time
frame the MARTA Police
Department arrested
more than 500 individuals
attempting to avoid paying
fares at multiple MARTA
stations.
As part of an effort to
catch riders attempting to
avoid paying fare, the MPD
created the Fare Evasion
Task Force. The task force
arrested 538 fare evaders as
of Aug. 4.
MPD Chief Wanda
Dunham said riders attempt
to avoid paying fare in a
number ways.
Our fare evasion task
force has worked around the
clock to focus our attention
to those seeking to avoid
paying fare at our stations,
said Dunham. We have
watched riders piggyback
behind a person when the
fare gates open and some
even attempt to go over or
under the gates.
According to MARTA
officials, plainclothes officers
surveyed MARTAs 38 rail
stations across the metro-
Atlanta area and monitored
fare gates. Individuals
who were caught received
an automatic suspension
from MARTAs bus and rail
services.
Dunham said she wants
riders to report anyone
attempting to skip fare.
Our officers ability
to blend in with other
customers while monitoring
activity at the fare gates has
been essential in quickly
apprehending individuals
looking to circumvent the
payment system, said
Dunham. We encourage
all of our customers to
be on the lookout for any
inappropriate activity and
download MARTAs See
Something, Say Something
mobile app or call MPD at
(404) 848-4911 to report
any suspicious or criminal
behavior.
The See Something,
Say Something app, also
known as the See and Say
app, allows riders to send
messages directly to MARTA
police using a smartphone.
The app features a report a
problem button that allows
riders to send text and
photos of potential suspects
to MARTA authorities.
The app also disables the
phones flash when taking
photos.
The fare evasion effort
is a part ofa MARTA
initiative called the Ride
with Respect initiative which
focuses on passenger safety
and the transit agencys
customer code of conduct.
We are pleased that we
are able to target a practice
that goes against our Ride
With Respect initiative.
We want to re-educate the
public and reiterate that
paying your fare to ride
MARTA is not an option, but
the law, said MARTA Police
Chief Joseph Dorsey.
This is an ongoing effort
with no expiration date. We
are committed to this effort
until we see change in the
behavior.
MARTA General Manager
and CEO Keith Parker said
the rail system is actively
working to catch fare
evaders.
We take fare evasion
extremely seriously and will
continue to work to ensure
the safety and security for
all of our customers, said
Parker. Every year, transit
authorities across the nation
lose millions of dollars in
revenue due to fare evaders.
We are actively working to
curb this behavior through
the efforts of our Fare
Evasion Task Force.
LOCAL
Old rail yard may get landmark designation
by Kathy Mitchell
T
he future of an industrial
property that once played
an important role in At-
lantas economy is being
considered by local officials as
some hope it will be developed in
a way that preserves and show-
cases its history.
The Pratt-Pullman Yard is
not only unique in its architec-
tural character but it reflects an
important chapter in the history
of our city, said Atlanta Coun-
cilmember Natalyn Archibong
whose district District 5in-
cludes the site. The buildings
are emblematic of a time when
railroads played a significant role
in our citys growth. It is for these
reasons that we want to preserve
as many of the existing buildings
as possible.
A former rail yard on Rog-
ers Street in Kirkwood, Pratt-
Pullman Yard is associated with
the broad industrial history that
was the economic backbone
of the neighborhood from the
early 1900s through the mid-
1950s, according to information
provided by the city. In 1904,
the site was built by the Pratt
Engineering and Machine Com-
pany as a production facility for
chemical refining machinery to
develop sulfuric acid for use in
agricultural fertilizers. The Pratt
Engineering Company plant was
also a large producer of carbonic
gas, which was used to carbon-
ate soda fountain soft drinks. In
1917 the property also briefly
served as munitions manufactur-
ing facility during World War I.
In 1926, Chicago-based
Pullman Company purchased
the Pratt Engineering property
and poured over $1 million in
renovations to the site to convert
it for use as the southeastern
repair shop for the companys
popular railroad sleeper cars,
the city reports. The renova-
tions included the addition of
two, distinctive, saw-tooth-roofed
buildings and construction of a
railroad car transfer table that
allowed Pullman workers to
move train cars laterally down
the production line, saving space
and time on repairs and allow-
ing work to occur on 14 cars at
a time. Following the decline in
railroad travel after World War
II, the Pullman Company closed
operations at the Pratt-Pullman
site in 1954.
After public hearings that
started in July, the Atlanta Urban
Design Commission approved
a resolution nominating Pratt-
Pullman Yard as a Landmark
District, indicating that it would
officially be recognized for its
historical significance.During
the hearing process, the com-
mission allowed property owners
and city planners to determine
the historical importance of each
of the brick masonry buildings
located on the 25.88-acre site.
The commission is charged with
preserving the citys physical
heritage through the nomination
of buildings/sites of historical
and architectural significance.
The next step is consider-
ation by the Zoning Review
Board, which will hold a public
hearing and land-use review,
before the matter goes to the
zoning committee for its recom-
mendation. The Atlanta City
Council could make the final
designation action as early as
late November.
Atomic Entertainment, which
purchased the site for $8 million
earlier this year, indicated that it
plans to build a self-inclusive en-
tertainment district with a movie
studio, production and post-pro-
duction offices, digital incubator,
music and sound recording facili-
ties, food and beverage concepts
and boutique hotel onsite.
Archibong said she hopes the
propertys historic significance
with not be forgotten. Out of the
11 buildings that stand on this
site, there are five that are 100
years old, she said.The archi-
tectural character of those build-
ings tells the story of the city of
Atlanta.It speaks of a time when
railroads played a greater role
in the growth of our city and our
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 5
Atlanta Councilmember Natalyn Archibong wants to see as many of the historic
building at the Pratt-Pullman rail yard preserved as possible. Photos provided.
country.With this landmark des-
ignation, and the preservation of
these magnificent buildings, the
city will be actively reinforcing its
commitment tohonor the legacy
of our past,
She added that the property
has particular significance for
the Black community. In 1922,
Chicago-based Pullman Com-
pany purchased the property
and turned it into a rail car re-
pair station that recruited Black
workers from local porters and
car cleaners. During that time,
Pratt-Pullmanbecame a major
employerof African Americans in
this country, Archibong noted.
The Distict 5 councilmem-
ber said she hopes the property
will become an iconic destina-
tion not only for the Kirkwood
neighbors but for the southeast
side of Atlanta. The develop-
ment possibilities include:hous-
ing, an employment center,
maker spaces, entertainment
and restaurants.Based on the
historic value of the buildings on
this property, a gallery or small
museum that highlights the rail-
road industry could become an
active learning environment for
the public.Local curatorscould
readily share information on the
trade and of theera when the
Pullman Company was actively
servicing this area.
Lastly, it is my hope that the
five-plus acres of forested land
and the portion of the Hardee
Creek that runs through this
property will be protected and
preserved, Archibong contin-
ued.The natural environment
of the proposed protected acre-
age will present anotheredu-
cationalopportunity forschool
students and for the general
public.One idea is tocreate an
outdoor learning environment
for the students at the nearby
Toomer Elementary School.
OPINION
It is time for the carving on Stone Mountain to be removed
New Orleans has removed
their Confederate monuments,
Stone Mountain should be next.
We are being led to believe that
the carving of White men on
horses and the Confederate flag
represent the Southern heritage,
instead of segregation, bondage
and unequal justice? The
argument being used against it is
that its our heritage just as much
as the American flag association
with slavery.
Every time we recite the
National AnthemStar Spangled
Banner, or the Pledge of
Allegiance, our voices of liberty
and justice sing throughout the
land. This cause is a work in
progress to establish a more
perfect Union. So, what do the
Confederate flag and the Stone
Mountain carving have to do with
liberty and justice?
History should not be
destroyed. However, it should
at least represent reality? The
vision of the founders believe in
liberty and justice for all. While
some want to hold on to images,
objects, symbols and laws from
the past as their history and
heritage, not all of these images
or structures should be permitted
if it has a connection to a person
who has committed treason,
terrorism or racism.
The American flag like
the story of America changed
every time a new state was
added. It was the expansion
of America and slavery for
which the Civil War was fought.
The confederation and union
The Labor Day weekend is
often viewed as the unofficial end
of summer, but for many of us in
metro Atlanta the beginning of
the school year signals that the
sunshine and fun season is just
about over.
Back-to-school shopping
frenzies and all those yellow
school buses clogging our
morning commute are often what
we associate with the end of one
season and the beginning of
another.
However, fall doesnt officially
launch until Sept. 22 so theres
still plenty of summer ahead of
us. In fact, those of us fortunate to
Letter to the
governments both had a legacy
of immoral practices and laws.
The legacy whether intended
or not, of the Civil War was an
amended Constitution and a new
found freedom for Native and
African Americans.
The Civil War started because
of uncompromising differences
between the freed slave states
over the power of the national
government to prohibit slavery in
the territories in order to establish
an indivisible Union under God
with liberty and justice for all.
Hence, it is contradictory to the
pledge that we so faithfully recite
every morning in schools: I
pledge allegiance to the flag of
the United States of America and
to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
The continued display of
the Confederate flag and other
symbols after the Souths
acceptance of the principle of the
Union, as stated in the pledge,
represents non-acceptance,
defiance and passive aggression
against other social groups in
the Union and severely restricts
the growth and development
of our nations conscience as a
safe harbor for liberty and justice
for all. The problem with these
images (Confederate flag and
carving on Stone Mountain)
is that they do not represent
all the people who lived in
the South and they are not a
true reflection of the Civil War
that included Indians, African
Americans, women and others,
Summers not over yet
Gale Horton Gay
gale@dekalbchamp.com
live in the South can look forward
to warm weather and sunny days
well into October and sometimes
November.
An added benefit of the dog
days of summer is that so many
places that were previously
congested with children and
families now are experiencing
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 6
Editor
and, consequently, signals to the
omitted that they are not truly
free.
The advocates of such
symbols need to understand that
there was no major Civil War
battle at Stone Mountain. There is
no one buried at Stone Mountain
who was involved in the Civil
War. None of the men carved on
the side of Stone Mountain were
from Georgia. The carving does
not reflect the true representation
of the people involved in the Civil
War.
These symbols were made
prominent years after the
Civil War. Their prominence
represents both defiance and
a challenge to the concept of
the Union flag that celebrates
indivisibility with and justice for
all. It should be observed that the
Souths rich legacy was not born
of only white Americans. The land
on which Stone Mountain lies,
and the history of it did not start
with the Europeans. If one is to
be fair and objective, both the
Union and Confederate South
have a lot of history to get right.
The legacy of the KKK and
the Confederacys version of the
story of the South do not reflect
the true reality of the history.
The true history of the people
of Georgia included all the
people; Native Americans, white
Europeans, African Americans,
and Women. But none of them
are represented in the carving
on Stone Mountain. Unless the
