the DeKalb FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 • VOL.

24, NO 20 • FREE

Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest and Tucker • A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS

Children learned basic swimming techniques such as bobbing and blowing bubbles. Photos by Carla Parker Craig Sears, president of Sears Pool Management Consultants, shares pool drain
safety tips to children during The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson event.

CHILDREN LEARN WATER SAFETY AT

WORLD’S LARGEST SWIMMING LESSON
BY CARLA PARKER
carla@dekalbchamp.com
swim lesson session and said his
company is excited to participate
again.

A
ccording to Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention,
drownings are a leading cause
of death for children ages 1 to 14, and industry, it’s good for people, it’s
three children die every day as a result good for health. It’s an important life
of drowning in the United States.
Drowning also is one of the top
five causes of death for people ages
1-14 in 48 of 85 countries. These
statistics are why “The World’s
Lifeguard Aja Lippett teaches a boy to float on his back. Largest Swimming Lesson” event
was created. The event was launched
by the World Waterpark Association
in 2010 to serve as a platform to help
the global aquatics industry work
together to build awareness about the
importance of teaching children to
swim to prevent drowning.
The World’s Largest Swimming
Lesson was held June 20 worldwide
and Clarkston participated for the
fifth consecutive year at Milam Park
pool. Craig Sears, president of Sears
Pool Management Consultants which
manages Milam Park pool, led the
“I’m very passionate about water
safety and learning to swim,” Sears
said. “[This event is] good for the
skill—to know how to swim—and
so many people aren’t afforded that
opportunity.”
The one-hour swim lesson
included a brief safety lesson, then the
more than 30 children in attendance
were taught basic swimming
techniques such as bobbing, blowing
bubbles, kicking, back floating and
pushing off a wall.
Clarkston resident Sarah Zagami
brought her three children to the event
last year and brought them back this
year.
“They remembered it and had
a good time,” Zagami said. “They
said, ‘We had a lot of fun with the
lifeguards last year. They taught us
how to float on our backs.’ Obviously,
this is our neighborhood pool and

Children learned to float on their backs. SEE SWIM ON PAGE 6

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

LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 2

COUNTYWIDE

DeKalb County Transit Master Pan project manager Grady Smith presents the plan to Stone Mountain City Council members. Photo by Carla Parker.

