Free Press 6-17-11

Large crowd enjoys Good Neighbor Day
Just plane fun:
FREEPRESS
WWW. C H A M P I O N N E WS PA P E R .C OM FR ID AY, J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 11 VOL. 1 4 , N O. 1 2 FR EE
A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS
Thousands of visitors endured heat in the mid 90s at the annual Good Neighbor Day at DeKalb Peachtree Airport where an air show and vintage aircraft were the draw. Photos by Robert Naddra
by Robert Naddra robert@dekalbchamp.com Jeff Durmer often heard the sounds of airplanes whizzing overhead when he took his son to swimming practice at the Dynamo Swim Club in Chamblee. This year Durmer decided to take his son, 11-year-old Jeffrey, to DeKalb Peachtree Airports Good Neighbor Day to see the planes up close. The pair were among the thousands who attended the event June 4, which featured an air show and a display of vintage World War II aircraft. Weve seen the planes go over the pool all the time so we thought wed come out and see them here, Jeff Durmer said. Its a lot of fun; were enjoying it. Durmer said Jeffrey had an interest
in seeing the old war planes because his grandfather was in the Navy in World War II and stationed in the south Pacific on an aircraft carrier. In addition to the planes on display, the air show featured several pilots wowing the crowd with stunts such as barrel rolls, loops and flying upside down. One of the pilots, Skip Stewart, was known for being the first pilot to fly under a jumping motorcycle at an air show. Stewarts most popular trick at Good Neighbor Day was flying his plane in an upright position about 10 feet off the ground. The air show definitely made an impression on the younger Durmer. Hes starting to wonder if he wants to be a pilot now, Jeff Durmer said of his son.
2011 Stone Mountain Park laser show combines old favorite sequences with stunning new effects
by Kathy Mitchell laser systems, lighting systems, special effects, sound systems Although the Atlanta Jourand pyrotechnics has appeared nal-Constitution called Stone anywhere in the world. Those Mountain Park one of 35 Nat- who were impressed to see ural Wonders in Georgia You laser images that appeared to Must See Before You Die, its have Robert E. Lee and the the parks manmade wonders others gallop off the mountain that visitors often come to see. are likely be truly wowed as This summer, there are the mountain appears at times several reasons for even freto open up, letting objects fly quent visitors to return and be in and out, and as the mountain amazed all over again. Heading at points appears to crumble the list is the Lasershow Spec- before their very eyes. tacularTM in Mountainvision What park officials call that opened Memorial Day Mountainvision technology is weekend. showcased in a segment that Crowds have been flocking takes viewers through an imagto Stone Mountain Park for ined history of the mountain in more than quarter of a century which it appears to crack open to see the laser show projected and have lava pouring from the against the carving of Confed- Earths crust. The lava fades erate heroes on the face of the into a tropical scene, then into mountain. Seen by more than an ice cave. Finally, the moun25 million people since 1983, tain appears to open up to a according to park officials, the futuristic city of Atlanta commulti-million-dollar spectacle plete with flying spacecraft. is the worlds longest running Gerald Rakestraw, Stone laser show and Stone Mountain Mountain Parks vice president Parks signature event. and general manager, said, The new show is to the orig- We are using all the tools in inal as Wii is to Atari Games. our arsenaldigital projecAccording to park officials its tion, lasers, special effects and opening marks the first time pyrotechnics in one of the most such a combination of multispectacular settings and with dimensional digital projection, an 825-foot granite backdrop.
See Stone Mountain on Page 14A See Taxes on Page 13A
nEWs
The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011
Page 2A
Drug Court helps addicts kick habit

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp. com After more than 30 incarcerations in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties and two prison sentences, Jo Webb was ready to kick her 30-year dependency on cocaine, heroine and methamphetamine. I was pretty much disowned by my whole family, said Webb, who is 51. It was pretty chaotic. Unemployed for 20 years, Webb supported her drug habit with theft and Social Security checks her children received after her husband committed suicide. And during that time, Webb was in and out of drug rehabilitation programs, most of which were 30day in-patient sessions. The rehabilitation programs were like no dope and then they put you back on the streets, Webb said. Any time I was released from prison or rehab, I went straight back to drugs. Now, Webb has been sober for 21 months and has set a personal record for keeping a job14 months and counting as a sales associate for Uniform City. Webbs recent and continuing success is a result of Drug Court, a two-year drug treatment and alternative sentencing program offered and supervised by DeKalb Superior Court. DeKalbs Drug Court, started in 2002 by then-Judge Robert J. Castellani, has graduated 100 participants. The program is designed to serve true addicts instead of someone who is more criminal, said DeKalb Superior Court Judge C. J. Becker.
Superior Court Judge C. J. Becker questions participants of the countys Drug Court, a two-year program aimed at providing non-violent, felony-level offenders rehabilitation and accountability. Photo by Andrew Cauthen
All participants in the program are non-violent,

See Drug Court on Page 3A
Group helps seniors with home repairs

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com The roof on the Ellenwood house Sarah and Bill Wyatt have lived in since 1993 was embarrassing. It had three layers of crumbling shingles. The wood was rotting. The Wyatts even resorted to covering parts of the posts in the carport with duct tape. If you saw the roof, it looked like the house should have been condemned, Sarah Wyatt said. It was terrible. That was before the roof and posts were replaced a contractor chosen by Senior Connections, a non-profit organization that serves senior residents by preparing and delivering 2,500 meals daily; providing 40,000 hours annually of in-home care; and operating five DeKalb County senior centers. Using funding from several sources, Senior Connections also provides home repairs for more than 200 homes. When Sarah Wyatt heard about Senior Connections from a friend last year, she called the organization, but was told there was no money available to help her. Then she received a call from Senior Connections this year informing her that funds were available to cover the approximately $13,000 to fix her house. Now, Im not going to be embarrassed to invite somebody from my church, Wyatt said. Ive been calling everybody. The workers did a wonderful job. The home repair programs are all about keeping seniors independent, said Sally Eggleston, Senior Connections chief marketing officer. Eggleston said her organization began the program when they discovered that seniors needing handyman services or more extensive home repair were getting ripped off and did not know who to call. Senior Connections has two home repair programs. In one program, the organization provides the repair services completed by licensed and bonded skilled workers. There is usually a waiting list for this program as funds are limited. In the other program, called Fix-It Connection, seniors who can afford to pay for repairs can choose from contractors preselected by Senior Connections, which guarantees the work. We are able to work with these people to find an outlet to take care of their emergency, said Bonny Robichaud, chief financial officer. Peter Schneider, manager of Fix-It Connection, said programs benefit seniors who are able to stay in their homes. And the community benefits when homes are not abandoned and property values are not lowered. Its a huge benefit to the taxpayer, Schneider said. Sometimes we cant fix everything. Be we certainly can help.
Enroll.
Choose from over 100 career paths $75 per credit hour Apply by July 19th for Fall Semester
DeKalb Technical College 404-297-9522 www.dekalbtech.edu
www.championnewspaper.com
Page 3A
Serial bank robber arrested in DeKalb

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com A Hampton man was arrested on June 3 for robbing three banks in DeKalb County over the past several weeks and stealing an ambulance as a getaway car. Ceaser Merckson, 38, was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on June 3 on three counts of felony robbery charges. Bail was set at $25,000 for each count. According to Mekka Parish, spokeswoman for DeKalb County Police, Merckson was arrested after a Crime Stoppers report aired on television June 2. Parish said that soon after the report aired police received numerous tips that led to the suspects arrest late Friday night. We believe he is responsible for robbing a Wells Fargo Bank on May 24, a Bank of America on May 27 and a SunTrust Bank on June 2, Parish said. Parish said that in each of the instances he walked in and presented a note to the teller who then presented him an undisclosed amount of money. In each case, after robbing the bank Merckson left the premises on foot with the bag of money. After Merckson robbed Bank of America, he then reportedly went to the North Georgia Medical Transport building at 1336 Columbia Drive and stole an ambulance to use as a getaway car, which was found later by police. The Wells Fargo Bank and the Bank of America are located across the street from each other on Columbia Drive. The SunTrust Bank is on Rockbridge Road.
Drug Court
Continued From Page 9A
Son of former Doraville mayor arrested for bestiality, child porn

by Daniel Beauregard
daniel@dekalbchamp.com
John David Norman, the son of former Doraville Mayor Jesse Norman, was arrested June 1 on charges of bestiality and possessing child pornography. It was reported that police were called to Normans home because he was acting in a suspicious manner. When they
arrived and entered the home police were said to have found a videotape containing footage of Norman having sex with two German Shepherds and images of naked children on a computer disc. According to Doraville Police Officer Gene Callaway, 56-year-old Norman was arrested at his home at 2690 Bonnie Ave. on five counts
of sexual exploitation of a child, one count of bestiality and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals. Norman was then transported to jail. A DeKalb County Magistrate Court judge issued him an $110,000 bond and a temporary protective order to stay away from children who are under the age of 18 and all animals and livestock.
John David Norman
felony-level offenders. Drug Court has two tracks that deal with two kinds of drug users. Track 1 is for the user who has a lengthy, nonviolent criminal history. This person has very few protection factors such as family and jobs; and has a high risk of recidivism. Track 2 works with the functioning drug user who is able to keep a job and whose family has been dealing the drug problem. They havent lost everything yet, but theyre on their way to losing everything, said Andrew Cummings, executive director of Drug Court. Both programs are very tough, Cummings said. This is tougher than probationmany of the participants will tell you its tougher than prisonbecause theyre being held accountable. Participants receive a customized treatment plan which may include job search help, family counseling and the requirement to obtain a GED. We get to the root of the problem of why they picked up the drug in the first place, Becker said. If we just stop you from using drugs while youre in the programyoure going to go back to using drugs, Becker continued. Drug addicts that are incarcerated are off drugs in prison, but pick up the habit within 72 hours of their release. If we just keep them sober and off drugs for a couple of years, it doesnt work. The Drug Court has been recognized for its results: fewer than 20 percent of its graduates have been rearrested; and 75 percent of participants complete the two-year program. The total cost of the program is $25 per day for each participant. Grants and community resources cover 70 percent of the cost, while the county pays the remaining $8.50 per day cost. During a recent session of Drug Court, Becker began by giving an encouraging talk to the participants during which they were encouraged to respond to her questions. What is the toughest thing youve got to do sometimes with (friends who are doing drugs) when you cared about doing drugs? Becker asked. Drop them from your life. Its tough stuff and its hard. Its a very therapeutic courtroom, Cummings said. The participants in Drug Court come from diverse backgrounds: doctors, lawyers, college students and graduates, middle school dropouts, males and females. What they all have in common is theyre all addicts, Cummings said. Their primary focus prior to coming into the Drug Court was feeding and supporting their addictions. That was a priority over their children. That was a priority over career. Webb, who is expected to graduate from Drug Court in January, is grateful for the program and her counselor. I dont know what their secret is, but it works, Webb said. All my life, I never owned up to anything. Now, I just want to set an example for once in my life.
OPINION
Page 4A
On Saturday, June 18, from 9 until noon, the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will be hosting a giant rally at the capitol in honor of fathers. One can get legal advice, consult with child advocacy groups, talk with employment recruiters and undergo health screenings. The fraternity is hoping to attract at least 5,000 people. We should support this effort and make a strong statement that many fathers are present and accounted for in their childrens lives. Each year in this space I salute men who exemplify the qualities of a good father. Some are familiar to you and some are not. Here is my 2011 list: President Barack Obama, Congressman Hank Johnson,
Congressman John Lewis, Sheriff Thomas Brown, former Gov. Roy Barnes, former Attorney General Thurbert Baker, former Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, District Attorney Robert James, Rawn Hairston, Al Ashe, Monte Richardson, Kevin Rowson, Paul Crawley, Commissioner Larry Johnson, Commissioner Lee May, Imam Plemin El Amin, Phil Levetan, Gregory Levett, Kenley Waller, David Chesnut, Rev. William Flippin, Rev. Gerald Durley, Richard Davis, Wendell Middleton, Brad Davis, Lee Sanders, former Judge Robert Castellani, Rep. Billy Mitchell, Rep. Earnest Williams, Rev. Joseph Lowery, Sen. Emanuel Jones, Brad Bryant, Porter and Brandon Sanford, Tom Cutts, Robert Brown, Matthew Ware, Jo Jo Johnson, Dale Cardwell, Bryan Johnson, Attorney Xavier Dicks, Rev. Stephen Dial, Sen. Ronald Ramsey, Ambassador David Adleman, Rev. Raleigh Rucker, Lank Atkins, Bill Carter, Dr.
Honoring fathers
The Newslady
Thomas Coleman, Dr. Glenn Dowell, Byron Jones Sr., Dr. Earl Glenn, Joel Edwards, Joey Edwards, Bob Miles, Attorney Timothy McCalep, Rev. Jessie Curney III, Rev. Jerry Black, Maj. David Haigler, Dr. Eugene Walker, Reggie Peagler, John Evans and Judge Gregory Adams. I could name many more. But the aforementioned are just a few standouts who have been the symbolic priests, rabbis, imams and pastors of their families by living exemplary God-centered lives and modeling for their children from their various faith traditions. These men are providers for their families. They toil daily in their respective fields to give their families the necessities of life. They work long hours under sometimes dangerous, thankless and undesirable conditions. These men are protectors of their families. Women and children look to them in times of crisis. There is a degree of comfort in knowing that Dad will resolve issues at school, with a repairman or a quarrelsome neighbor.
There is a sense of security during a storm when the lights go out and Dad has a flashlight or a candle in the dark. Our dads are in the stands for that championship game or in the audience for honors day or a concert performance. Perhaps he just joins in a game of corner hoops or gives golf lessons. He dances with you at the debutante ball or a whirl around the living room. He demonstrates a Windsor knot or how to change a tire. Let us not forget our warrior fathers who protect the freedoms we too often take for granted. So try to join the rally at the capitol on Saturday, June 18. Then Sunday, take Dad to dinner. Take him fishing. Give cards or purchase cologne. Whatever or however we honor our great Dads, the important thing is that we do or say something to let them know how special they are in our lives. Happy Fathers Day! Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a retired journalist and former Georgia state senator. Contact Steen Milies at Steen@dekalbchamp.com.
Trump and Palin similarities