Confederate carving is changed
to reflect the true legacy of
decreased attendance as many of
the younger set head off to school.
The beauty of this time of year
is that most hotels and resorts are
offering, or soon will be offering,
shoulder season discounts to
attract customers. For example,
condos by the beach that might
have been leased for $300 a night
during the height of the summer
may be available in September or
October for $150 or less a night.
There are no shortages of
places in the north Georgia
mountains, along the coast
and throughout the state worth
visiting that now are an incredible
value. Georgia state parks, trips
Georgia history, then it should
be removed. It is not acceptable
to allow a misrepresentation
of history to be prominently
displayed on public land.
Who should be included in
the Stone Mountain carving?
The answer should be Native
Americans, African Americans,
women, Lincoln, Sherman, Grant,
and McCallum. I do believe that
there are circumstances in which
good deeds can outweigh the
bad ones, and that society can
forgive those transgressions and
trespasses of our natural rights.
I recognize that not all objects
or images can fit into a museum
or be moved. Special situations
should be considered on a case
by case basis as to what should
be done. I believe in freedom of
speech, however, not all images
and statutes belong on public
property.
These are the questions
I would ask about historical
images or figures and whether
they should be displayed on
public property. What did the
person do in terms of the public
interest? What is its purpose
and relevance? What was the
connection with the location?
Does it advance the cause of
social justice, liberty and justice
for all? Does it represent a
historical truth?
Ed Williams. Ed.D. Chair
Concerned Citizens For Effective
Government
to Florida, Tennessee and other
neighboring states are a few
suggestions for late-summer
getaways.
Locally many municipalities
are announcing outdoor fall
festival events focused on art,
music, food and drink that start in
the weeks to come.
August and September really
are some of the best months to
plan to discover something new or
revisit an old favorite.
So before you bid summer
farewell and wipe tears from your
eyes, know that the best of the
seasons is ahead of us. Get out
there and enjoy it.
OPINION
A place to start: part II
Resuming our discussion of
low- or no-cost common ground
for Congressional Democrats
and Republicans to kick-start bi-
partisan health care reform.
Overturn federal ban on
negotiating pharmaceutical
prices
To add prescription coverage
to Medicare, during the first term
of President George W. Bush,
the Medicare Reform Act of 2003
banned negotiating pharmaceuti-
cal prices with major manufac-
turers for all state and federal
governments.
The U.S. government is the
largest purchaser of prescription
drugs in the world.U.S. consum-
ers on average pay three-four
times higher prices for many
drugs than those in neighboring
countries, as well as the entire
developing world.
Successful lobbying led by
former U.S. Representative Billy
Tauzin of Louisiana allows the
pharmaceutical industry to dic-
tate pricing without negotiation
or competition or other market
forces at play.Drug makers con-
tend that the healthy industry
profits which result are plowed
back into research and devel-
opment of the next round of
blockbuster drugs, treatments
and cures. Some of that may be
true, but U.S. consumers pay 40
percent more than do Canadi-
ansthe next largest purchaser
of pharmaceutical products.
Repealing the ban on price
negotiations would overnight
cause the largest customer of
pharmaceutical products to be-
gin shopping and comparison
pricing, and costs would likely
drop overnight.
Incent innovation with the
tax code
Instead of artificially high
drug pricing, use the corporate
and personal income tax codes
to incent research and innova-
FREEPRESS
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DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 7
treatment for.Preventing the on- residency are now met on the
One Mans set of such diseases could save
health care systems billions, as
back-end with much lower pay
and greater difficulty in focusing
Opinion well as adding decades to the on the patients, versus the insur-
quality of life of healthier con- ance and the business end of
Bill Crane sumers. health care.
bill.csicrane@gmail.com Medical and nursing school
Capitated care, concierge applications are down, while the
medicine and employer spon- aging baby boomer population
tion.Incent small businesses, in- sored clinics retires and health care demand
dividuals and employers to form, Some private-practice physi- soars.Our nation has been
or join, insurance buying coop- cians, as well as a limited num- importing a healthy percent-
eratives and trade associations ber of health care systems and age of our medical professional
to purchase insurance in bulk. hospitals are offering capitated population from other countries,
My nearly retirement age direct cash payment plans via green cards and HB-1 vi-
parents purchased insurance instead of insurancewhere sas.This too needs to be revisit-
very affordably and effectively monthly direct payments are ed, given the coming shifts in im-
through a small business co- made in exchange for defined migration law and policyifor
operative offered by the Metro benefits and health care ser- untilthe U.S. medical markets
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce vices. begin to produce more physi-
and Blue Cross/Blue Shield for Complimented with either cians and nurses.
more than a decade. supplemental health coverage, The best advice I can give
Consider small insurance or catastrophic care coverage you...stay healthy.
premium taxes and fees which (both comparatively affordable),
fund risk pools for the underin- allows providers to offer lower Bill Crane also serves as
sured and uninsured, in much prices without the paperwork a political analyst and com-
the same fashion we are all now hassles and cash flow challeng- mentator for Channel 2s Action
required to pay additional pre- es currently plaguing modern News, WSB-AM News/Talk 750
miums to cover for uninsured medicine. and now 95.5 FM, as well as a
motorists.With most all making Our nation is also in the columnist for The Champion,
a modest contribution, over time, midst of an ongoing shortage DeKalb Free Press and Georgia
billions have a way of piling up. of doctors, nurses and special- Trend. Crane is a DeKalb na-
Encourage faith-based ists in an ever-growing number tive and business owner, living
buying cooperatives such as of categories.The expense and in Scottdale. You can reach him
Medi-share, now covering all the student loans often required to or comment on a column at bill.
medical expenses of more than complete medical studies and csicrane@gmail.com.
300,000 Americans.Medi-share
is not insurance.Member fami-
lies make monthly plan payment
contributions and share medical
expenses for all members of the
group.
Preventative and alterna-
tive care
Staying healthy through prop-
er diet, exercise and the use of
lower cost alternative care such
as chiropractic, osteopathic and
acupuncture are each much less
expensive than traditional medi-
cal care.
Diabetes, obesity and heart
disease are three of the most
chronic and expensive medical
conditions to provide ongoing
Publisher: Photographer: STATEMENT FROM THE
John Hewitt Travis Hudgons
PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Staff Reporters: We sincerely appreciate the
discussion surrounding this and any
Dr. Earl D. Glenn Carla Parker issue of interest to DeKalb County.
SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, R. Scott Belzer The Champion was founded in 1991
Production Manager: Horace Holloman expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, discourse for all community residents
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Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
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LOCAL
STONE MOUNTAIN
SMHS PRINCIPAL:
Success comes through observance,
outreach and positivity
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
According to Stone
Mountain High School
(SMHS) principal James
Jones, success in the
classroom comes through
the consistent monitoring
of classrooms, community
outreach and good news.
Jones, embarking on his
40th year in the education
field, released his 2017-
2018 Opening Address via
YouTube on Aug. 3.
In the address, Jones
warned parents about
school construction and
tout SMHSs 10.7 overall
increase in its College
and Career Readiness
Performance Index (CCRPI)
score.
For the 2015-2016
school year, SMHS scored
58.7 overall. Last year,
2016-2017, SMHS brought
that score up to 69.4.
Jones named classroom
monitoring as the first
contributing factor to
SHMSs success.
My team and I pledge
to observe classroomsat
least five daily, Jones said.
After we observe classes,
REDUSE. REUSE. RECYCLE.
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 8
Photo by Travis Hudgons
a home, Jones said. We
need those stakeholders
input here at school to help
us make our gains. Parents
are excited to come out and
see our school and hear
about the important things
happening here at Stone
Mountain.
Positive news, according
to Jones, is a key driving
force in finding, directing
and maintaining success.
Its always great to
share positive news from
our school, about whats
Stone Mountain High School principal
James Jones released a 2017- going on with students,
2018 opening address Aug. 3 via faculty and our parents,
YouTube pledging to maintain the
Jones said.
schools recent CCRPI success. Photo
submitted. Jones said hes looking
forward to the 2017-2018
school year and maintaining
SMHSs academic success.
we meet in my office
One of my mentors told
every Monday. If we saw a
me, treat every day as if its
deficiency, it was all about
your last day, Jones said.
offering help and providing
My pledge to my teachers
professional learning for
and students is to work
those teachers.
every day as though its my
Jones said SMHSs
last day. It will offer me the
success is wholly
opportunity to say as often
dependent on having a
as I can, the motto weve
good relationship with its
come up withYes, we
community. He named
can. Go pirates!
Muffins for Moms, and
To view Joness opening
Donuts for Dads as
address in its entirety, visit
exciting and engaging
youtu.be/qWnTyMp5PXo?a.
community programs.
Every child comes from
TUCKER
Tucker City Council will vote on the proposed mixed-use project for the vacant
Sears property.
Tucker City Council to vote on proposed
development for Sears property
BY CARLA PARKER inside the city council
chambers can watch the
carla@dekalbchamp.com meeting on closed circuit
A decision on the television and still line up to
offer public comment.
proposed mixed-use
development for the vacant The first read of the
Sears property is expected project was held Aug. 14
and Stephen Macauley
to come Aug. 30.
The Tucker mayor presented the new details
and city council will hold of the plan and proponents
a special called meeting and opponents weighed in
Aug. 30 to hold a second as well.
In January, the city
read and vote on the
proposed 88-acre mixed- council voted to accept
use development known Macauleys withdrawal
request of three application
as The Rise. City officials
said the second read items needed to construct
the development.
and vote was initially
scheduled to be taken Macauleys decision to
withdraw came after city
up at the regular called
meeting on Aug. 28 but is council members made
motions to either defer
being moved to a different
date to accommodate the their vote or deny the
applications due to several
increased public interest.
When the development concerns. One of those
concerns was the city
went before Tuckers
Planning Commission last not having a downtown
development authority in
month, city officials said the
place yet to evaluate the
meeting lasted more than
four hours and drew an project.
Macauley also requested
overflow crowd.
the citys comprehensive
With public hearings
for a comprehensive plan plan be amended. The city
is currently using DeKalb
amendment, a rezoning
Countys comprehensive
petition and a special land
plan while in the process of
use permit, this promises
developing its own plan.
to be a long meeting that
Since withdrawing
draws a lot of interest, City
his request, Macauley
Manager Tami Hanlin said.
has submitted a
The city council will still
revised proposal for the
hold its meeting on Aug. 28
development, which is
to deal with other agenda
tentatively named The
items.
Rise. The proposal features
We abide strictly by our
192,000 square feet of retail
fire marshals occupancy
space, 88,000 square feet
standards, Hanlin said.
of office space, 705 housing
We will have an overflow
units, as well as a daycare
area set up where residents
and an elementary school.
who dont have a spot
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 9