Transit master plan presented to city councils

BY CARLA PARKER services, a lot of which don’t heavy-rail projects in the country. minutes.
carla@dekalbchamp.com exist in the Atlanta area,” Smith “One is to close the gap on “So, the average driving time
said. “So, we spend a lot of time Second Avenue in Manhattan, and for our region, including DeKalb,
DeKalb County Transit Master educating people on bus rapid Atlanta is definitely not Manhattan, is about an hour on average to
Pan project manager Grady Smith transit and what that is.” and the other is to complete the employment,” Smith said. “With
wrapped up his “world tour” of Smith heavily promoted light extension of the system in D.C.,” the half-penny or full-penny, we can
presenting the plan to DeKalb rail transit, which does not exist in he said. “Outside of that, no one definitely increase our access to jobs
County cities and the county’s board Atlanta, but has been implemented is investing in the old heavy rail via transit.”
of commissioners June 27. in several cities across the United technology because it’s extremely Stone Mountain councilwoman
Following the final public input States, including Denver, Charlotte, expensive to maintain. Chakira Johnson spoke in favor
meetings with DeKalb residents, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle, “Look at what we’re doing now of light-rail transit. She, as well as
Smith began presenting the master Portland and Minneapolis. 40 years later trying to rebuild our other DeKalb officials, attended
plan’s four scenarios to city councils “[They are] all implementing system,” Smith added. “That’s what the DeKalb County Transit Master
June 10, starting with Dunwoody, to light rail systems in lieu of more makes that scenario unaffordable. Plan’s summit in Minneapolis to
receive resolutions of support before expensive heavy rail systems such Heavy rail is roughly $200 to $300 study the city’s transit system.
presenting the plan to the DeKalb as the MARTA system,” Smith said. million per mile.” “We had the first-hand
board of commissioners. The master For years, residents in south and The half-penny scenario would experience of getting on all forms of
plan’s four scenario are the existing east DeKalb have advocated for a allow light rail transit from Atlanta transportation that they have, which
MARTA penny scenario, half-penny heavy rail line from Indian Creek to just outside Decatur, bus rapid is the bus rapid transit and the light
system scenario, full-penny system MARTA station to Stonecrest. That transit along I-285 and I-20 and rail,” Johnson said. “We say we
scenario and the previously adopted plan was adopted by MARTA’s arterial rapid transit that connects want heavy rail because that’s what
MARTA scenario. board of directors in 2012, five cities. Smith said this scenario we’re used to, but their light rail
Smith also presented according to Smith. However, Smith is affordable. system was seamless.
information about revenue said, that scenario is not affordable. “We would have enhanced bus “It was in-and-out of traffic,
projections for an additional half- “It would probably take two services that would give competitive it was within traffic, the timing of
or full-penny sales tax that is now pennies and legislative action at the travel times,” he said. “We would the lights was integrated, and it
available to DeKalb County under state house level to allow us to tax want to give buses signal priorities was able to go from the airport to
new enabling legislation HB 930. ourselves that much,” Smith said. at lights, give them other amenities downtown to the hotel without any
During his presentation to Stone “It doesn’t serve the entirety of the to make them more competitive problems,” Johnson added. “It was
Mountain’s city council on June county, it only serves 37 miles, but than being stuck in traffic.” a great experience. I wish everyone
18, Smith explained the process it was one that we were required to The full-penny scenario extends could have gone on that trip because
of gathering input from the public, look at. It will likely be set aside as light rail from Atlanta to Wesley it would be really eye-opening for
as well as educating the public on we move this process forward.” Chapel Road. Smith said both the people on how the new technology
transit technologies. Smith said investing in heavy half-penny and full-penny scenarios would be much better than the
“There [are] a lot of new ideas rail is investing in old technology. provide a significant increase of heavy rail system, besides the cost
out there on how to provide transit He said there are only two current access to jobs via transit within 55 of it all.”
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Lithonia, Stonecrest to receive support from ARC
BY CARLA PARKER
carka@dekalbchamp.com
Lithonia and Stonecrest to develop a program that
are among 18 communities
Atlanta Regional
Commission (ARC) selected
to provide critical planning develop
and technical support
through its Community
Development Assistance
Program (CDAP).
ARC announced
June 14 that the projects
were chosen through
a competitive process
that solicited proposals
from cities, counties and
nonprofit organizations
across the Atlanta region.
The agency said it will
provide a combination of
staffing resources and grants completed its LCI plan in
to the selected communities 2003, its comprehensive
to support a range of land
use and development
initiatives designed to
improve quality of life for
residents.
Sam Shenbaga,
manager of Community
Development at ARC, said
in a statement that “we are
excited to work with these
communities to help address Jackson said.
critical local issues and
enhance overall quality of
life for all.”
Lithonia Mayor
Deborah Jackson said the
city is excited about being
one of the communities
selected for technical
assistance from ARC.
“This provides
the opportunity to
take advantage of our
designation to the National
Register of Historic Places
and to really focus on the
opportunities for historic
preservation, which we see
as a great tool for economic will help the alliance and
THIS
COULD BE
YOUR AD!
Call 404.373.7779 Ext 110