by Judge Greg Mathis The political sideshows known as Donald Trump and Sarah Palin recently met in one of the busiest spots on the planet New Yorks Time Square for a little conversation and pizza. No one is really sure what the two discussedperhaps they marveled at all they have in common. On the surface, the two couldnt seem more different. Trump is a business mogul, known for his real estate prowess. Palin is a small-town politician who was thrust into the spotlight when she was picked as Senator John McCains running mate during the Mathis 2008 elections. But look closer and youll see that the two seemed to be cut from the very same attention-seeking cloth. Palin, who is the middle of her mystery One Nation bus tour of America, and the tycoon first met at his upscale home then ventured out for their Pizza Summit. With the media watching, Palin said she and Trump both share a love for America and a desire to see our economy put back on the right track. Their similarities run much deeper. Trump and Palin have both become distractions in the just getting started presidential race, making outrageous claims and creating political controversies that are forcing their colleagues in the Republican party to keep their distance. From Palins crosshairs slip up to Trumps continued challenge of President Obamas credentials, the two have managed to keep themselves in the news. Many of their comments have been so outrageous that one can only assume they are making them for the sole purpose of getting attention. Trump, after all, and his show The Apprentice has been a reality star staple for the last several years; Palin is a newbie to the scene but seems to be capitalizing on her 15 minutes with television appearances coming one after the other. When you have two people who seem so addicted to the media, its no surprise that theyll do anything to keep the cameras focused on them. Another similarity the two share: confusion around just how serious the two are about politics. Outside of his rabid supporters, very few people seriously thought Trump was going to run for the nations highest office in 2012. Many feel the same about Palin; they dont know if her tour will end with her tossing her hat in the ring or if shes setting herself up for her next reality show. It is ironic that Trump and Palin both claim to love America so much when they, by their actions and words, are guilty of distracting the country from focusing on issues that matter. Instead of covering Trumps rants or Palins incoherent sound bites, the media should be shedding light on more serious concerns, like education or the economy. But how can they when you have two of the biggest media hogs feeding you with content day after day? We can only hope that media fascination with the two will die down soon. Then, we can all begin to talk about things that matter. Judge Greg Mathis currently provides legal advice to more than three million listeners on the Steve Harvey Morning Show and also on his website, www.askjudgemathis.com.
Page 5A
a smiling Republican throwing grandma, in her wheelchair, off of a cliff. Senior citizens, though not a monolithic or partisan block, are the most loyal and frequent voters in the country. The most successful But before looking forpolitician is he who says ward, lets look briefly backwhat everybody is thinking ward at a major policy gap most often and in the loudand the last White House est voice, Theodore Roos- led by a Democrat (then evelt, 26th president of the President Bill Clinton) facUnited States (1858-1919). ing a hostile Republican Teddy Roosevelt was a Congress. The issue of that Republican, his fifth cousin day was welfare reform F.D.R., a Democrat. Both and trying to turn that proRoosevelts on occasion had gram back into temporary the ability to rise above par- assistance and training to ty, seeking compromise and get folks back on their feet. support from the other side The buzz word of that day, of the aisle, for the greater in Georgia and other states, good of our nation. Though was converting welfare into bi-partisanship continues to workfare and requiring receive a great deal of lip able-bodied recipients to service, expect the swords perform some type of work to come out early for the or community service in excampaign of 2012. change for benefits. This White House and In 1996, President ClinDemocrats will be positon and the GOP Congress tioned as willfully spending compromised to transform our country into oblivion. the Aid to Families with DeAnd the Democratic pendent Children (AFDC) response-in-the-making foprogram into block grants cuses on Mediscare and back to the states. At the throwing grandma off the time, mushrooming AFDC train. TV spots have already budgets were threatening aired in a New York constate budget balancing in gressional special election much the same way that to fill an open seat, featuring Medicaid is today. Critics
Throw Grandma from the train?

argued that this was simply an attempt to mandate and cost-shift, and the feds were starting a harmful race to the bottom by gutting the safety net. The resulting new program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) has been a remarkable success. Even with this sour economy, the numbers on former welfare rolls have decreased by two thirds. By 2006, real federal and state combined spending on TANF was down 31 percent from 1995 levels. A decade and another recession later, we have a larger population requiring one third less government expenditure. Much rancor is coming from the Democratic side of the aisle about the GOPs proposal to end Medicare as we know itin part by shifting Medicare and Medicaid dollars to block grants, to the states. So where might we look to find a working Medicaid funding solution being proposed, similar to the welfare to workfare conversion? The great blue state of Washington. Washington state is as blue as Georgia is red, with a Democratic governor, both U.S. senators and six of nine members in the U.S. House. Growing Medicaid program costs are fast driving Washington State toward fiscal insolvency. Last month, Washingtons governor and its General Assembly completed a special session to deal with their budget crisis, the result of which is Senate Bill 5596, a Medicaid Block Grant Bill. The new law requires the state to apply to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to replace its current Medicaid program with a block grant. Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, previously an opponent of block grants signed the bill, which unanimously passed the Washington legislature. Currently 1.2 million residents of Washington are on Medicaid at an annual cost to the state of $3.1 billion. The federal government currently matches that expense, totaling a budget of $6.2 billion. Under the current structure, to reduce spending the state must make $2 in program cuts to realize $1 in savings. This unfortunately creates a perverse incentive to keep spending beyond what the state can actually afford. The re-
One Mans Opinion
quest for this block grant waiver now sits with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, herself a successful and innovative former Democratic governor of Kansas. Lets hope for the land of Bill Gates, Seattles endless rainfall and Redwoods that common sense prevails and that the other Washington lets compromise and the desire to find common sense solutions that work for the American people trump politics and preserving the campaign themes I outlined above for 2012. It may be easier to scare grandma than to fix Medicare, but absent another proposal that has been proven to work, this one looks worthy of a walk around the block.
Bill Crane is a DeKalb County native and business owner, living in Scottdale, Georgia. He also serves as chief political analyst and commentator for 11Alive News and WSB Radio, News/ Talk 750. Contact Bill Crane at billcrane@earthlink.com.
FREEPRESS
Let Us Know What You Think!
THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinions from its readers. Please write to us and express your views. Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the writers name, address and telephone number for verication. All letters will be considered for publication.
Send Letters To Editor, The Champion Free Press, P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; Send E-Mail to Kathy@dekalbchamp.com FAX To: (404) 370-3903 Phone: (404) 373-7779 Deadline for news releases and advertising: Thursday, one week prior to publication date. EDITORS NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reect the opinions of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.
Publisher: Dr. Earl D. Glenn Managing Editor: Kathy Mitchell News Editor: Robert Naddra Production Manager: Kemesha Hunt Graphic Designer: Travis Hudgons The Champion Free Press is published each Friday by ACE III Communications, Inc., 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 Phone (404) 373-7779.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110
Page 6A
Dont bet on Huntsman

Huntsman might be that magic Republican: one orthodox enough to win the GOP nomination but flexible enough to succeed in the general election. I wouldnt bet on it
by Donald Kaul Columnist
Jon Huntsman is edging closer to announcing his presidential bid, bringing shivers of joy to the hearts of Republican moderates both of them. Huntsman, a former Utah governor, recently resigned his post as U.S. ambassador to China (as in Barack Obamas ambassador to China) and dropped hints that he is considering taking on his former boss in 2012. The very fact that he was once able to win the hearts of the redder-thanred folks in Utah yet later serve President Obama in an important post is offered as evidence that he might be that magic politician serious Republicans have been looking for one orthodox enough to win the GOP nomination but flexible enough to succeed in the general election. I wouldnt bet on it. Many GOP primary voters are unforgiving zealots, and among the things they wont forget is Huntsmans support, tentative though it was, for gay civil unions and his acquiescence to aspects of Obamas stimulus plan. Never mind that hes an obviously intelligent man of unimpeachable integrity who has made himself an expert on China, the most important nation in our future. Hes a former Obama appointee, and in the eyes of the primary loonies he will never live that down. They much prefer a politician like Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who refused to meet with Obama when he delivered an immigration reform speech in El Paso. And even if Huntsman were somehow to nab the nomination, he remains a Republican moderate, which is a whole different kind of moderation. As Utah governor, he was considered one of the nations foremost
foes of a womans right to choose. He signed an anti-choice bill that made it a felony to obtain a late-term abortion, as well as another that requires doctors to describe to patients the pain an abortion would inflict on a fetus. He has played with the idea of banning abortion altogether. That kind of moderation. Hes solid on business taxes hes against them and hes as pro-gun as you can get. All of which gets you votes in Utah. But in California? Not so much. I suspect that if he decides to run for the White House, he wont run far. Never fear, Mr. and Mrs. Republican. Newt Gingrich, youll be happy to know, has already made his presidential bid official. As have Gary Johnson, the former New Mexico governor, Tim Pawlenty, the former Minnesota governor, and Ron Paul, the libertarian lawmaker who believes that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are unconstitutional. You know a political partys in trouble when washed-up has-beens like Newt Gingrich begin picturing themselves on Air Force One. Gingrich comes to the fight with more baggage than the lost-and-found at LaGuardia airport. Hes on his third marriage, this time with the woman he was dating while still married to his second wife. He led the Republican takeover of Congress in 1994 and became Speaker of the House, but was forced from office by his colleagues after a few short years. Which is illustrative of Newts problem. Not only does he have enemies, his friends hate him. One thing about him, however: ideology will not be a problem. If you dont like one of his ideas, wait a bit. Hell change it. He has been on more sides of the Libyan issue, for example, than there are sides. Still, its good to have him around again. What would politics be without its washed-up hasbeens? The GOPs cup runneth over.
The following comments are pulled straight from our website and are not edited for content or grammar.
DeKalb School Board approves $475 million construction list

Gloria, Classroom teachers have had no pay increase in four years as well. Bus drivers as well. Cafeteria workers are not the only ones who are suffering. Talk to those in the Palace who earn more than they would in the private sector. The real crime is not that you have furlough days, it is that there is money for our children to get a better education, but much money is wasted with the friends and family program that happens through out the county. Teacher Reader posted this on 6/9/11 at 11:15 a.m. i have noticed that there will be furlough days for 10 month employees as a member of the cafeteria staff this furlough would and can cause some real hardship for me.Why? because i work in food service and havent had a raise in a very long time, I have to buy my own uniform and i still have bills to pay like everyone else, was a raise for cafeteria employees taken into account during your budget discussion? hope it doesnt take reelection for this to be taken into account Gloria Edwards posted this on 6/8/11 at 10:19 p.m.
DeKalb Habitat for Humanity robbed three times

This is absolutely ridiculousI hate when people steal, especially when they are stealing from organizations that spend their time, money, and effort helping others. This is truly unfortunate. John Evan Miller posted this on 6/7/11 at 4:20 p.m. Storage facility break-ins are common. The best way to prevent them is to nd a really good, secure storage lock. However, even the best locks can be broken into. SpareFoot posted this on 6/7/11 at 12:52 p.m.
$20 million to help rst-time home buyers

Great job Courtney, you are a shining light to others young and old and may you continue to do good in your future endeavors. Jackie posted this on 6/5/11 at 10:31 a.m.
Great. We help 200 people get a home. Thats a DROP in the bucket. Government always overcomplicates and overspends. I proposed a $5,000 per buyer down payment assistance program. $20 million would help 4,000 deserving families with credit issues to buy homes right here in Dekalb County. All this hoopla over selling 200 houses. What a joke. They wont even return my calls and emails. Lou Brown posted this on 6/13/11 at 9:06 a.m.
Printed on 100% postconsumer recycled paper
Page 7A
LETTIE LOVE
throughout the county. She is teaching English as a second language to an employee at the childrens home and recently worked with a Sudanese family to help get the children enrolled in school. She isalways right there ready to volunteer when you need something, said Jane Howland, director of the United Methodist Childrens Home in Decatur. She comes in and instantly knows what to do. Love also helped the Lost Boys of Sudan, a group of refugees who came to the United States in 2001 after seeking refuge in Kenya. She was part of a local effort to get the boys resettled in Clarkston. She keeps in contact with the students she has taught and tutored over the years and still keeps up with 10 to 15 who are now in college. She recently was notified that one of her former students from Somalia graduated from the University of Georgia. Teaching is still in Loves blood as she is a substitute teacher at the DeKalb International Student Center where she mentoring two students from Burma. From the time I was a little girl, I just wanted to be a teacher. Its always been my passion, Love said. It just makes life worthwhile to be able to do these kinds of things and to see the kids grow up.
Champion of the Week
New commission to attract movie production to county