DC
DC

PHOTO BY TRAVIS HUDGONS

BY CARLA PARKER University graduate was an

carla@dekalbchamp.com
Several high school football
programs in DeKalb County have
a high turnover rate with head
coaches.
New athletics coordinator
of football James Jackson
is hoping to fix that. Jackson,
the former Tucker High School
principal, was named athletics
coordinator for football, soccer,
debate/study hall and inventory
control earlier this year. Jackson
was principal at Tucker for 11
years.
The Georgia Southern
assistant coach for two years
at Jones County High School in
his hometown. He then moved
to Tucker in 1996 and was an
assistant coach and strength and
condition coach for 10 years. He
also coached the boys track and
field team at one point.
Jackson said leaving Tucker
for the school districts athletics
department gives him a chance to
work with his passionathletics.
He said his first priority is to help
football coaches improve.
I want to try to put
professional learning
See Jackson on Page 13A

BY CARLA PARKER replaced, new fencing, an artificial

carla@dekalbchamp.com
When the regular season kicks
off Aug. 18, all five of DeKalb
County School Districts stadiums
will be completely renovated with
new field turf, track surfaces, lights,
paint and more.
Last summer, renovation work
was done at Adams, Godfrey and
Hallford stadiums. The past two
months, construction crews were
at Avondale and North DeKalb
stadiums to renovate the remaining
stadiums.
As with the other three stadiums,
Renovations at North DeKalb (pictured) and Avondale stadiums were completed Avondale and North DeKalb had
during the summer break. Photo by Carla Parker stadium and parking lot lights
field turf and a new polyurethane
track surface. James Jackson, the
districts athletics coordinator for
football, said the new turf and other
renovations are game-changers for
the schools.
Our kids deserve to play on
the best [turf] surfaces and our
surfaces are outstanding, Jackson
said. Were really excited about
it and thankful for the support of
the [Board of Education] and the
superintendent in getting those
fields new turf.
Avondale, the oldest stadium in
the county, received $2.1 million in
See Stadiums on Page 13A
SPORTS
Arabia Mountain Rams
Head coach: Stanley Pritchett
(5th season) Region: 5-AAAAA
2016 record: 9-3 (Playoffs)
OUTLOOK: The Rams are
coming off a season during
which they won their first region
title and had their first playoff
appearance. The team aspires
to have a second consecutive
playoff appearance, but will have
to do so with a young defense.
Eight of the teams top 10
tacklers graduated, and coach
Pritchett and his staff will depend
on the young players to fill the
void.
Cedar Grove Saints
Head coach: Jermaine Smith
(5th season) Region: 5-AAA
2016 record: 13-2 (Playoffs)
OUTLOOK: The 2016 Class
AAA state champions will have
a larger target on their back
this season, but the team has
enough talent to live up to the
challenge. The Saints have their
top two wide receiversJadon
Haselwood and Dennis Bell
returning, as well as playmaker
Israel Spivey. They also added
former Redan quarterback
Xavier Dennis. The Saints will
be young on defense but have
a couple of their top defensive
players returning in linebacker
Isaiah Ratcliff and defensive
end Roderic Forts.
Chamblee Bulldogs
Head coach: Curtis Mattair
(2nd season) Region: 5-AAAAA
2016 record: 2-8
OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs
struggled to win during coach
Mattairs first year as head
coach, but hope to turn things
around in 2017. Assistant coach
Brandon Rhodes said the team
worked hard in the spring and
summer to improve and hopes
DC
the results show on the field. The
Bulldogs will look to quarterback
Stuart Steel to lead the team this
season.
Clarkston Angoras
Head coach: Terrence Hughey
(4th season) Region: 5-AAAAA
2016 record: 1-9
OUTLOOK: Clarkston has
struggled to win more than
one game under fourth-year
head coach Terrence Hughey.
Clarkston has not had a winning
season since going 5-5 in 2012.
Returning starting quarterback
Foday Tarawally will have an
opportunity to lead the Angoras to
its first winning record in his last
season at Clarkston.
Columbia Eagles
Head coach: Brian Montgomery
(1st season) Region: 5-AAAAA
2016 record: 2-8
OUTLOOK: Last season, the
Eagles had their first losing
season in six years. Enters new
coach Brian Montgomery, who
will try to get the Eagles back on
the right side of .500. Columbia
will have its leading rusher back
in Thaddeus Easley, who rushed
for 777 yards and scored three
touchdowns last season.
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 10
DC
Cross Keys Indians
Head coach: Mark Adams
(2nd season) Region: 5-AAAAA
2016 record: 1-5
OUTLOOK: Only three players
from the 2016 Indians team
graduated, which means Cross
Keys has majority of its team
returning. Coach Adams said the
team had 30 players to participate
in summer workouts, and he
hopes to get up to 40 players
for the first time in a while by the
first game. One of the returning
players is three-time starter Hau
Vo, who recorded 20 tackles last
season.
Decatur Bulldogs
Head coach: Cody Cory
(1st season) Region: 6-AAAAA
2016 record: 1-9
OUTLOOK: With a new coach
and an expected 16 seniors on
the roster, the Bulldogs hope to
bounce back after a rough season
in a new region. Some of the
experienced players returning
include wide receiver/safety Coby
Webb, wide receiver Christian
Haddock, quarterback Brayton
Reed and linebacker/fullback
Jermaine Harkness.
Druid Hills Red Devils
Head coach: Myron Burton
(2nd season) Region: 4-AAAA
2016 record: 4-6
OUTLOOK: The Red Devils are
in rebuilding mode this season
after graduating a majority of the
starters from last season. They
will have their leading tackler
back in defensive lineman Xavier
Perkins, who recorded 72 tackles
last season. One of their sack
leaders, linebacker Tyrique
Robinson, will also be back.
Dunwoody Wildcats
Head coach: Michael Nash
(3rd season) Region: 7-AAAAAA
2016 record: 2-8
OUTLOOK: The 2016 Wildcats
started the season 2-1, but lost
seven consecutive games once
they entered region-play in their
first season in Class AAAAAA.
With a year under their belt in
the Region 7-AAAAAA and a few
playmakers returningleading
receiver Turner Nims, leading
rusher Josh Hudgins and leading
tackler Jack Oliverthe Wildcats
should win a region game or two
this season.
Lakeside Vikings
Head coach: Cam Jones
(2nd season) Region:
7-AAAAAAA
2016 record: 5-5
OUTLOOK: Lakeside started
the season 4-1 under first-year
head coach Cam Jones, but
struggled when they faced more
region opponents in the second
half of the season. The Vikings
hope to have better results this
season with a more experienced
team with several top players
returning, including quarterback
Matthew Holt, running back
Max Guggenos, wide receiver
Damonte Pressley and
linebackers Miles Miccichi and
Matthew Watkins.