for more information.
Visit us online at www.thechampionnewspaper.com
development,” Jackson said.
“One of the components of
that will be looking at how
would result in job creation
or workforce development.”
ARC and Lithonia will
a strategy to use
historic preservation as an
economic development
tool. This will include
opportunities for a Main
Street façade program,
a historic preservation
district and a workforce
development program to
fulfill recommendations
outlined in the existing
Livable Centers Initiative
(LCI) study and the city’s
comprehensive plan.
Jackson said the city
plan in 2010 and has talked
about historic preservation
as well as job creation.
“With the Community
Development Assistance
Program (CDAP), we
saw that as a way to take
those words and develop a
program to actually support
and implement that idea,”
ARC will work with the
Arabia Mountain Heritage
Area Alliance to inventory
historic resources within
Stonecrest and establish
policy recommendations to
protect and preserve them.
The agency also will help
community leaders and
residents determine the best
course of action for legally
designating and preserving
historic districts and
landmarks.
Arabia Alliance
Executive Director Mera
Cardenas said the CDAP
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DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 3
Stonecrest “identify any
historic property within the
city.
“That information will
be used to create mapping
and that’s where the Atlanta
Regional Commission’s
assistance is really key,”
Cardenas said.
Cardenas said ARC will
take that information and
present it to the community
so that residents can see
the locations of historic
properties.
“From there, we will
have community discussions
facilitated by the Atlanta
Regional Commission
and we’ll find out what
the community wants,” Lithonia and Stonecrest were selected by Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to
Cardenas said. “Then we’ll receive planning and technical support through the agency’s Community Development
have recommendations for Assistance program (CDAP). Photo by Carla Parker
how we can accomplish the
NOTICE OF PROPERTY
community goals. There is
a rich, powerful and historic
legacy here and we just
want to provide [Stonecrest] TAX INCREASE
and the community with
whatever tools they need
to celebrate and possibly Notice is hereby given that the
protect those resources.”
Governing Authority of the City of
Clarkston has tentatively adopted a
2019 millage rate which will require
an increase in the property taxes of
19.63 percent.
All concerned citizens are invited
SAVE to the Public Hearings on this tax
YOUR HOME increase to be held on July 2 at
FROM
FORECLOSURE 7:00PM at the City Hall Council
and avoid bad credit!
Rm, 3921 Church Street, Clarkston,
For free information GA 30021. The City Council will
go to adopt the 2019 Millage rate at the
Foreclosurepreventionsolution.com July 2, 2019 meeting following the
or call conclusion of the Public Hearing.
(678) -662-5096
Foreclosurepreventionsolution.com This tentative increase will result
in a millage rate of 15.89 mils, an
increase of 2.607 mills. Without
this tentative tax increase, the
millage rate will be no more than
13.283. The proposed tax increase
for a home with a fair market value
of $ 100,000 is approximately $
104.28. The proposed increase
on non-homestead property with
Licensed & Insured
a fair market value of $ 525,000 is
approximately $ 547.47.
OPINION
Oregon gets it right regarding racially motivated 911 calls
Policy makers in Oregon voted to
approve a measure that would crack
down on those who call the police on a
person doing everyday activities such
as napping or barbecuing.
Under House Bill 3216, individuals
can not file criminal charges against
callers but victims would be able to
sue the caller for up to $250 in small
claims court. State legislators said the
bill is a way to hold callers responsible.
Viral videos circulating online
appear to depcit incidents of racial
profiling against Blacks. In one video,
a White woman calls the cops on a
Black man babysitting two White
children in Georgia. In another, a
White college student calls 911 when
she sees a Black classmate sleeping
Foreclosures
Tax Sales/Ads for Bids
Trade Name Registrations
Public Notices/Public meetings
Sheriff Sales/Local Legislation
Notices of Incorporation
To subscribe, visit DeKalbLegalNotices.com
or call 404-373-7779, X 0
#ItsInTheChampion
HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
in a dormitory common room. In one
video a White woman calls the police
on a Black girl selling water on a street
corner without a vendor license. The
list goes on.   protocol when contacting police or 911
While some may say these
incidents are examples of concerned
citizens just protecting their
neighborhood, the subjects of these
calls may consider it a clear sign of
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 4
harassment, and in some cases racism.
Cities such as Decatur have taken
a proactive stance by attempting
to educate residents on when it is
appropriate to call the police. A
pamphlet titled “What is suspicious?
When do I call the police?” can be
found at Decatur police headquarters.
The gives a step-by-step guide to help
readers determine what is suspicious
behavior, how to give detailed
descriptions of a potential suspect and
why it’s important to follow certain
emergency services.
However more needs to be done
in regards to racial profiling and
using the police as a personal attack
dog in matters of neighboor disputes.
Watching the viral videos reminds
me of my teenage years growing up
in Fayetteville, Ga. The police were
called on me for “driving suspiciously”
in a residential neighborhood, not
having a pool access wristband on
while swimming at my community
pool and “behaving erratically” while I
was on my morning jog.
This law will even the playing
field by offering checks and balances
for callers responsible for involving
the police in situations where they feel
someone does not “belong” instead
of having legitimate concerns about a
crime being committed.
OPINION DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 5