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Since 1975, more than 45 movies and television productions have been filmed in DeKalb, and county officials are forming the DeKalb Film Commission to attract even more. In May, the countys board of commissioners approved formation of the film commission, which will bring together representatives from the countys economic development, communications, recreation, public works and public safety departments. Representatives from the DeKalb Historical Society, DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau, DeKalbs colleges and universities, board of commissioners and film industry will also serve on the countys film commission. We are just trying to spur economic development, said Commissioner Stan Watson, who sponsored the resolution forming the film commission. The film industry, which had an economic impact of more than $1 billion in Georgia last year, could provide a new revenue stream for DeKalb County. The group would be a one-stop shop for production companies, which would hire our actors, eat in our restaurants and maybe even move here, Watson said. We want to tell Hollywood this is our one-stop shop, Watson said. DeKalb is ready. In proposing the film commission, Watson said he is following in the footsteps of former DeKalb commissioner Lou Walker, who appeared as an actor in the movies Mississippi Burning, The Firm, My Cousin Vinny and Remember the Titans, and the television series In the Heat of the Night. DeKalb County was one of the first counties to receive a Camera Ready designation by the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office. The states Camera Ready Program certifies municipalities that have a liaison that can assist production companies with their shoots. It signifies that the county is interested in accommodating the film and television industries. It will make us more business-friendly for the film industry, said Randi Mason, a senior project manager in the countys office of economic development and DeKalbs Camera Ready liaison. It is a way for the state to have local community involvement in the film industry. Some of the movies filmed in DeKalb County include Fried Green Tomatoes, Scream 2, Remember the Titans, The Preachers Kid, Halloween 2, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, and The Blind Side. Television productions include The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Tyler Perry Show and Vampire Diaries. Production companies are great for the economy, said Burke Brennan, the countys chief communications officer. They hire a lot of talent, Brennan said. They get in; they do their job and they get out. Its a huge thing for DeKalb County. As a teacher at DeKalb County Schools Open Campus for eight years before she retired in 2007, Lettie Love developed a connection with international students. She has carried that connection into her work as a volunteer with various organizations in the county. When I taught school it was black and white, said Love, who taught for 35 years including 22 in DeKalb County. When I moved to Open Campus I saw the rest of the world. There were a lot of international students there and I took an interest to help them. Love began teaching at Fulton High School in Atlanta in 1972 and has taught at Gordon High School, McNair Junior High and McNair High School in DeKalb County. Currently Love volunteers with the United Methodist Childrens Home and Refugee Family Services, and helps with an adult reading program at the Clarkston Community Center. She also independently helps refugee children and families
Save 20%
Opinions Education LifeStyle Sports Business Local news Health Business
Subscribe now
Legal notices
Name:_______________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________ Phone: ( )- ____ - __________ E-mail address: __________________________ Method of payment: check enclosed ___; VISA ___; Master Card ___ AMEX____ Credit card No: ______________________ Expiration date:_________________
Return to: The Champion, P.O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347
Complete the subscription form below to start your subscription. One Year (52 issues) at just $31.00 $31.00.
For additional information call 404-373-7779 or visit us on line at ChampionNewspaper.com
If you would like to nominate someone to be considered as a future Champion of the Week, please contact Kathy Mitchell at kathy@DeKalbchamp.com or at 404-373-7779, ext. 104.
Page 8A
Proposed county tax increase now at 4.35 mills

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com
of Commissioners earlier this year. Now they are on the table again. eKalb County taxThese cuts would save payers are facing a the county $469,000. possible $93 propEllis also recommended erty tax increase eliminating three paid holiif DeKalb CEO Burrell days for county employees, Ellis recently proposed tax which would save $1.8 milincrease is approved by the lion, and abolishing 250 Board of Commissioners. vacant positions at a savings Based on a recommenda- next year of $12.5 million. tion by Ellis, the board voted According to Ellis proon June 14 to advertise a posal, the countys adminmillage rate increase of up istration is already impleto 4.5 mills. Although Elmenting several cost-saving lis latest budget proposal initiatives, including plans requires a 4.35-mill increase, to outsource animal control the 4.5 mills would give the services and emergency commissioners flexibility if transport services. The they decided the amount was county is also considering needed in the countys final operating its tennis centers budget. Based on a 4.5-mill and golf course without curincrease, an average home rent subsidies. valued at $155,700 would Commissioner Lee May, pay $672 in county property chairman of the boards fitaxes. nance committee, said he Ellis said the increase is was not expecting a proposneeded to offset the countys al for a 4.35 mill increase. first quarter budget overruns In December 2010, Ellis and lower-than-expected original budget proposal inproperty values. According cluded a 2.32-mill increase to the countys tax digest, to cover a $33.6 million property values in DeKalb budget gap. The anticipated decreased 13.4 percent in deficit is now $55.6 million. 2011. In unincorporated Thats a huge increase, areas the decline was 18 May said. percent. May said Ellis approach Ellis said his goal was to to closing the budgetary gap present a sustainable budget flawed. for public safety, the crimiHis approach has been nal justice system and the were going to close this funding of infrastructure. gap by raising taxes, May He also wanted to take acsaid. My personal approach tion to restore the countys to this is lets look at credit rating, which has where we can become more declined in the past few efficient, lets look at where months. we can reduce service levels The proposal contained and reduce staffing levels a recommendation to close first without shutting our five recreation centers, close government down. And then the tax commissioners satlets see where that gap is. ellite offices and eliminate Three public hearings on funding for the cooperative the tax increase are planned: extension service. All of two on July 5 at 10 a.m. and these proposals, made in the 6 p.m. and one on July 12, CEOs original 2011 budget, the countys deadline for were rejected by the Board adopting millage rates.
The City of Stone Mountain does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at City Hall, 922 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA, on July 5, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy along with the history and levy for the past five years. The City of Stone Mountain has tentatively adopted a millage rate of 14.350 mils which is less than the rollback rate of 14.368 mils. All citizens are invited to a public hearing on this proposed millage rate to be held at Stone Mountain City Hall, 922 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
NOTICE
CURRENT 2011 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

2006 2007 2008 2009
CITY
Real & Personal Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber - 100% Heavy Duty Equipment Gross Digest Less M& O Exemptions
2010
97,052,662 5,667,510
2011
67,919,249 5,558,380
123,585,164 117,173,512 116,141,917 102,732,611 6,760,050 6,814,590 6,510,110 6,667,830
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX DECREASE

The DeKalb County Board of Education has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will result in a decrease in property taxes by 14.22 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax decrease to be held at: - 6:00 p.m. July 5, 2011 -12:00 p.m. July 11, 2011 - 6:00 p.m. July 11, 2011 All meetings will be held at the DeKalb County School District Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, GA.
2,545 130,345,214 123,988,102 122,652,027 109,402,986 102,720,172 1,355,000 1,285,467 1,444,754 1,859,151 2,060,566 73,477,629 1,546,458 71,931,171 0 71,931,171 14.350 14.350 $1,032,212 $25,616 2.50%
Net M & O Digest 128,990,214 122,702,635 121,207,273 107,543,835 100,659,606 State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value 0 0 0 0 0 Adjusted Net M&O Digest 128,990,214 122,702,635 121,207,273 107,543,835 100,659,606 Gross M&O Millage Less Rollbacks Net M&O Millage Total County Taxes Levied Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase 10.000 $1,289,902 $309,321 31.54% 10.000 $1,227,026 -$62,876 -4.87% 10.000 $1,212,073 -$14,954 -1.20% 10.000 $1,075,438 -$136,634 -11.27% 10.000 $1,006,596 -$68,842 -6.40% 10.000 10.000 10.000 10.000 10.000
Page 9A
Lithonia, CSX sued over 2008 train accident

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com Its been more than two and a half years since a car driven by Traci Collins was hit by a train in Lithonia and she is still suffering from the effects of it. Collins, who at the time was a 21-year-old college student, has a cognitive brain disability that affects her concentration and reasoning issues in addition too residual effects from having a broken neck, back and pelvis, said defense attorney Catherine Gibson McCauley. According to the lawsuit filed in November, as Collins drove over the train tracks at the intersection of Main Street and Swift Street in Lithonia on Nov. 20, 2008, a CSX train slammed into her vehicle. Because of her injuries she had to be airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital. Collins was unconscious for 36 hours and hospitalized for two months. At the time of the accident, which occurred at 11 p.m., a DeKalb County police officer was directly behind [the] plaintiff and saw her slowly proceeding into the intersection and did nothing to warn [the] plaintiff of the oncoming train or warn the train to proceed slowly, the lawsuit states. The traffic light system at the location was defective in that the system did not properly protect drivers from the danger of passing trains sufficiently, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit claims CSX failed to use proper safety precautions and properly warn drivers of oncoming trains. The city of Lithonia failed to ensure that all traffic signals and devices were properly working, and that any and all impediments to [the] plaintiffs line of vision regarding the oncoming train were properly maintained. DeKalb County was named in the lawsuit, which states the county installed and maintains the traffic system and directional signals and shrubberies. The state of Georgia was named because it is in charge of designing and implementing train crossings in the state. According to the lawsuit, at the time of the accident the train crossing did not have a crossing arm to warn drivers of an oncoming train. The lawsuit claims that DeKalb County and the states Department of Transportation had prior knowledge of two deaths and several accidents at this intersection involving a train. Each of the four defendants was sued for $2 million. CSX, DeKalb County and the state Georgia have all filed motions to dismiss. Because Lithonia did not answer the claims in a timely fashion, a judge granted a judgment against the plaintiff in March and ruled that a hearing be held to allow Collins to prove her damages. In court on June 8, Lithonia city attorney Winston Denmark argued that Lithonia did not answer the claim because the lawsuit was not properly served to the city of Lithonia. The lawsuit was physically delivered by a DeKalb County Sheriffs deputy to former city clerk Missye Varner, who was fired by the Lithonia City Council in connection to the lawsuit. The mayor herself was not served, Denmark argued. Missye Varner was not authorized to accept ser-
In 2008, a woman was critically injured in Lithonia when a CSX train hit her vehicle. More than two years later, the same intersection still does not have railroad crossing arms to block traffic when a train crosses Main Street. Photo by Andrew Cauthen
vice. Since the lawsuit was not properly served, the city was not required to answer the lawsuit, Denmark said. I knew nothing about this lawsuit until I got information about the default, Denmark said. James Dearing, an attorney for Collins, said the mayor is a part-time official; we dont know every moment she is going to be there.
If the mayor is not there, who do you serve? Dearing said. If not Missye Varner, then whom? Dearing said Varner showed the lawsuit to Peterson who instructed Varner to place the complaint in the box of the city attorney, Dearing said. Something happened and the answer was not filed, Dearing said. Confusion in an office is not a rea-
son for the order of default to be reversed, he added. This is a city that conducts business on a daily basis, Dearing said. This is not a mom-and-pop situation where you cant find people. Judge Eleanor Ross, who said she has concerns about whether the city of Lithonia was properly served, is expected to rule on the motion to reverse the default judgment within two weeks.
NOTICE
The Mayor and Council of the City of Pine Lake does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the Pine Lake Club House, 300 Clubhouse Dr., Pine Lake Georgia, 30072 on July 7, 2011 at 7:30 PM and pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
INCORPORATED
Real & Personal Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber - 100% Heavy Duty Equipment Gross Digest Less M& O Exemptions