Lithonia Bulldogs
Head coach: David Edwards
(1st season) Region: 5-AAAAA
2016 record: 5-6 (playoffs)
OUTLOOK: After five seasons
of leading the Columbia Eagles,
David Edwards is now at
Lithonia and expects to improve a
team that made the playoffs last
season. The Bulldogs graduated
many starters from last years
team, but have enough talented
players to step in to make another
run to the playoffs. Those players
include quarterback Tareq Shaw,
running back Rayshad Baldwin
and defensive end Tre Wilkins.
Marist War Eagles
Head coach: Alan Chadwick
(33rd season) Region: 7-AAAA
2016 record: 7-4 (Playoffs)
Outlook: Alan Chadwick,
the longest tenure high school
football coach, is entering
his 33rd year as head coach.
Last season ended with a
disappointing overtime loss in
DEKALB COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SPORTS
the first round of the playoffs,
but with a large senior class this
year, Chadwick and the War
Eagles are ready to show that
they can compete with the best
in Class AAAA. Marist will have a
few playmakers to lead the team
this year, including quarterback
Chase Abshier, tight ends John
Fitzpatrick and Middleton
Parker, linebacker Paul Stanley
and cornerback Dean Johnson.
M.L. King Lions
Head coach: Deante Lamar
(1st season) Region: 4-AAAAAA
2016 record: 2-8
OUTLOOK: The Lions had their
worst record in the programs
14-year history in varsity play in
2016. Former Lithonia assistant
coach Deante Lamar hopes
to rebuild the program and get
M.L. King back to its winning
ways in his first season as head
coach. The Lions will have a few
returning starters to help with the
rebuildincluding running back/
linebacker Jaelon Thomas, wide
receiver/safety Antonio Fletcher
and defensive/offensive lineman
DeMarque Johnson.
McNair Mustangs
Head coach: Shelton Carleton
(5th season) Region: 5-AAA
2016 record: 3-7
OUTLOOK: The Mustangs have
struggled to reach five wins in
Shelton Carletons tenure, but
Carleton said his team is looking
to get over .500 and possibly a
playoff spot. The Mustangs will
depend on a large junior class
to lead the way, which features
quarterback Jayden Wooden,
receivers/cornerbacks Darius
George and Jalen Brown and
cornerbacks Kyron Fisher and
Dontavious Brewer.
Miller Grove Wolverines
Head coach: Justin Larmond
(2nd season) Region: 5-AAAAA
2016 record: 4-7 (Playoffs)
OUTLOOK: The Wolverines
made the playoffs for the first
time in program history, despite
having a losing record in coach
Larmonds first season. Miller
Grove is expected to have a
talented defense this season, led
by defensive end Caleb Tannor
and cornerbacks Jalen Williams
and Brandon Booker.
Redan Raiders
Head coach: Roderick Moore
(4th season) Region: 5-AAA
2016 record: 3-7
OUTLOOK: The Raiders are
hoping to have their first winning
season under fourth-year head
coach Roderick Moore. Moore
said the coaching staff made
changes to the offensive and
defensive schemes that they
hope the players will execute well
enough to win more games. The
Raiders will depend on several
two-way players this season
including Nehemiah Adams,
Kareem Bennett, DeAnthony
Colbert, Jachob Collins and
Kendic Matthew.
St. Pius Golden Lions
Head coach: Paul Standard
(17th season) Region: 8-AAAA
2016 Record: 2-9 (Playoffs)
OUTLOOK: The Golden Lions
had its first losing season during
coach Standards 16-year tenure
due to youth, injuries and other
adversities. Standard said he
expects his players to use last
seasons disappointment to fuel
them this season. Ben White,
who was one of the injured
players, is expected to lead
the offense at quarterback for
the Lions, but returning starting
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 11
quarterback Connor Egan will
also compete for QB playing
time and will also line up at wide
receiver and cornerback.
Southwest DeKalb Panthers
Head coach: Damien Wimes
Region: 5-AAAAA
2016 record: 6-5 (Playoffs)
OUTLOOK: The Panthers
overcame the tragic loss of
their coach, Michael Tanks, to
finish the regular season with
a 6-4 record and advance to
the playoffs, where they lost in
the first round. With a new, but
experienced, coach (Damien
Wimes), an experienced
quarterback (Justin Tomlin) and
the teams leading tackler (Eris
Walker) back, Southwest DeKalb
is poised to win its first region title
since 2009.
Stephenson Jaguars
Head coach: Ron Gartrell
(22nd season) Region: 4-AAAAAA
2016 record: 8-5 (Playoffs)
OUTLOOK: The Jaguars made a
surprising run in the playoffsto
the third roundlast season with
many young players contributing.
Those players are back this
season and Stephenson is
expected to be in the mix again
for a region title and another
postseason run.
Stone Mountain Pirates
Head coach: James Collier
(1st season) Region: 5-AAA
2016 record: 1-9
OUTLOOK: Stone Mountain has
only won one game in the past
three seasons, with the one win
coming last season. New head
coach James Collier will have
a tough task transforming the
Pirates into a winning program.
He has a few top defensive
players returning from last years
team, including leading tackler
Max St. Juste, Lorenzo Weaver
and Mason Litt.
Tucker Tigers
Head coach: Bryan Lamar
(6th season) Region: 4-AAAAAA
2016 record: 13-2 (Playoffs)
OUTLOOK: Tucker had a
disappointing end to the 2016
season with a loss in the state
Towers Titans championship game. The Tigers
Head coach: Robert Tigner are hungry to get back to the
(1st season) Region: 5-AAA big game, but have a different
2016 record: 1-9 result. They have the talent to
do so with players such as wide
OUTLOOK: After going 5-5 receiver/punt returner Josh
in 2013, the Titians had three Vann, offensive tackle Dylan
consecutive losing seasons with Wonnum, running back Taurean
a total record of 5-25. Robert Taylor, linebacker Tre Leslie and
Tigner is the third head coach linebacker Michael Harris, who
in five seasons and hopes to get transferred from Lovejoy.
the team back to .500. They have
a couple of offensive starters
returning, including quarterback
Terry Dennis and wide receiver
David Mangino.
RECORD PREDICTIONS
Below are Carla Parkers record predictions for DeKalb
County football teams.
Region 7-AAAAAAA
School Region Overall
Lakeside 2-4 6-5
Region 4-AAAAAA
School Region Overall
Tucker 7-0 9-1
Stephenson 6-1 7-3
M.L. King 2-5 2-8
Region 7-AAAAAA
School Region Overall
Dunwoody 2-6 3-7
Region 5-AAAAA
School Region Overall
SW DeKalb 5-0 7-3
Arabia Mountain 4-1 7-3
Miller Grove 3-2 6-4
Chamblee 2-3 5-5
Lithonia 1-4 2-8
Columbia 0-5 3-7
Clarkston* 0-0 1-9
Cross Keys* 0-0 1-5
*non-region
Region 6-AAAAA Region Overall
Decatur 3-4 3-7
Region 4-AAAA
School Region Overall
Druid Hills 3-3 4-6
Region7-AAAA
School Region Overall
Marist 3-1 7-3
Region 8-AAAA
School Region Overall
St. Pius X 5-0 6-4
Region 5-AAA
School Region Overall
Cedar Grove 4-2 8-2
Redan 3-4 4-6
McNair 2-5 4-6
Towers 1-6 1-9
Stone Mountain 0-7 1-9
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 12