Great memories, Great Wolf, great fun!

Among the many benefits The last two challenges were and knees lock, one might also
of somewhat late in life, reboot
parenting—I was 46 when
‘One Man’s single rides, flume style. The more
visually intimidating is called
exit the ride with another memory
reminiscent of the great wolf out
my youngest was born—are Opinion’ The Wolf Tail. You load into what front baying at the moon–with
the extended opportunities appears to be a glass casket, in a certain ow-ow-ow-woohoo
to experience the joys and Bill Crane a standing position. The young sensation from all that water paying
wonderment often still found in this bill.csicrane@gmail.com ride operator instructs you to fold a call reminiscent of a high colonic.
world of ours through the eyes of a your arms across your chest, or Great memories, Great Wolf,
child. My first born is now 26 and perhaps to pinch your nose if water great fun. We’ll be back.
any level are as a result, safer; and shooting up same bothers you in
will be teaching fourth graders this
trained lifeguards are omnipresent any way. Further instructions to
fall in Gwinnett county, her half- Bill Crane also serves as a
at all times. The pool and water cross your legs at the ankle and lock
sister and my youngest, Olivia, will political analyst and commentator
park close at 8 p.m., minimizing your knees straight.
be entering fifth grade in DeKalb for Channel 2’s Action News, WSB-
noise and late-night teen or older After a brief count-down of
county schools this fall. AM News/Talk 750 and now 95.5
highjinks—often a challenge for 3-2-1, the bottom of the casket
Heading out on summer FM, as well as a columnist for The
other family resorts. The clean- drops away and the rider takes a
vacation, Olivia, her best friend Champion, DeKalb Free Press and
cut, well trained staff was another direct vertical plunge of 75-100
Alexus and I traveled south and Georgia Trend. Crane is a DeKalb
highlight–and judging from the feet, before exiting the building
west to LaGrange, Georgia and native and business owner, living
accents highly dependent on into a loop to slow your descent,
the new Great Wolf Lodge and in Scottdale. You can reach him
the local labor pool–but all also and soon after depositing you into
Water Park. Great Wolf is part of or comment on a column at bill.
apparently graduates of the Chick- a long shoot flume at the bottom
a Chicago-based chain of now 12 csicrane@gmail.com.
fil-A school of guest courtesy and of this slide. If not for the leg cross
family resorts with locations across
deference.
the country. Great Wolf Lodge,
Olivia has blossomed into
Atlanta/LaGrange opened Memorial
a strong swimmer, but that took
Day weekend of 2018. Located just
some patience and a few years of
off I-85 south, the lodge sits freshly
instruction by a gifted swim teacher,
painted and nestled, baying at the
Miss Amanda. Conquering fears
moon one exit north of the Kia
can take some time, and though this
Sorrento manufacturing plant.
was far from our first water park
At roughly half the cost of a
or rodeo, Olivia was still largely
Disney or Universal stay and much
clinging to the kiddie slides, or
lower costs of travel; a family suite
the almost ubiquitous Lazy River
or similar large room, with fridge
nearby. This trip was complicated
and microwave is offered in a more
by a blister tear under the big toe
protected, secluded and safe family
after one too many trips around the
setting, seemingly most ideal from
Lazy River sans swim shoes on day
the toddler to pre-teen sets.
one.
This Great Wolf Lodge smartly
Thank God for good friends
operates at least three to four
with big smiles and some prior
business lines and revenue streams
experience at the resort. By day
simultaneously: a summer day
two, there was no water slide we
camp, a conference center, season
were unwilling to conquer. Triple
passes for nearby area residents and
Thunder, Otter Run racing and
the full-service family lodge and
the River Canyon Run were each
resort. There are 10 restaurants on
another conquest to be had. From
the property ranging from a Dunkin
clinging hands and slow steps of
Donuts and Ben & Jerry’s to a sit-
trepidation up the four floors of
down dining room with linens and a
stairs to “Can we do that again?”
full-service menu.
followed by a dead sprint up the
The centerpiece of the resort is
same staircase. Ol’ dad’s legs
an enclosed 100,000-square-foot
were going to give out long before
water park, with water maintained
the enthusiasm to climb every
at a surprisingly constant 74
mountain. And we did.
degrees. Kids who can swim at most