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
27,300,068 878,610 23,795,246 967,808 24,593,428 1,155,430 23,763,315 1,246,900 23,212,367 1,182,020
2011
19,484,475 1,119,240
23,178,678 1,038,360 $22,228,788
24,763,054 1,081,408 $23,774,148
25,748,858 1,087,370 $24,661,488
25,010,215 1,063,817 $23,946,398 0
24,394,387 1,069,933 $23,324,454
20,603,715 1,059,679 $19,544,036
Net M & O Digest State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value Adjusted Net M&O Digest Gross M&O Millage Less Rollbacks Net M&O Millage Net Taxes Levied
Net Taxes $ Increase/Decrease Net Taxes % Increase/Decrease
22,228,788 14.300 14.300 $317,872 $36,948 13.15%
23,774,148 14.300 14.300 $339,927 $22,055 1.07%
24,661,488 14.300 14.300 $352,659 $12,732 1.03%
23,946,398 14.300 14.300 $342,433 -$10,226 -2.90%
23,324,454 17.100 17.100 $398,849 $56,416 14.00%
19,544,036 20.604 20.604 $402,685 $3,836 # 0.01%
Page 10A
DeKalb cities scrambling to adjust budgets

by Andrew Cauthen andrew@dekalbchamp.com
ust as DeKalb County is considering a 4.35 mill tax increase, the various cities in the county are scrambling to make mid-year budget adjustments in light of low property values. Its scary, Stone Mountain city manager Barry Amos said about the citys $31 million drop in property values, which will mean a $340,000 decline in its revenue. The 34.09 percent decline in property values is the worst in the county, according to digest numbers provided by the county. Stone Mountain city department heads have been told they are going to have to reduce their budgets and eliminate open positions, Amos said. The mayor and council are very concerned about the impact on the citizens, Amos said. The position of the mayor and council is that there will not be a tax increase. After a news report showed homes sales in the 30083 zip code dropped only 1.5 percent last year, Amos said city officials are puzzled by the 34.09 percent drop cited by DeKalb County.
We are asking them to explain what methodologies they used to reduce the digest by 34.09 percent, Amos said. The tax digest for the city of Chamblee is an anomaly in DeKalb County. After its annexation of 6,000 residents and 1.5 square miles took effect this year, Chamblee is the only DeKalb city showing a property value increase; Chamblees real estate values are up $222.9 million. Weve always been conservative, said Chamblee Police Chief Marc Johnson, who prepared the citys budget. Even if the final tax numbers are 10 percent lower, the city will still have more than enough room in its budget to avoid a tax increase. We are certainly not raising our millage rates, Johnson said. Facing a $23.7 million drop in real estate values, Doraville officials are still trying to determine what the citys deficit will be, said Shanta Wilson, finance director. Its a matter of cutting, Wilson said. We havent finished cutting yet. Doraville is looking at changing its employee medical insurance plan andeliminating its employer-
provided life insurance. The citys retirement plan is also under review, Wilson said. Although Dunwoodys tax digest has dropped $183 million, city officials said they anticipated the decrease in their budget preparations. We do not anticipate any budgetary changes as a result of the digests release, nor do we anticipate any reduction in services or increase in proposed
taxes to support the services currently provided to our citizens, said finance director Chris Pike. I am comfortable with our budget projections for taxes, Pike said. We expect our overall tax revenues (all sources) to exceed our current budget. In Avondale Estates, the citys real property value declined by $29.3 million, leaving the city with an 18 percent or $280,000 budget shortfall.
Elsewhere in DeKalb, Lithonias real estate values dropped by $14.8 million, while values in Decatur and Pine Lake dropped $6.98 million and $3.8 million, respectively. Clarkston experienced a $14.8 million decline in property values.
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The City of Doraville has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 3.28 %. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing to be held at the City of Doraville City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, Ga. 30340 on June 23, 2011 at 6: 30 pm. Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at the City of Doraville City Hall , 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, Ga. 30340 on June 28, 2011 at 6:30 pm and June 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 9 mills, an increase of .286 mills. Without tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 8.714 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $120,000 is approximately $48.00 and the proposed tax increase for a nonhomestead property with a fair market value of $281,000 is approximately $112.40.
NOTICE
The City of Chamblee City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the Chamblee Civic Center located at 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, Georgia on July 5, 2011 at 6:30 PM and pursuant to the requirements of Ga. Code 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years
CURRENT 2011 TAX DIGEST AND FIVE YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

Real & Personal Motor Vehicles & Heavy Equipment Public Utilities Gross Digest Less Exemption Adjusted Net Digest Gross Millage Rate Net Taxes Levied Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase 2006 525,595,748 15,002,208 14,566,726 555,164,682 38,431,720 516,732,962 5.00 2,583,665 462,625 17.91% 2007 560,182,455 15,649,510 12,650,256 588,482,221 36,970,021 551,512,200 5.00 2,757,561 173,896 6.73% 2008 563,992,269 15,601,332 10,783,636 590,377,237 43,657,482 546,719,755 5.00 2,733,599 (77,143) -0.87% 2009 575,089,705 16,118,770 10,769,822 601,978,297 44,074,131 557,904,166 6.31 3,520,375 944,684 28.78% 2010 533,197,959 14,546,770 9,563,181 557,307,910 44,896,783 512,411,127 7.95 4,073,668 553,293 15.72% 2011 806,547,004 14,135,654 11,087,937 831,772,606 86,377,096 745,395,510 7.87 5,866,263 1,792,594 44.00%
Page 11A
Decatur plans to redraw voting districts

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com The City of Decatur will redraw voting districts within the city to rebalance the population distribution after new information from the 2010 census was released. Peggy Merriss, the city manager of Decatur, said that the 2010 census found that District One (northern) contains 10, 437 residents while District Two (southern) contains 8,896 residents. This change in population results is a deviation of approximately 7.97 percent between the districts. According to the United States Department of Justice, election districts should not exceed a 5 percent deviation between districts. The city commission adopted the first reading of an ordinance to amend the charterthe second reading of the ordinance will be on June 20, Merriss said. Its mainly just to rebalance the population distribution. Merriss said that at a recent public hearing held on June 6, several people spoke in favor of keeping the city divided into two districts. Previously, the city commission was considering dividing Decatur into five districts (equal to the numbers of commissioners) but after hearing the public input it decided against it. We had a map showing five districts rather than two districts but members of the public spoke in favor of keeping it to two districts so the board decided to adopt that first-reader ordinance, Merriss said. Redrawing the lines will also affect voting for local school board members. The city has proposed to redraw the lines in a way that would move 810 residents from District One to District Two. This would result in a .4 percent deviation that would be well below the 5 percent required by the United States Department of Justice. Another public hearing will be held by the city commission on June 20, where it will also consider charter amendments.
The two Decatur voting districts after the 2010 census. The areas that were part of District One that will now become part of District Two are highlighted in blue.
Teenager arrested in carjacking incident

A 16-year-old was arrested June 10 on aggravated assault, armed robbery and kidnapping charges stemming from a carjacking incident on June 9, police said. A man was driving a female employee home from work late June 9 when two armed suspects approached the car at the intersection of Canberra Drive and Devon Way, according to DeKalb Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish. The man was forced into the passenger seat and the woman was told to get into the back seat of the car. The suspects drove the victims around in search of an ATM and at some point during the night the male victim was shot, Parish said. After being shot, the male victim escaped the car and ran to a business on Covington Highway, where police were called. The male victim was in serious condition at an area hospital at press time, Parish said. Police later found the car with the female victim still inside. The woman told police she was sexually assaulted during the incident. Names of the teenager and the victims have not been released and police still are searching for the second suspect, Parish said.
Learn about the free services offered by DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau. Our Free Planning Workshops will teach you everything you need to organize the perfect family reunion.
Free Planning WorkshopS

(Saturday - 9 am to Noon)
June 25, 2011 Holiday Inn Atlanta Perimeter 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30341 July 23, 2011 Hampton Inn Stone Mountain 1737 Mountain Industrial Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Workshops are free, but pre-registration is required.
Call (770) 492-5050 ext. 1811
VisitAtlantasDeKalbCounty.com
Host Your Family Reunion in DeKalb County!
Page 12A
Soldier far away keeps DeKalb close at heart

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com he cell phone service is terrible where Adrian Richardson lives. It is sometimes 130 degrees in the shade and the 1980 Towers High School graduate sometimes would rather be fishing or at church listening to a good sermon, but he made a promise that he has to keep. Richardson promised to protect and serve his country to the best of his ability when he enlisted in the Navy in 1982. He now lives in Taji, Iraq, and is a member of the Georgia National Guard on his third tour since the war started. My job here is aviation and making sure that all systems are a go for the pilots to do their job. As for as the heat over here, its no joke, Richardson said. He said that he has to make it a point to constantly be drinking water. Originally from Macon, Richardson grew up in Stone Mountain
and after graduating from Towers he found the work in DeKalb County slowing down and decided to enlist. After being in the Navy for several years he took a nineyear break and then returned to active duty in 2002. Im still here until 2012. Thats when Im hanging up my boots. I made a promise to my mom and my brother stating that this will be it for me, Richardson said. Richardsons mother, brothers, sisters and godparents all live in DeKalb County and even though he is thousands of miles away he makes it a point to try to stay in touch with his community. He does this by spending a lot of time on the computer perusing websites that focus on DeKalb. He said that he has changed a lot over the years, especially since he has been in Iraq, and that there are a lot of young soldiers who have never experienced a war like the one he is in every day. He said
that prayer helps him get through the sweltering, uncertain days and this is what he tells the younger soldiers he interacts with. My saying to them is to pray! God will get us through this and always keep the good book handy at all times. We came over here together and were going back home together, Richardson said. He also said that it is important for new recruits or those who had never been in a combat situation to do what youre told to do, complete your mission, keep a low profile and stay out of trouble. Richardson said that, no matter what, his door is always open for anyone who has any issues or problems. There are a few friends that Richardson has where he is stationed that are from his hometown of Macon and the Decatur, Lithonia, Newnan, Atlanta and Snellville areas. This helps a little to keep him from getting too homesick. Although he has lost a few
friends in both peace and war time, Richardson said that he had learned a lot in his career and was looking forward to coming back home to DeKalb. Theres nothing like coming home to see what has changed since I left. Its hard sometimes on some of us when we get backjust a lot of adjusting and getting used to civilian life again, Richardson said. The soldier celebrated his 50th birthday this past April and has spent nearly two decades away from DeKalb but still holds it in a special place in his heart. When he gets back stateside he plans to wind down, catch up on sleep and spend some time with family and friends. When readjusting to civilian life gets tough, he said he will go fishing to seek some peace of mind. But, for now he said he has still got a job to do and that its after 11:30 p.m. [in Taji] and 4 a.m. is right around the corner.
Public Notice: The Lithonia City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the City Hall Chamber on June 30, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years. Public Hearings will be held on June 30, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers.
CURRENT 2010 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY INCORPORATED
Real & Personal Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber - 100% Heavy Duty Equipment Gross Digest Less M& O Exemptions Net M & O Digest State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value Adjusted Net M&O Digest Gross M&O Millage Less Rollbacks Net M&O Millage Net Taxes Levied
Net Taxes $ Increase/Decrease Net Taxes % Increase/Decrease
Nominate A Community Champion Today!

What is a Community Champion?
The Champion Newspaper is seeking nominations for our 20th Anniversary Community Champion Awards. Nominees must be community servants, community organizations or individuals in the DeKalb community who work tirelessly to volunteer his or her service for the betterment of DeKalb County.
2007
28,919,717 1,900,420 184,102
2008
30,651,118 2,052,210 191,510
2009
28,842,932 1,979,710 191,805
2010
26,674,180 1,582,040 176,149
2011
20,806,543 1,615,590 135,435
31,004,239 327,906 $30,676,33 3
32,894,838 636,190 $32,258,64 8
31,014,447 566,739 $30,447,70 8 0
28,432,369 565,746 $27,866,62 3
22,557,568 544,259 $22,013,30 9
30,676,333 11.699 11.699 $358,882 $41,637 13.12%
32,258,648 11.699 11.699 $377,394 $18,512 5.16%
30,447,708 12.321 12.321 $375,146 -$2,248 -0.60%
27,866,623 13.178 13.178 $367,226 -$7,920 -2.11%
22,013,309 16.682 16.682 $367,226 $0 0%
This is YOUR opportunity to help honor these amazing people and/or organizations! How do I Nominate a Community Champion?
Visit our website at www.championnewspaper.com and click on the NOMINATE A COMMUNITY CHAMPION link. Sumit your nomination by August 05, 2011. A panel of civic, corporate, and government volunteers as well as members of The Champion Newspaper staff will select the winners. Winners will be honored at the Community Champions Gala on September 10, 2011
Notice is hereby given that the official Budget for the City of Doraville, Georgia, for the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30, has been submitted to the Mayor and City Council for review and is available to the general public in the office of the City Clerk, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, Georgia 30340. A Public Hearing will be held by the Mayor and City Council for the proposed Budget, pursuant to Title 36, Chapter 81 of the O.C.G.A., on June 29, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. during a Public Meeting of the City Council, at City Hall, 3725 Park Avenue, Doraville, Georgia 30340, at which time the public will be given the opportunity to comment on the proposed Budget. The anticipated adoption date for the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget will be at the same Public Meeting of the City Council as the Public Hearing on said Budget, on June 29, 2011.
PUBLIC NOTICE
For Information on sponsorships and tickets: visit www.championnewspaper.com or call 404.373.7779 x 110
Page 13A
Titan Singers reunite to honor chorus director