PHOTOS BY TRAVIS HUDGONS

Cody Cobb Deante Lamar Brian Montgomery Robert Tigner Damien Wimes

Seven high schools hire familiar faces as new football head coaches
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
A few veteran DeKalb County football head
coaches will be wearing different school colors
this season.
Three of the seven new coaches hired during
the off-season had been head coaches at other
county high schools, while the other four are first-
time head coaches.
Former Columbia head coach David
Edwards is now at Lithonia, former Towers
coach Brian Montgomery replaced Edwards at
Columbia and former Miller Grove coach Damien
Wimes is now head coach at Southwest DeKalb.
Robert Tigner was promoted from defensive
coordinator to head coach at Towers, Cody
Cory was promoted from defensive coordinator
to head coach at Decatur, Deante Lamar was
the defensive coordinator at Lithonia last season
and is now the head coach at M.L. King and
James Collier is the new head coach at Stone
Mountain.
Montgomery, who spent the last three
seasons at Towers, said the Columbia job was
an opportunity he could not pass up.
I know [Columbia] had a great tradition
of winning, so I just wanted be a part of it,
build it and get it back to where it used to be,
Montgomery said.
Last season, Columbia had its first losing
season in six years. Montgomery said his players
have worked hard during the off-season to get
better and have the potential to make the playoffs
and anything less than that is a failure.
Anything short of the playoffs is a waste
of time for us, so were definitely looking to get
in the playoffs, he said. We want to play in
that new [Mercedes-Benz Stadium] that theyre
building. Thats what were looking forward to.
There was controversy when Wimes was
hired as the new head coach at Southwest
DeKalb, but he has moved on and is focused on
bettering the players on and off the field.
Weve been trying to instill some core
values of mental toughness, discipline and
accountability, he said. Any time you come in as
a new coach there are some changes you dont
have to fix. Were getting people, who are used
to doing things their own way, to doing things
your way. The kids were very receptive, the
administration was very receptive, the student
body and the teachers were very receptive to
what we are trying to do.
Wimes, who is a Southwest DeKalb alum,
said he wants to continue the legacy of former
longtime coach Buck Godfrey, and the vision of
Michael Tanks, who died last August.
The program was built from the legacy
of coach Godfrey, and this latest edition of
Southwest DeKalb is from the vision of coach
Tanks, Wimes said. [Tanks] had these kids
when they were in ninth and 10th grade and he
played a lot of kids early. By doing that, he set
the stage for last season, he set the stage for this
season. Im just really trying to fulfill the mission
that he set forth.
Tigner has been coaching football for 25 years
and now has his first opportunity to be a head
coach.
Its an honor, Tigner said. To be honest,
its something that I didnt overly pursue during
my career. I was content being a coordinator,
but its for the kids. I figured if I didnt take it they
mightve brought somebody in late and I want
to give [the players] a fair chance to have a
successful season.
Tigner and his coaching staff made a few
changes to the play book, specifically on
defense. He said the offense will be similar but
has added triple-offense plays. With a good-size
senior class, Tigner said his team has enough to
do well this season.
I think were going to [equal] our record or do
better, he said. I dont see us doing any worse
than that. Our goal is to make the playoffs and
I feel like we got enough people in position to
make the playoffs.
Lamar has been coaching for six years and
is getting his first chance to lead a team at M.L.
King.
Its exciting and nerve-racking at the same
time, but every day brings a new adventure,
Lamar said.
M.L. King had its worst record in the
programs 14-year history in varsity play last
season. Lamar hopes to rebuild the program and
get M.L. King back to where it used to be.
I think it starts with our culture and character
building with our kids, he said. Our kids
definitely want to be successful and we have to
put them in the right situation to be successful.
From my standpoint its about culture, about
changing their mindsetthat we can be
successful, we can bring back tradition to Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. High School.
Cory has been a head coach of golf and
track and field, but this is his first football head
coaching job in the 12 years he has coached in
the sport.
Ive always been a football guy and it feels
great to be in charge of a football program and
to be able to do it my way, he said. Im a team
player, so at the end of the day whoever is in
charge Im going to do it their way. Now I finally
have an opportunity to do it my way.
He started his coaching career in Texas,
where he coached for nine years before moving
to Georgia. Cory said the offseason has been
productive during his transition from assistant to
head coach at Decatur.
Weve been working hard and were excited
to get started, he said.