FREEPRESS
the DeKalb Publisher: Staff Reporters:
John Hewitt Carla Parker STATEMENT FROM THE
Horace Holloman PUBLISHER
Chief Financial Officer: Taylor Robins We sincerely appreciate the
Dr. Earl D. Glenn discussion surrounding this and any
Let Us Know What You Think! Social Media Manager: issue of interest to DeKalb County.
THE DEKALB FREE PRESS encourages opinions from SEND LETTERS TO EDITOR, Production Manager: Donna Seay The Champion was founded in 1991
expressly to provide a forum for
The DeKalb Free Press, Kemesha Wadley discourse for all community residents
its readers. Please write to us and express your views. P. O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30031-1347; on all sides of an issue. We have no
Letters should be brief, typewritten and contain the Send email to Johnh@dekalbchamp.com desire to make the news only to
FAX To: (404) 370-3903; Phone: (404) 373-7779. The DeKalb Free Press is published each Friday report news and opinions to effect
writer’s name, address and telephone number for verifi- Deadline for news releases and advertising: by ACE III Communications, Inc., a more educated citizenry that will
cation. All letters will be considered for publication. Thursday, one week prior to publication date. 114 New Street, Suite E, Decatur, GA. 30030 ultimately move our community
forward. We are happy to present
Phone (404) 373-7779. ideas for discussion; however,
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions written by columnists and contributing editors do not necessarily reflect the opinions www.championnewspaper.com we make every effort to avoid
of the editor or publishers. The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. The printing information submitted to
us that is known to be false and/or
Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. DISPLAY ADVERTISING (404) 373-7779 x 110 assumptions penned as fact.
LOCAL
More than 30 children participated in The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson event in Clarkston.
SWIM Continued From Page 1
we like to support the events here
in Clarkston and at the pool and we
came back today.”
Zagami said her children
took a swim class after last year’s
The World’s Largest Swimming
Lesson event and it helped them
get over their fear of water. Sears
acknowledged that many people have
a fear of water, which can prevent
them from learning to swim.
“Many people had really bad
experiences with water,” he said. “So,
what we want to do is try to teach
people how to be safe in water and
how to use it in a safe and fun way.”
Sears said one way to keep
children who cannot swim safe
in water is to use a Coast Guard
approved lifesaving devise. Last
month, a 10-year-old saved her
3-year-old sister at a Chamblee
apartment pool after the toddler’s
THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
DEKALB FREE PRESS • FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 6
flotation device caused her to capsize.
Sears said parents often confuse pool
toys with lifesaving devices.
“You never want to trust your
child’s life to a toy,” he said. “If your
child can’t swim and you’re not able
to be right there with them in the
water, then they need to be in a Coast
Guard approved lifesaving device.
That’s going to be the only thing that
is really tested and guaranteed to keep
them safe without having an adult
right next to them.”
Clarkston City Manager Robin
Gomez said learning to swim is
essential to preventing drownings.
“We, the city of Clarkston, gladly
and appreciatively support and
participate in this annual, worldwide
event to show our willingness to do
our part to prevent drownings and to
promote the importance of learning
how to swim,” Gomez said.
Lifeguard Vincent Sayre gives children instructions on floating.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 7

COUNTYWIDE

Walking town hall addresses

community needs, concerns
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com