by Nigel Roberts It has been nearly 40 years since the Titan Singers entertained an audience. But on June 25, former members of the Towers High School choral group will hold a reunion and perform for family and friends. However, the man who led and nurtured them as young singers will be missing. Dr. Stephen J. Burton, who directed the Titans Singers from 1972 to 1977, battled pancreatic cancer as he helped his former students organize the reunion. Unfortunately, he lost his life to the illness last December. It was his wish that the show must go on, said Maribeth Kouts, 1976 Titan Singers student president. So our reunion committee regrouped in early 2011 and, with heavy hearts, resumed the planning of what will surely be a wonderfully uplifting reunion event. Burton was laid-back and friendly, Kouts recalled. He was also extremely passionate about music. One of his gifts was the ability to teach complex music dynamics in a way that was easy for his students to grasp. In his five years as chorus director, Burton impacted the lives of more than 150 students. They performed a mix of classical (both religious and secular) and pop music at a number of venues, including Turner Field where they sang the Star Spangled Banner. He led the singers to several championships. One of the most memorable for Kouts was their superior rating at a 1974 music festival. They performed a challenging piece that impressed the three judges and became a unifying moment for Burton and his students. We became very closeknit, she said. When the reunion committee met, it was as though we never left. Kouts credits Burton with giving her the music foundation that has helped her succeed in her career. She graduated from Agnes Scott College with a music degree in voice. I couldnt have gotten through college music theory without what he taught me, she said. Kouts, who is now a chorus director, exclaimed, There isnt a time that I pick up a baton that I dont think of Steve Burton. The idea for the reunion came when Kouts and another former Titan Singers members wondered out loud what became of Burton. Kouts searched on Facebook but ran into dead ends. Undaunted, she Googled him and found a photograph of her mentor online. He looked older but the same, she said. Kouts contacted Burton, who had relocated to Virginia. We both cried. It was a very emotional first reunion, she recalled warmly. We laughed and shared stories. And he asked me about the other members. Soon after, they began talking about organizing a reunion event. When Burton became ill in the spring of 2010, they decided to postpone the reunion. None of the chorus members knew that he was fighting an aggressive form of cancer. Kouts said about 30 members have committed to participating in the memorial reunion concertsome coming from as far away as Minnesota and Boston. Were thrilled that we could get together after all these years, said Kouts. They have planned a daylong reunion. The group will have a private gathering to reminisce and catch up with each other. After a rehearsal, the Titan Singers will once again perform, after 38 years. The memorial concert begins at 4 p.m. at The Lodge at Simpsonwood in Norcross.
Former Titan Singers director Stephen J. Burton, at left in a recent photo and at right from the Towers High School yearbook. Burton died in December 2010 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Photos provided
DeKalb County Wants to Hear From You Regarding the Proposed Franchise Agreement Renewal with Comcast Cable Communications
Send your comments and/or concerns regarding Comcasts current performance under the current franchise agreement and/or the future cable-related needs and interests of your community to cable@co.dekalb.ga.us.
Page 14A
Stone Mountain
Continued From Page 1A
There is no other place on earth to see a show like this. From Memorial Lawn, visitors may not realize that the Stone Mountain carvings of Lee, Jefferson Davis and Thomas Stonewall Jackson are actually larger than the carving of four presidents on Mount Rushmore. Lee is the height of a nine-story building and Davis thumb is the size of a sofa. The show for which the carving is a backdrop is four to five times the size of an IMAX screen and taller than the Statue of Liberty. Park officials compare viewing their laser show to watching a 5,500-inch high-definition television. While much of this years 45-minute show is new, longtime park goers may be pleased to learn that some favorite sequences, including the Elvis Presley An American Trilogy, are still there. The carving, designed in 1915 in a project spearheaded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, was not completed and dedicated until 1970, when strong feelings about honoring Confederate heroes had dissipated significantly. An American Trilogy, which features the popular Confederate marching song Dixie, Union anthem The Battle Hymn of the Republic and African-American folk lullaby All My Trials, reflects the more inclusive spirit that had taken hold by the mid 20th century. Other popular favorites that remain are The Devil Went Down to Georgia, a homage to the Charlie Daniels Band, and Ray Charles singing Georgia On My Mind. The show retains its patriotic flavor with many tender moments bound to touch the hearts of Americans, especially Georgians. The laser show, which is free to park goers, is shown nightly at 9:30 through Aug. 7, then on Saturday evenings through the end of October. Shows in September may start earlier, depending on when darkness falls, and October shows start at 8 p.m. On Labor Day weekend, the laser show is shown Saturday through Monday. The park has a $10-per-car parking fee. Visitors who arrive at the park before nightfall will find plenty to do as they wait for the laser show. They can, for example, learn more about the history of Stone Mountain and its famous carving at the Discovering Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall. In addition to areas for climbing, hiking and picnicking, the park has numerous attractions, including these: At the Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard visitors can step back in time with the sounds and scenes of life in the 1800s. The plantation features 19 historically restored and decorated buildings from around Georgia, built between 1783 and 1875. Children can meet the animals in the farmyard and learn about the role of livestock in early Georgia life. Crossroads is a make-believe 19th century Georgia town located at the base of the mountain. It has shops and restaurants. Scenic Railroad is a full size locomotive from the 1940s with open-air cars that takes guests on a five-mile excursion around the mountain. SkyHike is a quarter-of-a-mile family adventure course in the treetops designed to trigger the sensation of trekking through the sky. A variety of elements, including suspended wooden bridges, spaced out slats on swinging ropes, single strand ropes and vertical net bridges, make each hike a new experience. Visitors cruise the tranquil waters of Stone Mountain Lake on the Scarlett OHara, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat that carries 150 passengers. The top attraction is the Summit Skyride that transports guests nearly half a mile roundtrip from the bottom to the top of Stone Mountain. Visitors experience a stunning view of the memorial carving as well as the Atlanta skyline and the Appalachian Mountains. New for 2011, Georgias first 4D theater introduces Yogi Bears 4-D Advenure, starring Dan Aykroyd as Yogi and Justin Timberlake as Boo Boo. For more information, visit www.stonemountainpark.com.
Page 15A
The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs kicked off the Summer Food Service Program on June 3 to ensure children have access to nuDeKalb Police are searching for the person who shot and killed a 24-year-old June 12 at the Wynhollow Apart- tritious meals while school is out during the summer months. ments in south DeKalb County. Zayd Abdul Basser was DRPCA Director Roy Wilson visshot and killed when he opened the door after hearing a ited Exchange Park Recreation Center, knock, DeKalb Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said. the countys newest recreation facility, to The incident happened at approximately 10 p.m. at the serve meals to the participants of the Sumcomplex at 3861 Austin Circle. Four children, the oldest of whom was 7, and the childrens uncle were in the apart- mer Food Program. The program is offered countywide and provides meals at no charge ment at the time of the shooting, Parish said. The suspect to children up to 18 years old. The service is not related to the children, police said. is open to all children, regardless of income. People who are older than 18 and enrolled
Police looking for murder suspect
NEWS BRIEFS
Summer food program kicks off

in school programs for people with disabilities also can receive meals at no charge. Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More than 53 summer food meal sites across DeKalb operate in recreation centers, schools, parks, churches, day camps, daycares and community centers. The sites are located in areas where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. For more information about the Summer Food Program, contact Rose Myrick at (678) 698-1114.
Woman sentenced on computer fraud charge

A Lithonia woman was sentenced June 9 to nine months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for computer fraud. Catherine Griffin, 46, pleaded guilty to the charge on March 24 in U.S. District Court. As part of her sentence she also was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $40,516. Griffin accessed confidential information on government computers for private financial gain relating to a scheme to fraudulently obtain First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credits for friends and relatives who were not eligible to receive the credits and had not purchased homes during the eligible time period, according to U.S Attorneys Office spokesman Patrick Crosby. Griffin worked as a seasonal employee for the Internal Revenue Service in Chamblee from July 2009 to September 2009, according to U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. Her job was to process amended tax returns filed by taxpayers. Griffin used the IRS computer system to alter taxpayer information for four people, and received payments of $2,000, Yates said.
NOTICE
The City of Doraville City Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the Doraville City Hall on June 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. Section 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.

COUNTY WIDE
Real & Personal Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber - 100% Heavy Duty Equipment Gross Digest Less M& O Exemptions Net M & O Digest State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value Adjusted Net M&O Digest Gross M&O Millage Less Rollbacks Net M&O Millage Total County Taxes Levied Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase 50,245 471,786,390 70,320,840 401,465,550 148,861 454,438,305 63,997,474 390,440,831 10,313 488,704,880 71,899,148 416,805,732 6,506 436,510,133 73,116,589 363,393,544 0 400,893,638 70,854,876 330,038,762 2,494 395,634,393 69,611,752 326,022,641
2006
457,072,575 14,663,010 560
2007
438,818,770 15,470,200 474
2008
473,264,103 15,429,990 474
2009
420,066,507 16,436,920 200
2010
384,994,288 15,899,150 200
2011
379,732,939 15,898,760 200
401,465,550 7.507 0.007 7.500 $3,010,992 $269,012 9.59%
390,440,831 15.031 7.531 7.500 $2,928,423 -$82,568 -2.74%
416,805,732 15.007 7.507 7.500 $3,126,043 $197,620 6.75%
363,393,544 15.137 7.637 7.500 $2,725,452 -$400,591 -12.81%
330,038,762 15.924 7.924 8.000 $2,640,310 -$85,141 -3.12%
326,022,641 17.714 8.714 9.000 $2,934,204 $293,894 11.13%
The DeKalb County Board of Education does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the DeKalb County School District Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., and pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32, does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
CURRENT 2011 TAX DIGEST AND FIVE YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

M & O DIGEST REAL & PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLES MOBILE HOMES TIMBER - 100% HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT GROSS DIGEST LESS M&O EXEMPTIONS NET M&O DIGEST GROSS M&O MILLAGE LESS ROLLBACKS NET M&O MILLAGE NET TAXES LEVIED NET TAXES $ INCREASE NET TAXES % INCREASE 2006 22,043,418,123 1,263,116,150 1,236,493 55,442 2,686,586 23,310,512,794 2,914,297,856 20,396,214,938 22.98 0.00 22.98 $468,705,019 $37,890,460 8.80% 2007 22,733,547,716 1,318,080,060 749,797 0 4,646,669 24,057,024,242 3,021,895,215 21,035,129,027 22.98 0.00 22.98 $483,387,265 $14,682,246 3.13% 2008 23,682,799,490 1,357,307,770 779,464 0 581,681 25,041,468,405 3,038,896,350 22,002,572,055 22.98 0.00 22.98 $505,619,106 $22,231,841 4.60% 2009 22,743,672,353 1,385,428,820 740,987 91,018 163,106 24,130,096,284 3,029,052,913 21,101,043,371 22.98 0.00 22.98 2010 22,184,019,392 1,254,986,790 656,584 0 65,347 23,439,728,113 3,039,974,697 20,399,753,416 22.98 0.00 22.98
PROPOSED 2011 19,183,990,438 1,225,978,410 510,171 0 82,712 20,410,561,728 2,912,047,454 17,498,514,274 22.98 0.00 22.98 $402,115,858 ($66,670,475) -14.22%
http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov/ptd/download/index.aspx
$484,901,977 ($20,717,129) -4.10%
$468,786,333 ($16,115,643) -3.32%
1. THE NET LEVY DOES NOT REFLECT ACTUAL REVENUE RECEIVED OR AVAILABLE DUE TO VALUE ADJUSTMENTS RESULTING FROM APPEALS, DELINQUENT TAXES, COLLECTIONS FROM PRIOR YEARS, AND A FEE OF 1.25% PAID TO THE COUNTY FOR BILLING AND COLLECTIONS. 2. THE 2011 MILLAGE RATE IS THE PROPOSED RATE. THE PROPOSED SCHOOL OPERATIONS MILLAGE IS 22.98 MILLS. 3. 2011 DIGEST FIGURES ARE AN ESTIMATE.
NOTES:
hEalth
After a successful expo in Fulton County, The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.) announced that it will hold Lets Move! DeKalb, a free event on Saturday, June 18, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Lets Move! DeKalb is a family event providing nutrition and physical education supported by a community and faith-based coalition seeking to encourage families to lead healthier lives. More than 1,000 parents and children are expected to participate in this community-wide annual event. Opening remarks will be made at 11 a.m. by District 3 County Commissioner Larry Johnson and Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, district health director, DeKalb County Board of Health. DeKalb County is fortunate to have Wal-Mart and the Aetna Foundation as corporate partners for this event, said Burrell Ellis, DeKalb County chief executive officer. This is only a fraction of their overall commitment to end childhood obesity and promote healthy living in our youth, which remains a top priority for all of us. Lets Move! DeKalb will include live stage performances, health screenings, fitness activities, nutrition exhibitions, arts and crafts, program information from local community organizations and special surprise guests. We are pleased to bring our Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Expo to DeKalb County, which continues our mission to educate children and families about making healthy choices, said Vanetta Keyes, founder and executive director of C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Our goal is to showcase the partnering programs in DeKalb so that
Page 16A
Local non-profit brings first ladys initiative to DeKalb
families will sign up and get moving! It is imperative that DeKalb County continues to embrace the national Lets Move! initiative by supporting events such as this one, Johnson said. We are excited about the positive impact that this event and programs planned thereafter, will have upon the health of our children and families. For the first time in U.S. history the current generation of children may live sicker, shorter lives than their parents primarily due to obesity-related diseases. According
to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, a high proportion of the states young people are obese: 15 percent of children aged 2-4 years in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program, 24 percent of third-grade children, 15 percent of middle school students and 14 percent of high school students. As the only community in Georgia to receive federal CPPW (Communities Putting Prevention to Work) funds to fight obesity, we are determined to effect real policy, system and environmental changes that will increase physical activity,
improve nutrition, and reduce obesity and the related illnesses plaguing our children, Ford said. The special event partners for Lets Move! DeKalb include the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Hawks, Commissioner Larry Johnson, the DeKalb County Board of Health, the DeKalb County School System, the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, the National Institutes of Health (We Can!), Inspiring Kids Academy, Swagger Crew Fit Kidz and many more. For more information, visit www.ChoicesForKids.org or call (678) 819-3663.
Book offers advice for sickle cell patients