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Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb Countys Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
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(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com

SPORTS
Last season, Stephenson defeated Cedar Grove in the semifinals of the countys Trail to the Title series.
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
The Stephenson Middle
School Jaguars had an incredible
comeback to win the DeKalb
County Middle School Football
Trail to the Title Championship
last November and could be
in the mix this season to win a
second consecutive title.
The middle school football
season kicks off Aug. 26 and
Stephenson, as well as Trail
to the Title runner-up Tucker
and semifinalists Cedar Grove
and Chapel Hill are projected
contenders for the middle school
championship. Since the Trail
to the Title was created in 2004,
STADIUMS Continued From Page 9A
renovations, and North
DeKalb received $1.9
million. The funds were
allocated under the voter-
approved E-SPLOST IV.
Sports Turf Company
Inc. did the renovations at
Avondale Stadium, which
was built in 1958 and
located behind The DeKalb
School of Arts, formerly
Avondale High School.
The stadium has a seating
capacity of 6,500.
Deluxe Athletics did the
renovations at North DeKalb
Stadium, which is located
behind Chamblee Charter
High School. The stadium
was built in 1962 and also
seats 6,500.
Cedar Grove, Miller Grove,
Stephenson and Tucker have
had three or more appearances
in the title game.
Stephenson leads all
programs with four titles, followed
by Miller Grove with three, Cedar
Grove with two and Tucker,
Lithonia and disbanded Avondale
with one each. Tucker has been
in the last four title games and
The stadiums received new paint as part of the renovation projects. Photo by Carla
Parker
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 13
PHOTO BY TRAVIS HUDGONS
have gone to each title game
with an undefeated record, but
haswon only one title. The Tigers
have the talent and the coaching
to make another run to the title
game, but must find a way to
bring the title back to Tucker.
Bethune, which finished 5-2
last season, could also be in
the hunt for the title, as well as
Freedom (5-2).
JACKSON
Continued From Page 9A
opportunities in front of the coaches to
help them better themselves, he said.
I want to try to develop some longevity
with the coaches. Its important for the
schools, its important for the community
to not have coaches [who are] just there
for one or two years and then theyre
leaving. Were going to try to work with
coaches to help them develop and try to
keep them.
Jackson said having a line of
communication with coaches and
working together as a team would solve
some issues coaches may have with
building a consistent winning program.
The biggest thing to me is helping
the coaches and seeing what they think
we need to do to make it better, he
said. Theyre the first line of defense.
For me to say were going to do this, this
and thisthat would be wrong. I want to
listen to them, I want to pick their brains
on what they think and if we can do it
well do it.
Jackson said one thing he wants to
see in every football program is a solid
strength and conditioning program.
Thats the x-factor; thats the thing
that changes kids, he said. When
you work out you want to win and you
dont want to give up; you want to battle
to the end. Kids that work hard in the
weight room tend to have a little bit more
self-confidence. I want to look at each
strength and conditioning program.
He said he wants to go to various
universities and other high school
programs to see how their strength and
conditioning programs are run.
Its super critical, he said. Being a
former strength and conditioning coach,
I understand that part.
Jackson also addressed the
controversy of players transferring from
one program to winning program. Last
season Cedar Grove, which won a state
championship, and Tucker, which played
in the state title game had several
players who played for another school in
2015. Jackson said he doesnt believe
coaches go out and recruit players from
another school.
I think the school sells itself, he
said. I dont think coaches purposely
try to get a kid to come to their school.
Parents want their kids to be in good
programs, just like academicsparents
want their kids to go to a good academic
school and some parents want their kids
to go to a good athletic school.
Its up to me to help the coaches,
at all schools, become better and help
their assistant coaches become better,
Jackson added. Kids and parents are
going to go where they want to go.
Theyre going to make up their mind; no
one has to go and talk to them. If they
want to leave, then you wish them well
and you keep moving because the world
is not going to stop. I dont think its that
big a deal as some people make it out to
be. You have to just get better coaches
and a better staff and then they can
work with the kids and do the things they
need to do to keep those kids.
BUSINESS DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 14

CHAMBLEE

Origin enables government contractors to support one another

BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER

The Government
Contractors Association
(GCA) on Aug. 8 cut the
ribbon opening Origin,
its first co-working space
for new and established
business owners marketing
their services to the
government. Located on
the access road of I-85 near
Chamblee, the collaborative
space offers hot desks,
private offices, conference
rooms and other amenities.
Co-working space is
easy to find in downtown
Atlanta, but theres nothing
else like this in this area,
Richard Brooks, chief
financial officer of GCA,
said at the grand opening
ceremony.
GCA describes Origin
as an innovation center for
government contractors,
adding, This will be a
place for entrepreneurs to
immerse themselves in a
learning and vibrant culture.
Working with and around
Officially opening the Origin office with a ribbon cutting is Origin CEO and Founder Abraham Xiong, center with scissors, flanked by,
different companies will from left, Government Contractors Association Chief Financial Officer Richard Brooks; Chamblee Mayor Pro Tem Brian Mock; State
provide entrepreneurs the Senator Elena Parent; Director of Area III Government Contracting for the federal Small Business Administration Carol Thompson and
opportunity to grow and Origin Vice President of Service Delivery Myra Cisse.
expand their business.
Each company will also with other business people farmer took the rock to town left out. We want to help for example, youve been
have the ability to learn and is the opportunity to discuss and asked a jeweler what them not just have one told that you dont have the
engage with government ideas, share information it was. The jeweler fell to successful venture but to financial strength to fulfill
contracting ventures. and support one another. his knees. What he had have sustainable success, the contractbut you know
Brooks said When smart people get was the largest ruby that he said. you dowe can help you
the approximately together, great things had ever been discovered Carol Thompson, create the documentation
4,000-square-foot space happen, he said. at the time, Xiong said. director of Area III you need to prove that you
may be rented as dedicated Xiong illustrated the Both farmers went from Government Contracting can handle the job.
spacethe client has an concept with the story of desperate poverty to for the Small Business
office only he or she uses two Cambodian farmers great wealth and are now Administration,
or as co-working space in in the 1970s. One farmer international jewelers, acknowledged that applying
which clients may use any
available space. There also
realized he wasnt going to according to Xiong. The for government contracts In need of a car?
are conference rooms and
be able to support his family
that year and he asked his
story illustrates what can
happen when neighbors
can be daunting for first
timers. Thats what were
Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Jaguar
event space. Were finding neighbor for a loan. The support each other, he there forto help small Call Vincent:
so far that most people
want dedicated space, he
neighbor said that he too
was struggling but would
continued. We can all
be farmers, feeding not
businesses through what
may seem like a tough
678-665-4168
said. The offices also house give him whatever he had just our families, but our bureaucratic process. If, Special Financing Available
GCAs new headquarters. leftafter he had taken care communities and the world.
State Sen. Donzella of his own family. Brian Mock, mayor PUBLIC NOTICE
James was not among Both families barely pro tem of Chamblee, said CITY OF DORAVILLLE, GEORGIA
the speakers, but issued made it through the year applying for a government
a statement calling Origin and the first farmer worried contract can be a complex
a place of vision, hope, that even years later he and discouraging process. Notice of Intent to Take Action to Increase
and possibilities.It will was unable to repay his Theres a lot of red tape, the Compensation of the Mayor and Council
be a place to empower neighbor. One day as he but theres no reason for members of the City of Doraville, Georgia.
veterans, women business was plowing, he found a each small business owner PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Mayor and Council,
owners, minorities and rock that looked special to have to re-create what at their August 21, 2017 Council Meeting, intend
other members of our in some way. He didnt others have already been to consider and to vote upon an ordinance that will
community. know what it was, but he through. Chamblee is provide for an increase in compensation for the
Abraham Xiong, CEO gave it to his neighbor. The experiencing growth like Mayor and members of the City Council, and if so
and founder of Origin, neighbor didnt know what weve never seen before. approved, will become effective January 1, 2018.
at the opening said that it was either, but thanked We strongly believe in small Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for
people often operate one- him and told him he could businesses and as the area examination and inspection with the Doraville City
or two-person businesses consider the debt paid. grows we want to be sure Clerk. All concerned citizens are invited to the public
from their homes, but the One day the second small businesses are not hearing, which will be located at Doraville City Hall,
advantage of sharing space 3627 Park Ave. Doraville, Georgia at 6:30 p.m.
EDUCATION DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 15

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb County School Districts board of education approved a one-year legal services contract extension with Nelson Mullins, also known as Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, worth more than $1 million
on Aug. 7. Photo by R. Scott Belzer