More than a dozen

DeKalb County residents
joined county commissioner
Larry Johnson during a
walking town hall June 19. A group of south DeKalb residents gather for the walking town hall in Decatur.
The group gathered at the
DeKalb Code Enforcement
headquarters on Candler DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson hosted a walking town hall June 19 around
Road in Decatur and walked Candler Road in Decatur.
the streets of south DeKalb.
During the walking town litter collection, illegal particular area with the
hall, Johnson addressed dumping, and removing Section 8 vouchers and
resident concerns regarding debris, trash and grass from rentals. I went to having
economic development, streets, neighborhoods, neighbors I knew to
blight and crime. Johnson sidewalks, roadway drains neighbors I don’t know and
said community members and county rights of way. having rotating visitors.”
have to help to address some South DeKalb resident Newsome said she’s A nearly abandoned shopping center along Candler Road in Decatur.
of the issues. Monique Newsome said encouraged by the work
“It can’t just be the she attended the walking commissioner Johnson has
government getting it done town hall so she could done for south DeKalb and
by ourselves. If we’re going know what is going on in has seen a resurgence in the
to get better, we cannot do it her community and find out area over the last five years.
by ourselves,” Johnson said. what she could do to help. “It’s not back to where
“If we come out and clean Newsome said she has lived it was, but I have seen
the area and pick up the in south DeKalb for nearly the county step up in the
litter, then what happens two two decades and has seen a last few years with code
days later? More litter. It’s a lot of changes in the area— enforcement and sidewalk
community effort.” good and bad. improvements,” Newsome
DeKalb County Police “When I first moved said. “I can see where the
Department South Precinct into the area it was a typical county is trying. It doesn’t
Major Danny Jordan joined suburban community. Then seem like they try as hard
the walking town hall, along the recession hit and a lot as some other areas of the
with other DKPD officials. of people came into my county, but they’re trying.” During the walking town hall, residents have to navigate around incomplete sidewalks
Jordan, a longtime resident
of south DeKalb, said the
walking town hall was a NOTICE
great way to listen to the The Board of Education of the City of Decatur does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the
concerns of residents. Board Room of the Central Office at 125 Electric Avenue, Decatur, Georgia on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 6:30 PM
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
“It’s a great idea,” Jordan and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
said. “We need everybody
on board to try and better CURRENT 2019 TAX DIGEST AND FIVE YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
our community. Getting out PROPOSED
Fiscal Year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
here and even showing our
presence can help get people Assessment Ratio 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50%
engaged and it gives us an
opportunity to actually see REAL PROPERTY 1,326,224,078 1,593,567,251 1,693,241,224 1,834,363,413 2,014,946,720 2,167,405,870
PERSONAL PROPERTY 22,086,973 23,124,213 23,627,668 25,728,874 26,673,465 25,429,686
what someone may make
PUBLIC UTILITIES 15,152,714 15,236,377 15,658,734 16,521,530 16,257,608 15,852,838
a complaint about. We can MOTOR VEHICLE 47,331,663 35,521,587 26,623,700 23,481,413 13,249,950 10,074,188
identify areas that you may GROSS DIGEST 1,410,795,428 1,667,449,428 1,759,151,326 1,900,095,230 2,071,127,743 2,218,762,582