Hope and destiny are not words typically associated with sickle cell disease but thats the title of a new book on the illness by an expert from the Emory University School of Medicine. Certified physician assistant Allan F. Platt Jr., sees firsthand the agonizing grip the disease can have on patients. For more than 20 years he has provided care for his patients at the Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Platts work inspired him to write a book to give patients and caregivers a comprehensive guidebook to manage sickle cell disease through the lifespan. Hope and Destiny: The Patient and Parents Guide to Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait is an informative guide and fact book for patients and caregivers to reduce symptoms, relieve pain and better understand the cause and growth of the disease.
Organization of DeKalb Educators awards scholarships

by Daniel Beauregard daniel@dekalbchamp.com The Organization of DeKalb Educators (ODE) awarded 29 scholarships to graduating seniors in DeKalb County Schools and children of ODE members. The scholarships were administered in collaboration with The Family Support Center Inc. in Decatur. The $1,000 grand prize was awarded to Vasselina Kotzeva, Cross Keys High School. Scholarships valued at $750 were awarded to: Shelby Ashley, Brianna Brooks, Imani LaShay Handy and Fadhal Anthony Moore from Southwest DeKalb High School; Alexandra M. Coleman and Quinton Porter from Redan High School; Amber Simone Worthy and Phillip Holder from DeKalb Early College Academy; Dana Johnson and Samanth Lee from Tucker High School; DeBria West and Taryn Griffin from Stephenson High School; Mason R. Moon and Antoinette Marie Stevens from Miller Grove High School; Morgan Graynerd from DeKalb School of the Arts; Rashida Sheffield from Clarkston High School; Samantha Thomas from Avondale High School; John T. Lewis, II from Salem High School. Scholarships valued at $500 were awarded to: Christopher Brown from Southwest DeKalb High School; Cierra Lanique Thomspon from DeKalb School of the Arts; Lenika Warren from Cedar Grove High School; Robert Robinson from Redan High School; and Ronald Grisham from Grady High School.
Legal Notice
Education
Page 17A
Scholarships valued at $250 were awarded to: Ryan Lemoine and Leonard Taylor from Miller Grove High School; Toni-Ann Plowright from Redan High School; Donald B. Sellers from Stephenson High School; and Naquiesha Saunders Brantley from McNair High School.
If You are African American and Suffered Farm Loan Discrimination by the USDA between 1981 and 1996,
You may be eligible for money from a $1.25 billion class action Settlement Fund
(Heirs/Kin may be included)
There is a proposed class action Settlement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) involving racial discrimination against African American farmers between 1981 and 1996. This Settlement is only for certain people who tried to file a late claim in the original Pigford case, or their heirs (kin) and legal representatives. The current Settlement (sometimes called Pigford II) provides benefits to some of those late filers. You are not included if you received a payment in the original Pigford case.
New leader for Emorys Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Mark Hyman Rapaport, M.D., an academic leader in the study and treatment of mental illness, has been selected to become the chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. Rapaport currently is the Polier Family Chair in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai, and vice chair and professor in the Department of Psychiatry at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Rapaport will begin his official role as chairman Sept. 15.
GPC sees record summer enrollment

A weakened economy and changes to the HOPE scholarship program are cited for a double-digit increase in enrollment at Georgia Perimeter College (GPC) this summer. Enrollment has increased by approximately 11 percent over the same time last year, said Lisa Fowler, assistant vice president for enrollment management and student success. So far, more than 16,600 students have registered for summer classes at GPCs five locations, Fowler said. According to Fowler, tough economic times and affordable tuition rates are driving more students to GPC. Also, this is the last semester that students with at least a 3.0 GPA can use the HOPE scholarship to cover all tuition, books and fees. Starting this fall, only about 10 percent of students will qualify for the full scholarshipbooks and fees will no longer be covered. More students are choosing to get an education at Georgia Perimeter during the summer, and we are seeing more students applying for fall semester much earlier than usual, Fowler said. This is another indication that a downturn in the economy and changes to HOPE are causing people to see where they can get more bang for their buck in terms of quality education.
What does the Settlement provide? You may be eligible for a substantial cash payment and USDA loan forgiveness from the Settlement. You will need to file a claim to be eligible for these benefits. The claims deadline may be as early as February 28, 2012. The Court has appointed lawyers to help you file a claim under the Settlement. You do not have to pay them or anyone Am I included? else to help you with the claims process. You may be included if you: These attorneys will ask the Court for fees Between 1981 and 1996, were and expenses of between 4.1% and 7.4% discouraged or prevented from applying of the Settlement Fund, and the Court will for or were denied a USDA farm loan decide how much they are paid. You may or other benefit, or you were given a hire your own lawyer, if you wish, at your loan with unfair terms because of racial own expense. If you have questions or need discrimination, more information, call 1-877-810-8110. Were eligible for a payment in the original What else should I know? Pigford case, and Submitted a late-filing request that was The Court will hold a hearing on denied or never considered because it September 1, 2011 to consider whether to was late. approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys fees and expenses. If you want If you are the heir or kin of someone who to object to or comment on the Settlement died who fits this description, you may file or appear at the hearing, you need to file a a claim for a payment that would become letter with the Court by August 12, 2011. part of the deceased persons estate. If If the Court approves the Settlement, you you are not sure if you (or someone for will not be able to sue the USDA about whom you are the legal representative) your farm loan discrimination claims in are included, please call 1-877-810-8110. the future.
For more information or to begin the claims filing process:
Call: 1-877-810-8110
Visit: www.BlackFarmerCase.com
businEss
by Kathy Mitchell kathy@dekalbchamp.com
Page 18A
Banker says excellence, like Stone Mountain, stands firm

learned that their bank had been bought by a Black-owned bank. A few did, but those who stayed saw During the Great Depression of that they were actually getting a the 1930s and again in the current higher level of service than they recession, the nation witnessed an had received before. Customers avalanche of bank failures. expect service and competency Through it all, an unlikely from their bank; we never comAtlanta financial institution has promise on those. not only stood firm but prospered. Started to serve the Black Citizens Trust Bank, started by community at a time when many five businessmen who wanted to institutions were reluctant to give create a bank that would be good loans and mortgages to Black cusnot only for investors but also the tomers, Citizens Trust now marcommunity, this year is celebratkets its services to the larger coming its 90th anniversary. munity. Still, Young said, he never There are many people who forgets the banks heritage. are surprised that a minorityHe recalled when the pasowned bank would survive when tor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, so many other banks were failwhere Dr. Martin Luther King ing, said James Young, Citizens Jr. had been pastor, came to him Trusts current president and after the bank that the church had CEO. Not only are we still here, used for many years would not Citizens Trust President and CEO James Young says hes proud that during difbut were still profitable. Weve fund a construction project that ficult times for the banking industry, his bank has not only survived but prospered. Photos by Kathy Mitchell never failed to pay a quarterly was actually under way. It was dividend. a bigger loan than we could manHe explained the banks sucage, but I didnt want to let Dr. cess in a single word: excellence. Kings church down, Young said. Excellence is the one thing that He called on several other banks stays firm no matter what condiin a national network of minoritytions youre facing. Its not going owned banks, and pooling their to move; its like Stone Mounresources the banks were able to tain, said Young, evoking the finance the project. most prominent feature of the city Young keeps a portrait of King he now calls home. Excellence directly in front of the desk in his kept us going through the Great downtown Atlanta office. Hes a Depression, through World War hero of mine, Young said. But II and the social upheavals of the I especially remember the night Civil Rights Movement. During he died. I was in college and we the Depression the federal govern- were watching the news on televiment declared what they called a sion. What I remember most was bank holiday. They closed every that the screen had Dr. Kings bank in the nation. Only the stron- birth and death dates and four The lobby walls of Citizens Trusts headquarters in downtown Atlanta feature phogest ones were allowed to reopen. words: Its left to us. Those are tos and newspaper clippings that chronicle the banks 90-year history. Citizens Trust not only reopened, the words I think of when I see the but it became a repository for the picture of Dr. King. assets of some failed banks. Young said that when he was In 1937, Citizens Trust begrowing up in a small town in came the first minority-owned Tennessee, his father, a minisbank in the nation to become ter, supplemented his income by part of the newly created Federal working as a porter at a bank. At 100 cleaned the bank; Pkwy., Reserve System. Many of our night he Crescent Center some- Suite 680. Tucker, GA 30084 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org customers have accounts larger times I would help him. I never than the amount the federal govdreamed that I would ever have a ernment insures. Thats how responsible position at a bank much confidence they have in us, certainly not that I would ever be Young said. president of a bank. As its grown Citizens Trust Addressing how Citizens Trust 100 of oth- Center fast in Suite years when has merged with a number Crescent has heldPkwy., recent 680. Tucker, GA 30084 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org er banks, including First Southern, so many other banks have failed, a Decatur-based African-AmerYoung said, When youre in a ican-owned bank where Young business for 40 years you develop was president before coming to gut instincts. When sub-prime Citizens Trust. Another was a Lilending was all the rage in this thonia bank that wasnt minority business, we didnt do it. I just owned. felt deeply that it wasnt the right That was a test for us, thing100 Crescent Center Pkwy., Suite 680. Tucker, GA 30084 to do. We didnt experience 404-378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org Young recalled, We didnt know the rapid rise that a lot of banks whether some customers would did, but we didnt experience the close their accounts when they rapid fall either.
So many reasons to join!

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Looking for new customers? We can help!

The Voice of Business in DeKalb County

Your competitor is likely a member!

100 Crescent Center Pkwy., Suite 680. Tucker, GA 30084 (404) 378-8000 www.DeKalbChamber.org
Page 19A
TheChampion
Visit www.championclassieds.com
RATES: $30.00 for up to 40 words, each additional word $0.60. All ads are prepaid! All Major credit cards accepted!
For Prices, Deadlines and Information
Classifieds
DISCL AIMER
Ads Due By Friday - Noon