A $1 MILLION EXTENSION
DeKalb Schools extend contract with Atlanta law firm
BY R. SCOTT BELZER
sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com
DeKalb County School
District (DCSD) extended a
contract worth more than $1
million with an Atlanta law
firm on Aug. 7.
Nelson Mullins, also
known as Nelson Mullins
Riley & Scarborough, had
its services extended for
one year as outside general
counsel and special local
option sales tax (SPLOST)
counsel following approval
by the DCSD board of
education.
The law firm has
performed with excellent,
efficient legal services to
the district, said DCSD
superintendent R. Stephen
Green. The team that
has been working with
the district has deep
experience in [these]
areas.
The approved contract
stipulates Nelson Mullins
will receive $65,000 per
month for non-SPLOST
related services and
$25,000 per month for
SPLOST related services.
Any extra services
performed by Nelson
Mullins will cost DCSD
between $125 and $275 an
hour. Other costs, such as
photocopying, messenger
and delivery service,
computerized research,
expert and consultant fees,
travel (including airfare,
lodging, meals, ground
transportation, parking
and mileage), printing,
necessary secretarial
overtime, filing fees, will be
paid in advance, according
to the contract.
This means DCSD will
pay Nelson Mullins at least
$1.08 million for one year of
service.
According to Green, in
Neeru Nina Gupta, who specializes
in education law, has been DCSDs
main outside representation through
Nelson Mullins. Photo submitted.
the last fiscal year, Nelson
Mullins has provided
legal advice regarding
E-SPLOST; legal guidance
on more than 130 student
matters; reviewed and
overhauled special
education legal compliance;
helped execute real estate
and property matters; and
concluded 24 litigations.
In addition, they have
provided outstanding
and highly responsive
ongoing legal assistance
for all aspects of district
and board operations,
complementing the [DCSD]
division of legal affairs,
Green said. Continuing the
engagement with Nelson
Mullins enables the district
and board to meet its legal
needs in an efficient and
effective manner. Nelson
Mullins offers the district
deeply discounted rates
which represent the lowest
rates offered to any public
education entity.
DCSD chief financial
officer Michael Bell said
DCSD works with several
law firms throughout the
year, paying an average of
approximately $90,000 per
month.
DCSD originally
budgeted $3.6 million
for legal fees and legal
settlements for its fiscal
year 2017 budget. The
budget has since been
amended to $4.9 million,
and $1.2 million went to
Nelson Mullins, according to
DCSD officials.
Board member Marshall
Orson said the district is in
a much better place legally
than in previous years.
We were, quite frankly,
in a terrible place, Orson
said. We were spending
$10 million per year,
which is absurd. I want to
commend the work Nelson
Mullins has done and work
theyve done in conjunction
with our legal staff. They
have the mindfulness that,
These are public funds, we
have a responsibility to the
students of our district and
taxpayers in our district.

*For new subscriptions only

CALL THE CHAMPION NEWSPAPER 404.373.7779 FOR DETAILS

 AUGUST 2017

News and events of the

DeKalb Chamber of CommerCe
Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave. Suite 235, Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org

Nearly 150 DeKalb and metro Atlanta leaders will participate in the DeKalb Chambers 13th Annual Golf Tournament.

DeKalb Chamber convenes leaders for day of business growth and development
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce returns to
the Druid Hills Golf Club on Monday, August 28
for its 13th Annual Golf Tournament, presented by
Discover DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau and
Fifth Third Bank. As one of the largest fundraising
events for the Chamber, the tournament provides an
opportunity for nearly 150 DeKalb and metro Atlanta
business leaders to enjoy a relaxing day of golf while
exploring ways to foster business relationships and
cultivate new business interests.
To align with our work to support business
interests, DeKalb Chamber is focused on unifying
the business community. By offering this tournament,
the Chamber is able to convene metro Atlanta
businesses and help them discover how they can
continue to grow together.
The day will begin with breakfast, sponsored by
Chick-fil-A Wesley Chapel, and networking in the
morning, followed with a Shot Gun Start at 10 a.m.
Golfers will break into their teams and complete 18
holes on the course. They will also compete in Hole-
In-One, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Putting
Green contests.
From 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., women and men will
participate in the WELD-hosted Womens Golf Clinic,
sponsored by Intown Doula. Pro golfers will give tips
on the fundamentals of playing golf and address
participants individual needs. Register separately
for the WELD-hosted Womens clinic online at bit.
ly/4thweldgolf.
The 19th Hole Reception and Ceremony will take
place at 4:00 p.m. Players returning from the greens
can cool off, participate in the Chambers mobile
silent auction, receive awards, and enjoy a masterful
meal.
We invite you to join us in our efforts to build a
stronger DeKalb on August 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4
p.m. at the Druid Hills Golf Club, 740 Clifton Road NE
in Atlanta. Register online at bit.ly/dekalbchambergolf.
Local businesses interested in sponsoring the
Golf Tournament may contact Emily Yang at eyang@
dekalbchamber.org or 404-378-8000.

Text to participate in DeKalb Chamber Mobile Silent Auction

DeKalb Chamber will open
mobile bidding for the 13th Annual
Golf Tournament Silent Auction
on Monday, August 21 and close
Monday, August 28 at 4:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the auction will
benefit the DeKalb Chamber of
Commerce.
By using a mobile bidding
service, participants do not
have to be present at the
tournament to participate or win.
Participants can start bidding
from their smartphone with texting
capabilities or through their
computers.
Silent auction items include
hotel stays, family packages to
local entertainments, catering and
bakery packages, private charter
for 2 from Ultimate Air Shuttle,
and more.
Local businesses interested
in donating gift certificates or
items for the silent auction may
contact Emily Yang at eyang@
dekalbchamber.org. To participate
in the silent auction, text
dekalbgolf17 to 247-00 or visit
dekalbgolf17.auction-bid.org. Text dekalbgolf17 to 247-00 to participate in DeKalb Chambers silent auction. Mobile bidding
opens August 21.

Upcoming Events
August 17 October 12
New Members Orientation 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. State of the District Address 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Government Contractors Association Stone Ridge Event Center

August 28 October 18
13th Annual Golf Tournament - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. DeKalb Opportunity Outlook 8 to 11:30 a.m.
Druid Hills Golf Club Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Center