not be able to see sitting LESS M&O EXEMPTIONS 65,251,923 65,148,453 84,745,047 230,800,694 275,708,328 304,154,135
behind a desk.” NET M&O DIGEST 1,345,543,505 1,602,300,975 1,674,406,279 1,669,294,536 1,795,419,415 1,914,608,447
During the walking tour,
Johnson informed residents GROSS M&O MILLAGE 20.50 18.66 18.66 18.66 18.66 20.25
LESS ROLLBACKS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
the county is working to NET M&O MILLAGE 20.50 18.66 18.66 18.66 18.66 20.25
reduce blight and trash in
the area. DeKalb’s operation NET TAXES LEVIED $27,583,642 $29,898,936 $31,244,421 $31,149,036 $33,502,526 $38,770,821
clean sweep is in its third
year. The initiative focuses NET TAXES $ INCREASE $2,654,348 $2,315,294 $1,345,485 ($95,385) $2,353,490 $5,268,295
on roadside enhancement, NET TAXES % INCREASE 10.65% 8.39% 4.50% -0.31% 7.56% 15.73%
LOCAL
COUNTYWIDE
Gaming industry
takes aim in DeKalb
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
H
igh school students,
eSPORTS players
and gaming
enthusiasts from throughout
Georgia attended the third
annual Georgia High School
eSPORTS Invitational at
Piedmont Technical College
in Clarkston on June 21.
Teams and players
competed at the school’s
convention center with
scholarships and an
expenses paid trip to Las
Vegas to play in the Oasis
Cup, a national eSPORTS
tournament, on the line.
The event was hosted
by Pharaoh’s Conclave and
featured gaming seminars
and workshops. Gaming
officials said Georgia is
becoming a “hot bed”
location for gaming and
digital sports.
Shelbia Jackson,
director of the DeKalb
County Entertainment
Commission, said it’s
important to expose DeKalb
youth to opportunities in the
gaming, videography and
film industries.
“We want people to
come out and learn how
this gaming industry works
and learn how your kids
can join an eSPORTS team
and make some progress
instead of just sitting and
playing games all day and
all night,” Jackson said.
Workshops during the
event included Create Your
Comic Book Superhero,
Character Development
for Comic Books and
Video Games and Shout
Casting 101. Gaming
officials also hosted panel
discussions throughout the
WE ARE SOCIAL @DEKALBCHAMPNEWS
DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 8
day, including Women in
Gaming and The business
of eSPORTS.
“This is an incredible
event and we want to
continue to have this Shelbia Jackson, director of the DeKalb County Entertainment Commission, attended the third annual Georgia High School
partnership with them each eSPORTS Invitational at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston. Photos by Horace Holloman
year to bring more teens to
DeKalb County,” Jackson
said.
Tucker High School
and Druid Hills High
School currently have
eSPORTS teams or
organizations. Tucker High
School’s gaming team
was recognized as the first
eSPORTS Georgia High
School Invitational winner.
Tucker’s eSPORTS
association volunteer
coach John Burnum said
the students take the sport
very seriously. The club
was started by a group of
students, Burnum said.
“The kids were pretty Pharaoh’s Conclave hosted the third annual Georgia High School eSPORTS Invitational at Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston
much running the whole June 21.
thing. The kids put together
a lot of it. That’s something
I think is really cool
about eSPORTS...there
are a lot of kids who are
very passionate about it,”
Burnum said.
He said eSPORTS is a
way for students to collect
scholarship money. Burnum
said he hopes more schools
and teachers will encourage
their students to pursue their
passion.
“You really need to
engage kids with what
they’re passionate about,”
Burnum said. “Stop telling
them to be passionate about
other things and engage
them with what they are
passionate about.”
Two boys play video games during an eSPORTS invitational event in Clarkston.
 DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 9