for next publication date. The Champion is not responsible for any damages resulting from advertisements. All sales nal.
We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are not bona-fide job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTICE OF LOCATION AND DESIGN APPROVAL Streetscape Design Services: Lake Hearn Drive, Perimeter Summit Parkway, and Parkside Place DeKalb County P. I. No. 0010164 Notice is hereby given in compliance with Georgia Code 22-2-109 and 32-3-5 that the Georgia Department of Transportation has approved the Location and Design of this project. The date of location approval is April 18,2011 Proposed streetscape construction along Perimeter Summit Parkway (0.74 miles), Lake Hearn Drive (0.61 miles), and Parkside Place (0.27 miles) includes overall pedestrian access improvements that include the addition and/or renovation of sidewalks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant facilities, street and pedestrian lighting, street furniture, landscape improvements including new/larger medians and islands, restriping and/or addition of crosswalks. Lane widths will be narrowed on Lake Hearn Drive, Perimeter Summit Parkway (from Parkside Place to Ashford Dunwoody Road), and Parkside Place for traffic calming and to accommodate the landscape and pedestrian improvements. Furthermore, the driveway for the Hilton Garden Inn hotel on the one way portion of Lake Hearn Drive will be modified to restrict exiting traffic to turning movements in one direction only. Intersection improvements will consist of traffic signal upgrades to mast arm type installations at the intersections of Perimeter Summit Parkway and Parkside Place and Lake Hearn Drive and Parkside Place. The intersections of Lake Hearn Drive and Parkside Place and Lake Hearn Drive at the Cox Enterprises, Inc. driveway will be raised to help mitigate excessive vehicle speed along Lake Hearn Drive. An 8 foot to 10 foot wide concrete multi-use trail is proposed on the south side of Lake Hearn Drive/Perimeter Summit Parkway extending from Perimeter Center Parkway to Ashford Dunwoody Road. This project is located in DeKalb County in Land Lots 329 and 330; and is in Land District 18. Drawings or maps or plats of the proposed project, as approved, are on file and are available for public inspection at the Georgia Department of Transportation: Thomas Parker Area Engineer 805 George Luther Drive Decatur, GA 30032 404-299-4386 tparker@dot. ga.gov Any interested party may obtain a copy of the drawings or maps or plats or portions thereof by paying a nominal fee and requesting in writing to: Bobby Hilliard, P. E. State Program Delivery Engineer Georgia Department of Transportation 600 West Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30308 404-631-1122 bhilliard@
dot. ga.gov Any written request or communication in reference to this project or notice SHOULD include the Project and P. I. Numbers as noted at the top of this notice.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Remodeling Contractor Turn Your Home Remodel Ideas Into A Reality. Call Rob at 404-207-2875 or Visit Us Online at www.atmconstructors.net to Request A Quote Now.
ERS, LOADER BACKHOES, RUBBER TIRED LOADERS, FORKLIFTS, TRENCHERS, SKID STEERS, PAVING & COMPACTION, ROLLERS, DUMP TRAILERS, LOWBOYS, SKIDDERS, FELLER BUNCHERS, LOG LOADERS & TRAILERS, FARM TRACTORS, TRAVEL TRAILERS. FOR DETAILS VISIT www.jmwood.com J.M. WOOD AUCTION CO.,INC.(334) 264-3265 Bryant Wood Al Lic 1137
to Haul Great Paying Freight on Percentage. Give yourself a raise & get home weekends. Earn Bonuses on roadside inspections, MPG, Safety. Work Smarter Not Harder. 800-828-6452. CDL-A DRIVERS. Central Florida Company seeks SOLO & Team Drivers. Tank and Dry Van positions offering some regional. 1 year OTR & Good MVR required. Call 877-882-6537 or apply www. oakleytransport.com Earn up to $2.00/mile! Save up to 32 cents/gallon with our Fuel Discount Network! Small Fleet Owners or Owner Operators needed for OTR Flatbed. 877-277-8756.
Criminal Expungements $49.00. Power of Attorney $39.00. Call 1-888-789-0198. 24/7. AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA Approved program. Financial aid if qualified Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866) 564-9634. House for rent: 5165 Oaktree Trail, Lithonia, GA 30038 $1,000 monthly, bed/bath 3/2.5, 2 car garage, call Joey 404-992-7890 or 404-4284688.
FOR RENT - Residential
HELP WANTED
ATTENTION Warehouse/delivery/ inside sales Customer Service and Support R. E. MICHEL COMPANY, INC., a leading wholesale distributor of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration equipment & parts with over 220 branch locations in 24 eastern states, has a potential career opportunity in our Clarkston, Georgia branch for an individual with experience in delivery, warehousing and inside sales who possesses good customer service and communication skills. Knowledge of the HVACR industry helpful. This is a full time entry level position. Pre-employment screening required. Satisfactory pre-employment screenings, inclusive of ability to pass necessary DOT requirements/medical exam to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and current copy of driving record required. R. E. Michel Company offers a full benefit package and opportunities for advancement, visit our web site at REMICHEL. COM. If you are looking for more than just a job, please mail confidential resume to: Albert Spence R. E. Michel Co. 198 Sams Street Decatur, Ga. 30030 Phone 404-3774151 Fax 404-377-8478
DRIVERS
Driver-OTR Miles to make you smile! Solos & teams. Company Drivers start up to .38 cpm, Owner Op .92 cpm on all miles plus fsc on loaded. Co. teams .46 cpm or TEAM DRIVERS: $5000 SIGN-On ATL-GA plus fsc on owners .94 all miles Template:Layout 1 5/19/2011 Pay, Benefits, 21 Bonus. Excellent 2:27 PM Page loaded. CDL-A & 15 mos OTR exp. CDL-A HazMat 2 years OTR. 1-877drivefortango.com 877.826.4605 628-3748. www.DriveNCTrans.com Ask about work 20 off 10 Program. Drivers - Flatbed & Reefer. 1 COL. X 4 CLASSIFIED DISPLAY Average $1.12 to $.1.24/mile (+fuel Drivers/CDL Training CAREER SALE #1 G.N.A.T.S (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) surcharge) Paid CDL Training CENTRAL NO MONEY DOWN Available & Benefits! Call Prime CDL TRAINING. Work for us or let Decatur Champion Inc. Today! 800-277-0212 or www. us work for you! Unbeatable Career Rep: Louise D primeinc.com opportunities. *Trainee * Company Driver *Lease Operator. Earn up Driver Start a New Career! 100% to $51K *Lease Trainers. Earn up A PDF Paid CDL Training! No Experience to $80K (877) 369-6712. www. of this Ad will Follow Required. Recent grads or Exp. centraltruckdrivingjobs.com via Email Drivers: Sign on bonus! CRST EXPEDITED 800-326-2778. www. FOR SALE JoinCRST.com
HOME FOR RENT Decatur (I-20 & Candler Rd) Brick ranch Redecorated like new. 3 BEDROOM, 1 BATH, 3 years references a MUST. Off Candler Rd. Call 404-373-7779 ask for Mary Ann.
$675/mo.
Drivers CDL-A GREAT HOME TIME! Start up to 43 per mile. SIGN-ON BONUS!! Lease purchase available. Experience Reqd. 800-441-4271 x GA-100. HornadyTransportation.com Drivers DRIVING TRAINING! Paid Refresher Course available for Regional Van Drivers. Earn 3537cpm afterwards! HOME EVERY WEEK.. 401(k) and Great Benets. Visit www.AVERITTcareers.com. EOE Drivers DRIVE RED! Regional Van Drivers start at 37 to 41.5 cpm w/1yr experience. REGULAR HOMETIME. Great Benets. Paid Holidays. Call 888-362-8608, or visit AVERITTcareers.com. EOE Earn The Paycheck You Deserve with our High Miles and Outstanding Starting Pay! 2-day orientation. Excellent benefits & equipment. $500 Sign-On for Flatbed. CDL-A, 6 mo. OTR. 888-801-5295. Drivers: 5 STATE DISPATCH! Run GA, AL, MS, TN & FL. Earn up to 36cents/mile. HOME WEEKENDS, 1 yr. OTR Flatbed exp. Call: SUNBELT TRANSPORT, LLC. 1-800-572-5489. Susan ext 227, Joy ext 238. FLATBED Carrier Seeking Drivers
Water Lots Available in Golden Isles with municipal water and sewage. Financing Available! For more information please call 1-800-873-1015 ex.411. RiverLife Investments. SAWMILLS Band/Chainsaw SPRING SALE - Cut lumber any dimension, anytime. SAVE MONEY - IN STOCK ready to ship. Starting at $995. www.NorwoodSawmills. com/300N 1-800-578-1363 Ext. 300N CHURCH FURNITURE: Does your church need pews, pulpit set, baptistery, steeple, and windows? Big Sale on new cushioned pews and pew chairs. 1-800-231-8360. www.pews1.com
AUCTION
AUCTION!!! Sat. June 4 th , Montgomery, AL. 2 Houses & 8 Lots Alabama River. Sold on Site! 10% Buyers Premium. 1-800-2225003; www.AuctionsUnited.com; ALBL#Q4D8246; AAL#1218. ABSOLUTE AUCTION June 8-11 Atlanta Athens Area. 240 BankOwned Properties. CommercialResidential 119+/- ac. Farm CertifiedBankOwned.com 800711-9175. Myers Jackson United Country Real Estate. AU00304610%BP. GIGANTIC AUCTION JUNE 8-9,2011 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA TRI,TANDEM & SINGLE AXLE DUMPS, ROLL OFF TRUCKS, TRUCK TRACTORS, SERVICE & WATER TRUCKS, CRAWLER TRACTORS & LOADERS, HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS, ARTICULATING DUMPS, MOTOR SCRAPERS & GRAD-
HEALTH/BEAUTY
If you used the antibiotic drug Levaquin and suffered a tendon rupture, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727.
SATURDAY, JUNE 11 at 1:00 P.M. at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center

Dont wait for the market to recover and the prices on these homes to go up. Get your next home at the price you set with NO STARTING BIDS. Up to 2.5% Get The Details At: yers
Bank-Owned HOMES
190+ GEORGIA
AUCTION
HOME
to Bu Agents!
MISCELLANEOUS
DIVORCE with or without CHILDREN $149.00. Includes FREE name change and marital property settlement documents. BANKRUPTCY $125.00. WILLS $49.00.
OPEN HOUSE:
BidNowGA.com OR CALL 866.539.9551
Sat & Sun, June 4 & 5 1:00 - 3:00 pm
No Back Taxes No Liens Insurable Title

H&M GAL274
$2,500 down in cash or certified funds for each property. 5% premium on each sale. All sales subject to sellers approval.
Page 20A
AROUND
ATLANTA
Pulitzer Prize winner headlines book festival event CDC employee wins pizza slogan contest Dominos Pizza is giving Atlanta resident and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oscar Hijuelos, a Pulitzer employee Will Spiers more than Prize-winning Cuban-American 15 minutes of fame. The company author, will spend an evening at is now delivering pizzas across Oglethorpe Universitys Phoebe America inside boxes featuring Hearst Hall on June 20 starting eight winning customer-submitted at 7 p.m. Hijuelos will read from, pizza proverbsone of which discuss and sign copies of his was created by Spiers. memoir titled Thoughts Without Nearly 5,000 Dominos stores Cigarettes. across America will deliver pizza The evening will include tradiboxes immortalizing Spiers tional Latin-style music performed name, hometown of Atlanta, and by Cucho Garcia of the local enhis pizza-inspired proverbchosemble San Juan Jam. Guests sen from among 8,000 entries will also be offered refreshments The darkest hour is before the inspired by Cuban bakeries that doorbell rings. fill the palm-lined streets of Miami. It was a nice surprise to see A limited number of tickets that I had won, because I never are available for $40 per person. win anything, Spiers said. I saw Ticket price includes a signed, that there were thousands of enfirst-edition copy of the new tries, so I wasnt completely conbook. The event is presented by fident I would winI just had fun the Atlanta Journal-Constitution with it! Ive been eating Dominos Decatur Festival in association for the last 30 years, so having a with Oglethorpe University and A Dominos box with my name and Cappella Books. creation on it means a lot to me. Hijuelos, the first Latin AmeriThats the trophy! can to win the Pulitzer Prize for Spiers received a personalfiction, has enchanted readers ized box with his pizza proverb, a with vibrant characters who hun$50 Dominos Pizza gift card, and ger for success, love and selfa letter of congratulations from acceptance. In his first work of Russell Weiner, Dominos Pizza nonfiction, Hijuelos writes from chief marketing officer. the heart about the people and places that inspired his international bestselling novels.
DEKALB
The Decatur Police Departments Junior Police Academy program is designed to educate and enlighten young people about the functions and duties of their police department. Participants will participate in exercises designed to be fun and educational and simulate real law enforcement activities. Lunch and refreshments will be provided to participants each day. Participants who successfully complete the academy will receive certicates of completion and a class T-shirt. The class will be limited to 12 participants and further is limited to city of Decatur residents who have completed the seventh or eighth grade during the 2010-11 school year. Applications can be obtained at either the Decatur Police Department or Renfroe Middle School. For further information contact Deputy Chief Keith Lee at (678) 553-6620. Diabetes class offered The Georgia Medical Care Foundation is offering a free diabetes self-management class, Living Well with Diabetes, Tuesday, June 21, 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Redan-Trotti Library. The class, taught by health care professionals, will provide information for persons living with diabetes. The Redan-Trotti Library is located at 1569 Wellborn Road, Lithonia. For more information, (770) 482-3821.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Crossroads Presbyterian Church holds VBS Vacation Bible School at Crossroads Presbyterian Church is set for June 20-24, 7:15-9:15 p.m. Dinner will be served each night from 6:15-6:45 p.m. All ages are welcome. The church is located at 5587 Redan Road in Stone Mountain. Call (770) 469-9069 for more information. Fire safety training classes offered DeKalb County Fire Rescue Public Education Unit and the City of Stone Mountain have partnered to bring area residents lifesaving re safety training. The training will include how to prevent res in homes and businesses, how to respond if a re happens, how to properly use an extinguisher and the importance of evacuation and exit drills. The free training sessions are June 21, 10:30- 11:30 a.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.; June 24, 10:3011:30 a.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.; June 27 from 3-4 p.m. or 6:307:30 p.m. The sessions will be held at Stone Mountain City Hall, 922 Main St., Stone Mountain. For more information, call (678) 406-7748.
DUNWOODY
Summer book event announced The Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), in partnership with the Decatur Book Festival invite readers from across Atlanta to come Monday, June 27, at 7 p.m. and be a part of a book community at the Summer Book Club Bash. Highlights include a panel of two local New York Times bestselling authorsPatti Callahan Henry, author of Coming Up For Air and Mary Kay Andrews, author of Summer Rentalvisits with local libraries, book stores and other literary organizations, and learn about their literary events and summer/fall offering, book giveaways and refreshments. Events are all free. The Summer Book Club Bash will take place at the MJCCA at 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended. For information, visit www.atlantajcc.org or call (678) 812-4002.
DECATUR
Dine & Dance returns to Northlake Area residents are invited to put on their dancing shoes for Northlake Malls monthly Big Band event and swing, sway and savor the sounds of the AtlantaNew York Connection on Tuesday, June 28, in Northlake Malls Food Garden. Held the last Tuesday night of every month from 6-8 p.m., this social affair is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to come early to have dinner before dancing the night away. Northlake Mall is located at 4800 Briarcliff Road, N.E., Atlanta. For more information, call (770) 938-3564.
Health fair announced A free health fair will be held Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Gresham Park Christian Church, 2819 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. The fair is open to the community and will include health information, screenings for high blood pressure and diabetes and more. For more information, call (404) 241-4511. Decatur Junior Police Academy registration announced The 2011 Decatur Junior Police Academy will take place July 11-15, and registration is open until June 24.
LITHONIA
sPorts
Adding toplayers chosen in Major League Baseball draft the legacy Three former Redan
by Robert Naddra robert@dekalbchamp.com Three former Redan High School baseball players are on major league rosters and four more could be beginning their journey in professional baseball in the next few weeks. It feels good to keep Redans legacy going, said former Raider shortstop Deion Williams, who graduated from the school earlier this month. Redan always has been big about getting players to the next level, whether its college or the minors or the major leagues. Williams was set to sign by June 15 with the Washington Nationals after being drafted by the club in the 16th round as the No. 487 overall pick. Williams said he expects to be assigned to Melbourne (Fla.), the Nationals Rookie League affiliate in the Gulf Coast League, where the season begins June 20. Ive been waiting for this for 18 years, Williams said. Im not nervous about it. I hope to be able to make baseball an even bigger part of my life than it was before. Williams was one of five former high school players from DeKalb County who were drafted. Former Redan players Patrick Smith and Shawn Payne also were chosen, along with ex-Dunwoody player Chris Epps and former Decatur standout Trumon Jefferson. Williams was rated the No. 5 high school prospect in Georgia before the season and batted .350 with 20 RBIs at Redan in 2011. Deion is one of those kids who was raised to be a baseball player, Redan coach Marvin Pruitt said. Hes got the lineage. His dad played in the minors and his granddad played with the Boston Red Sox. Williams father got the call from a Nationals scout and relayed the message to his son. I dont have words for it, Williams said of his reaction to the phone call. I was very excited but at the same time it was expected. Smith, a freshman at Middle Georgia College, was the first ex-Redan player to be taken in the 2011 MLB Draft. The outfielder was chosen by Detroit in the 14th round as the No. 437 pick. Smith was an integral part of Redans 2010 Class AAAAA playoff run to the Final Four. Smith was drafted by the Boston Red Sox as the 1,313th pick a year ago as a graduating senior from Redan. He moved up in this years draft nearly 900 spots after batting .303 with 48 RBIs, 13 doubles and 10 stolen bases in 12 attempts at Middle Georgia in 2011. Payne, a senior center fielder at Georgia Southern, was the third Redan grad to get the call in the 2011 MLB Draft as the defending world champion San Francisco Giants picked him up
See Baseball on Page 22A
Page 21A
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The Governing Authority of the City of Clarkston has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes
by 2.31 percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at City Hall on June 23, 2011 at 7:00pm. Additional Public hearings will be held at City Hall on June 30, 2011 at 10:30 am and on June 30, 2011 at 7:00pm.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 14.00 mills, an increase of .32 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 13.684 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $12.64. The proposed increase on a nonhomestead property with a fair market value of $250,000 is approximately $31.60
Note: Due to the decrease in property valuations on the Net Tax Digest, the rollback rate has increased to receive the same year. tax revenue as the preceding year.
CURRENT PROPOSED 2011 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