August 28
4th Annual Womens Golf Clinic 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Druid Hills Golf Club
September 28
General Membership Meeting featuring Chris Carr,
Attorney General 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Atlanta Marriott Century Center
November 9
DeKalb and Dunwoody Perimeter Chambers 2018
Legislative Preview 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Doubletree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody
December 7 For more information and to register for
General Membership Meeting featuring Pete Correll, any of these events, please visit www.
Grady Health Foundation 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. dekalbchamber.org.
LOCAL
CITY OF DECATUR
Four announce candidacy
for Decatur commission
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Those interested in serving on
the Decatur city commission have
until Aug. 23 to qualify. So far, four
candidates have announced their
candidacy to replace longtime
commissioner Fred Boykin.
Boykin, after 15 years
of serving as District 1
commissioner, announced he
would retire at the end of the year,
leaving his seat open.
Elections will be held Nov. 7.
The Decatur city commission
features two commissioners from
District 1, two commissioners
from District 2 and one at-large
commissioner.
Decatur native Betty
Blondeau is the most recent
to announce her candidacy.
The former high school English
teacher said she wants to
continue to grow the city.
As a lifetime Decatur resident,
I am committed to the continued
growth of this city where I have
my roots. [I want to] add whats
needed to assure sustainable,
livable development that will set
Decatur apart, plus preserving
the character that says Decatur,
said Blondeau in a statement
regarding her candidacy.
One of Blondeaus core issues
is preserving the green space in
the city and properly managing
the newly acquired green space
at the United Methodist Childrens
Home.
We have to be sure that it
remains greenspace. I would also
work hard to ensure that we have
a strong tree ordinance with an
emphasis on preserving our tree
canopy, Blondeau said.
Tim Martin, Kelly Walsh and
Melissa Manrow are among
the other candidates who have
announced their candidacy for
the Decatur District 1 commission
seat.
Martin, who has served as
president of the Decatur Business
Association, said he would like to
expand the housing options made
available in the city.
Were a product of our own
success and when you have
a successful development like
Decatur has become, it brings
issues like housing affordability,
Martin said. The school system
has driven prices up and I want to
make sure we have a wide variety
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 17
Photo by Travis Hudgons
of housing options.
Manrow, a member of the
Decatur Planning Commission
and former executive board
member of the Decatur Heights
Neighborhood Association, said
she plans on building on Decaturs
- Betty Blondeau
success by collaborating with
the citys law enforcement and
developing a plan for the future.
I have the policy and
management experience to
facilitate thoughtful succession
planning to ensure smooth
transitions, integrating new,
qualified professionals into the
culture and success that is the
city of Decatur, Manrow said in a
statement.
According to Walsh, shes
focused on pedestrian safety
by increasing crosswalks and
sidewalks throughout the city. She
also said she wants to help create
housing affordability for city and
school employees.
CONVOCATION
Continued From Page 2A
education work session meeting
by expressing appreciation for the
convocation to Green and other
DCSD staff.
It was exceptional; it was very
motivationalat one time I thought
we were in a rock session with all the
music, smiles, shouting and whatnot,
Johnson said. It was exceptional and
good for the county.
Board of education member
Marshall Orson also spoke favorably
about the event.
There was a very good feeling on
[Aug. 4], Orson said. People were
enthusiastic and Ive heard nothing
but positive feedback from it. It was
an opportunity to bring a lot of people
throughout the county together who
dont have an opportunity to do so. It
was incredible.
Resident and Redan High School
supporter Sandy Purkett said she felt
compelled to rush and thank district
officials on Aug. 7 for a successful
convocation.
Thank you and all your
supporting staff for a job well
done on the convocation, Purkett
said. I appreciate you taking the
recommendation to have an event
that was all-inclusive for staff of all
levels to give their all and show that
we, as a DeKalb family, plan to defeat
the odds and kick off a great year for
success. I believe that every step you
take this year will go toward positive
change.
Resident Sundra Burdette
wrapped up her public input by
stating, Dr. Green, I didnt know
you could move like that! causing
laughter from both the board and
attendees.
DeKalb County NAACP education
chairman Lance Hammonds had
mixed feelings about the event.
The perception was those are
dollars that could have been used
somewhere else. Were not going to
get into how [the district] use [funds,]
we all understand the value of a team
and motivating a team, Hammonds
said. The biggest perception was,
why would we spend our money in
Gwinnett County? Maybe we didnt
have a place in DeKalb, but we dont
like seeing our money spent in other
counties, especially a county that
raids our teaching staff.
In July, DCSD director of strategic
communications Andre Riley said
the venue was chosen because of its
size as well as the districts desire to
house all staff.
Its one of the few facilities near
[the district] in greater Atlanta that
could host more than 13,000 people,
or nearly all of our staff, Riley said.
There are no facilities in DeKalb
County large enough to host the
majority of our staff.
According to DCSDs website,
James R. Hallford Stadium near
Clarkston High School has a capacity
of 15,600.
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LOCAL
DECATUR
Woman beaten by officer represented by former DeKalb DA
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
When former DeKalb
County District Attorney
Robert James watched
the viral video of Katie
McCrary, a homeless
woman who was struck
several times in the leg by
a DeKalb officer, he said he
felt two emotionssorrow
and anger.
James, who was
defeated last year by
former DeKalb Solicitor
Sherry Boston, said he
will represent McCrary in a
criminal case free of charge.
I just felt extreme sorrow
watching her lie on the
floor and being beaten like
that. When I watched the
video, I just watched it as a
citizen and I think anyone
watching that would feel for
her, James said. I also felt
anger watching that video
and seeing the way in which
she was beaten.
According to James,
McCrary was charged
with felony obstruction
after a June 4 incident
involving DeKalb officer
P.J. Larscheid. A video
of the incident was posted
on multiple social media
platforms and showed
Larscheid striking McCrary
in the legs with a baton.
According to the incident
report, McCrary was
allegedly asking customers
for money at a gas station
in Decatur. When Larscheid
arrived at the scene,
McCrary allegedly told the
officer she was a federal
agent and gave him a fake
badge number then tried to
grab the officers badge and
a scuffle ensued.
Larscheid said he struck
McCrary an unknown
number of times on her left
leg. In the video posted
online, McCrary can be
seen grabbing the officers
baton while shes being
struck. Larscheid can be
heard responding, let it go
or Im going to shoot you.
Civil rights groups have
released statements saying
the officers actions were
excessive and an example
of police brutality.
Officers are given a lot
of latitude, as they should
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 19
be. They have to make
decisions at the blink of
an eye. However, when
there are certain instances,
they should be held
accountable, James said.
James, who works
for the firm Morris, Shim,
James, said McCrary is
thankful the firm will take
the case on her behalf.
The Georgia Bureau of
Investigation is currently
investigating the matter. In
a statement, DeKalb County
Police Chief James Conroy
said the GBIs involvement
came after he met with Former DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James said he will represent
Katie McCrary free of charge following an incident in which she was struck by
DeKalb CEO Michael
an officer with his baton.
Thurmond.
The Georgia Bureau of
Weekly Friday Quick
Investigation has agreed
to conduct an investigation
of a June 4 use of
force incident involving Chess Practice
DeKalb Police Officer P.J.
Larscheid. The request was Tournaments
made following a meeting $10 entry fee
with DeKalb County CEO USCF Rated. G/15;d5 5 rounds.
Michael Thurmond, who
stressed the importance 1st Round starts at 7pm.
of a factual, independent Tournament normally ends at 10:30.
investigation based on the Students allowed one bye
new video evidence and
other pertinent information, in the last round.
Saturday Chess
said Conroy.
Academy
9am - 12 noon.
Three hour chess curriculum
$25 per Saturday
Snacks provided.
The Glenn
Youth Center
4178 Snapfinger Woods Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30035
(470) 299-4152
glenncenter.org
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
United Methodist Childrens Home signs leases in DeKalb
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
The United Methodist
Childrens Home (UMCH),
which announced earlier this
year it would be leaving its
Decatur location after 144
years, will soon have two
new locations, the nonprofit
announced Aug. 7.
UMCH officials
announced they will begin
the process of relocating
its residents, administrative
building and flea market by
mid-August to Tucker and
Clarkston.
Currently located on
a 77-acre campus at 500
Columbia Drive in Decatur,
the nonprofit signed a
lease for property at 1967
Lakeside Parkway in Tucker.
We now have a new
residential base from which
to expand our ministry. This
milestone opens a much
Helping you
is what we
love to do.
At your Publix, theres always someone nearby to answer your questions.
Or walk you to an item on your list. You chose us, so we choose
wider path to continue
providing services to people
in DeKalb County and to
serve many more people
in new communities across
North Georgia, said Rev.
Hal Jones, president and
CEO of UMCH. The new
space is perfectly suited
for UMCH staff to provide
services to clients in foster
care, family housing,
independent living and
transitional living, Jones
said. The site also provides
a new location for the UMCH
flea market, a decades-long
tradition that will continue.
On April 17, the Decatur
Commission approved the
purchase of the UMCHs 77-
acre campus for $40 million.
According to John
Cerniglia, vice president
of development for UMCH,
selling the Decatur property
was the best choice for
serving the children and
families in their care.
to go above and beyond for you, every time youre here.
See how we serve you at publix.com/service.
DEKALB FREE PRESS FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 PAGE 20
Its a really smart
location for us. The new
locations really fit with our
culture and our mission...
Tucker and Clarkston are
perfect for us, Cerniglia
said.
Cerniglia said nonprofits
divesting their real estate
property is a new trend.
When UMCH was first
established, having a 77-
acre property made sense,
he said. Cerniglia said
moving and downsizing
the number of acres is a
strategic move.
We are a ministry that
serves 52 counties in north
Georgia and location is
a strategic choice. One
hundred-forty-four years ago
when we occupied Decatur
it was farmable land that
we needed, but since then
cars and highways were
invented, said Cerniglia,
laughing. This property is
not situated on an interstate.
The United Methodist Childrens Home announced Aug. 7 it signed
leases to move residents and administrative property to Clarkston
and Tucker.
The new properties will be
a couple miles from the
northern corner of Interstate
285 and Interstate 85.
Cerniglia said 80
residents will be relocated
to their new homes over the
next month. Since 1973,
UMCH has cared for more
than 6,000 at-risk young
adults by providing foster
care homes. Currently
UMCH serves 240 children
and adults daily. However
due to limited resources,
UMCH weekly turns away
30 children who need foster
homes, Cerniglia said.
I think I speak for
[UMCH] when I say this is all
about the children and the
mission...no group of people
would choose to vacate
unless they were motivated
by mission, Cerniglia said.
We are called to serve
more families and children
than we [serve] today. We
hope to serve 300 next year
and 700 a day by the year
2020. This will be a historic
day and week as we move
off the property.