City Tax
Real & Personal Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber - 100% Heavy Duty Equipment Gross Digest Less M & O Exemptions Net M & O Digest Gross M & O Millage Less Rollbacks Net M & O Millage Total County Taxes Levied Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase
2006
90,128,989 5,214,130 0 0 0 95,343,119 0 95,343,119 11.000 0.000 11.000 $1,048,774 $2,665 0.25%
2007
95,303,703 5,370,110 0 0 0 100,673,813 1,411,977 99,261,836 11.000 0.000 11.000 $1,091,880 $43,106 4.11%
2008
93,427,911 5,820,820 0 0 0 99,248,731 1,403,454 97,845,277 11.00 0.000 11.00 $1,076,298 -$15,582 -1.43%
2009
91,445,833 6,178,880 0 0 0 97,624,713 1,424,977 96,199,736 11.000 0.000 11.000 $1,058,197 -$18,101 -1.68%
2010
87,540,369 5,223,890 0 0 0 92,764,259 1,629,182 91,135,077 11.313 0.000 11.313 $1,031,011 -$27,186 -2.57%
2011
72,710,992 5,088,980 0 0 0 77,799,972 1,595,543 76,204,429 11.313 2.687 14.000 $1,066,862 $35,851 3.48%
Page 22A
Baseball
North wins third straight Junior All-Star game

Demarcus Taylor of Tucker was named North MVP in his teams 11-5 win June 3 in the third annual DeKalb County Junior All-Star Baseball Classic. Taylor drove in two runs and was the winning pitcher, going three innings and allowing one earned run and four hits. His two-run single in the seventh inning broke a 4-4 tie and was part of a seven-run inning for the North. David Coble of Chamblee had three hits, and Lakesides Kyle Newsome and Stone Mountains Yannick Williams each had an RBI. Jordan Mitchell of Arabia Mountain was the South MVP. He set an all-star game record by pitching four innings and allowed three hits and three runs. He also had two hits and a stolen base.
Oglethorpe to join new conference

Oglethorpe is one of seven schools that will be leaving the NCAA Division III Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and form a new Division III conference. Berry College will join SCAC members Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama, Centre College in Kentucky, Hendrix College in Arkansas, Millsaps College in Mississippi, and Rhodes College and the University of the South in Tennessee to form a new eight member conference. The teams will leave the SCAC effective July 1, 2012 and begin competition in the new conference in the 2012-13 season.
Continued From Page 21A in the 35th round with the ated from Decatur this 1,077th pick overall. year, was drafted in the Payne finished the 39th round by the Texas 2011 season at Georgia Rangers. Jefferson batted Southern batting .314 .419 as a senior and led the with 39 RBIs and six Bulldogs in hits and RBIs. homers. He hit .494 in Pruitt is no stranger to four years at Redan. developing players who Its great news, find success at the next Pruitt said of the Raider level. Three former Redan players chosen in the players currently are on draft. I feel blessed to major league rosters. Branhave that many players don Phillips is a 10-year taken. major league veteran and is Pruitt said a fourth ex-Raider, Neiko Johnson who just finished his senior season at the University of Kentucky, may sign a contract soon. He had a workout with the Houston Astros and did extremely well, Pruitt said. Well know something for sure probably within the next few weeks. Epps, an outfielder/ pitcher with Clemson University, was taken by the Houston Astros in the 45th round as the No. 1,360 pick overall. At Clemson in 2011, Epps Sale Ends July 11, 2011 hit .292 with 42 RBIs, 10 home runs and was 11 of 14 in stolen base attempts. Jefferson, who gradu-
the starting shortstop with the Cincinnati Reds. Domonic Brown is with the Philadelphia Phillies and Chris Nelson was called up earlier this season with the Colorado Rockies. Its a great feeling, Pruitt said. We just hope they give back to the community so someone else can go and follow in their footsteps.
Notice of Public Hearing for Clarkston Millage Rate Notice is hereby given that prior to setting the tax millage rate for 2011, the Clarkston Mayor and Council will hold a Public Hearing at City Hall, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston Georgia, on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 7:00pm on the proposed millage rate. The City Council is proposing to adopt a millage rate for 2011 that does exceed the rollback rate. All concerned citizens are invited to attend.
NOTICE
South DeKalb soccer club wins two state titles

The SDY Jaguar Soccer Club recently won two Georgia State Parks and Recreation state championships in Columbus. The club won the U14 girls state title and for the second straight year the U10 boys state championship. The U14 girls, coached by Otha Evans, went 4-0 in the tournament and outscored their opposition 13-3. The U10 boys team went 3-0-1 in the tournament and was coached by Andre Deas. Four other Jaguar teamsU10 and U12 girls, and U12 and U14 boysalso participated in the state tournament. The U12 girls lost to YMCA Mexico in the state championship match and the U12 boys lost 3-2 to GSA Puma in the state finals. The Jaguars had outscored their opposition 18-3 while going 3-0 in pool play.
The City of Avondale Estates Board of Mayor and Commissioners due hereby announce the 2011
Millage Rate of 13.375 mils, will be set at Avondale Estates City Hall, 21 N. Avondale Plaza, on June 20, 2011 5:30 p.m., June 22, 2011 5:30 p.m., and June 27, 2011 7:30 p.m. Pursuant to the requirement of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32, the Board of Mayor and Commissioners do hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy
for the past five years.

CITY 2006
150,537,192 8,473,280
2007
152,603,991 9,198,840
2008
156,800,494 8,928,990
2009
157,621,535 9,411,170
2010
157,295,925 7,917,420
2011
131,144,681 7,854,350
Real & Personal
Georgia Perimeter College player drafted by Marniers

Kenny Straus, a sophomore outfielder and designated hitter at Georgia Perimeter College, was selected in the 26th round at No. 783 by the Seattle Mariners in the Major League Baseball draft on June 7. Straus, who transferred to GPC from Duke, had a .350 batting average and had six home runs and 39 RBIs last season.
Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber - 100% Heavy Duty Equipment Gross Digest Less M& O Exemptions Net M & O Digest State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value Adjusted Net M&O Digest Gross M&O Millage Less Rollbacks Net M&O Millage Total City Taxes Levied Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase
159,010,472 65,160 158,945,312
161,802,831 181,873 161,620,958
165,729,484 204,451 165,525,033
167,032,705 168,873 166,863,832
165,213,345 119,131 165,094,214
138,999,031 102,456 138,896,575
0 158,945,312 10.100 10.100 $1,605,348 $0 0.00%
0 161,620,958 10.500 10.500 $1,697,020 $91,672 5.71%
0 165,525,033 11.000 11.000 $1,820,775 $123,755 7.29%
0 166,863,832 11.000 11.000 $1,835,502 $14,727 0.81%
0 165,094,214 11.000 11.000 $1,816,036 -$19,466 -1.06%
0 138,896,575 13.375 13.375 $1,857,742 $41,705 2.30%
Page 23A
Baseball players show-off for scouts

More than 30 DeKalb County sophomores, juniors, seniors and college baseball players participated in a skills showchase June 4 at Redan High School. The event allowed unsigned players the opportunity to perform for various college scouts. Workouts included 60-yard sprints and drills such as infield single, out-the-box double and outfield from right field. College scouts from Georgia State University, Albany State University, Emory University, Edward Waters College, Lawson State University, Miles College, Shaw University, Lagrange College, Texas Southern University and Florida State College were in attendance.
Photos by Travis Hudgons
WANTED. GPC ALUMNI.

Were looking for you.
Whether you attended DeKalb College, DeKalb Community College or Georgia Perimeter College, were all family. All former students who completed at least one credit hour are eligible to join our Alumni Association. Access outstanding benefits, special programs, athletic events and so much more.
Dont miss out on the fun Join Today!
gpc.edu/Alumni
ALUMNI RELATIONS
Page 24A
Once you know, theres only one place to go.

Perhaps youve been running all over town to save a little bit here and a little bit there. When all the time, you could save just as much at Publix, and enjoy the shopping experience, too. So relaxweve got you covered. Go to publix.com/save right now to make plans to save this week.
to save here.

Free Press 6-17-11

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Free Press 6-17-11

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Large crowd enjoys Good Neighbor Day

Just plane fun:

WWW. C H A M P I O N N E WS PA P E R .C OM FR ID AY, J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 11 VOL. 1 4 , N O. 1 2 FR EE

A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Drug Court helps addicts kick habit

All participants in the program are non-violent,

Group helps seniors with home repairs

DeKalb Technical College 404-297-9522 www.dekalbtech.edu

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Serial bank robber arrested in DeKalb

Son of former Doraville mayor arrested for bestiality, child porn

John David Norman

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Trump and Palin similarities

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Throw Grandma from the train?

One Mans Opinion

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Dont bet on Huntsman

DeKalb School Board approves $475 million construction list

DeKalb Habitat for Humanity robbed three times

$20 million to help rst-time home buyers

Printed on 100% postconsumer recycled paper

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Champion of the Week

New commission to attract movie production to county

For additional information call 404-373-7779 or visit us on line at ChampionNewspaper.com

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Proposed county tax increase now at 4.35 mills

CURRENT 2011 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

123,585,164 117,173,512 116,141,917 102,732,611 6,760,050 6,814,590 6,510,110 6,667,830

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX DECREASE

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Lithonia, CSX sued over 2008 train accident

CURRENT 2010 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

23,178,678 1,038,360 $22,228,788

24,763,054 1,081,408 $23,774,148

25,748,858 1,087,370 $24,661,488

25,010,215 1,063,817 $23,946,398 0

24,394,387 1,069,933 $23,324,454

20,603,715 1,059,679 $19,544,036

22,228,788 14.300 14.300 $317,872 $36,948 13.15%

23,774,148 14.300 14.300 $339,927 $22,055 1.07%

24,661,488 14.300 14.300 $352,659 $12,732 1.03%

23,946,398 14.300 14.300 $342,433 -$10,226 -2.90%

23,324,454 17.100 17.100 $398,849 $56,416 14.00%

19,544,036 20.604 20.604 $402,685 $3,836 # 0.01%

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

DeKalb cities scrambling to adjust budgets

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

CURRENT 2011 TAX DIGEST AND FIVE YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Decatur plans to redraw voting districts

Teenager arrested in carjacking incident

Free Planning WorkshopS

Workshops are free, but pre-registration is required.

Call (770) 492-5050 ext. 1811

Host Your Family Reunion in DeKalb County!

The Champion Free Press, Friday, June 17, 2011

Soldier far away keeps DeKalb close at heart

Nominate A Community Champion Today!

31,004,239 327,906 $30,676,33 3