WEEK in PICTURES

DeKalb County School District IT summer interns started their program June 18. They will be working in technical support, Free sunscreen is available in Dunwoody at an Impact Melanoma dispenser at Ball
cybersecurity, project management and instructional technology. Photo provided by Monika Davis Twitter. Fields at Brook Run Park. Photo provided by city of Dunwoody Twitter.

Some of Clarkston’s youngest residents enjoy a morning dip at Milan Pool during World’s Largest Swimming Lesson June 20. Photo by Carla Parker

Have you created programming you’d like to air on TV?

Do you have an interest in Public Access TV in DeKalb County?
Submit your show to DeKalb County’s Public Access channel, DeKalb 25.
Drop off DVD or USB copies to the Manuel J. Maloof Center at
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, or upload your content via the internet.

(404) 371-2325 DeKalb25@outlook.com DeKalb25.com

LOCAL
Beloved and honored McDonald’s
employee with Down syndrome dies
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
A beloved McDonald’s
employee of 27 years has
died suddenly.
March 15,
2019, Christopher
Campbell─who had Down
syndrome─was honored
at a Buford Highway
McDonald’s for his almost
three decades of service.
Campbell─loved by family,
friends and coworkers─died
June 10 of causes not yet
released to the public.
A “Chris Campbell
Memorial Fund”
GoFundMe page was set up
by community members on
behalf of Barbara Ortega,
Campbell’s mother. As of
June 25, $5,460 had been
raised by 146 in the course
of 10 days; $2,000 was the
page’s original goal. No
date has been set for the
CHAMBLEE
PDK, along with traditional plane arrivals and departures, also hosts aircraft related events. An historic “Flying Fortress” B-17
airplane took flight over DeKalb County in 2018. File photo.
PDK airport to wait for hangar decision
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Georgia’s second busiest
airport, DeKalb-Peachtree
Airport (PDK) in Chamblee,
has expansion plans but
Chris Campbell was honored by McDonald’s for his 27th work anniversary with the
restaurant March 15. File photo.
memorial service.
“Chris was special in
details of the expansion will
wait until mid-July.
PDK is a county-owned,
public-use airport in DeKalb
County. According to PDK’s
website, it is the third-
largest taxpayer in DeKalb
so many ways to so many
people,” said a community
SEE EMPLOYEE ON PAGE 16
County and generates
approximately $130 million
in revenue.
According to PDK
officials, expect the number
of planes departing and
arriving to grow 37 percent
SEE EMPLOYEE ON PAGE 16
DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 10
DUNWOODY
A piano for all to play will be available after June 30 in Dunwoody. Photo provided by
Play Me Again Pianos.
A piano for all
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
In an effort to make metro Atlanta more musical, the
nonprofit group Play Me Again Pianos (PMAP) will install
a public use piano in Dunwoody June 30.
“Street pianos and public pianos inspire people to
connect with each other in ways that were once common,
but seem increasingly rare,” said Jason Brett, co-founder
of PMAP. “By adding our pianos to the landscape
throughout the metropolitan area, we hope to nurture
that connection into an evolution of Atlanta’s culture,
community and the arts.”
PMAP has plans to donate a total of 88 pianos around
the Atlanta area. The piano to be located on the grounds of
Dunwoody’s Donaldson-Bannister Farm ─4831 Chamblee
Dunwoody Road─is called “Millie” and will be free and
open to the public. All are encouraged to play Millie. The
88 donated piano installations represent the 88 keys on the
instrument.
The piano is named after Martha “Millie” Adams
Donaldson, who ran Donaldson-Bannister Farm for 30
years after the death of her husband William Donaldson in
1900.
However, Millie is not the first public piano in
Dunwoody. A piano named Bennett, donated by the
Dunwoody Preservation Trust, is available to all as well at
the Dunwoody Nature Center.
PMAP and the Dunwoody Preservation Trust work
with the Dunwoody Fine Art Association to collaborate
on designs of the pianos that highlight key features of the
pianos’ locations.
According to PMAP, home pianos are a rarity and
access to public pianos can enrich the surrounding
community.
The ribbon cutting for Millie will be held at Donaldson-
Bannister Farm at 3 p.m. on June 30.
PLEASE RECYCLE
THIS PAPER
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
BRIEFS
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
King makes Dean’s List
at Georgia Southwestern
State University
Olivia King of Decatur,
Shawn Lunde of Tucker
and Lynnette Woods of
Decatur made the spring
2019 Dean’s List at
Georgia Southwestern State
University and were among
600 students recognized for
scholastic achievement.
Weeden graduates from
JSU
Shaun A. Weeden of
Lithonia has graduated
with an exercise science
and wellness degree
from Jacksonville State
University. Weeden was
among 774 students honored
at commencement on May
3, 2019.
Residents make
President’s List at Georgia
Southwestern State
University
Jessika Marlow and
Jarome Wilson, both of
Stone Mountain, made the
spring 2019 President’s List
at Georgia Southwestern
State University and
were among 600 students
recognized for scholastic
achievement.
Hudson graduates magna
cum laude from Berea
College
Merrill Hudson
of Stone Mountain
graduated magna cum
laude with a bachelor
of science in business
administration degree at the
commencement service May
5 from Berea College.
Emerson College
announces local honoree
A local student has
been named to Emerson
College’s Dean’s List for the
spring 2019 semester. The
requirement to make the
Dean’s List is a grade point
average of 3.7 or higher that
semester.
Carter White of
Decatur who is majoring
in stage and production
management, also is a
member of the class of
2021.
LITHONIA
Filmmaker teaches craft to community
BY TAYLOR ROBINS
Taylor@dekalbchamp.com
Keysha Lee, a
filmmaker and educator
who teaches an introductory
film course in the Atlanta
area recently brought her
knowledge to the Lithonia-
Davidson Library June 17.
“This course is really
to help people fall in love
with filmmaking and to
give them the basics of
everything from script to
screen,” Lee said.
Adults, as well as
middle and high school
students attended the class
taught and created by Lee.
Lee started her career as
a television reporter, but
aspired to teach film to
high school students. She
started teaching in the
communications department
of Dunwoody High School
and then created the
school’s broadcast show
“Lessons with Mrs. Lee,”
in which she interviewed
community members on
educational topics.
In 2014, during a
conversation with a Fulton
County librarian about the
possibility of a free film
course at library branches,
the idea came to fruition.
VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM
DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 11
Adults, middle and high school students are taught film making
techniques June 17. Photo by Taylor Robins.
After gaining a following
in Fulton County, DeKalb
County residents requested
the class be offered. This
summer marks Lee’s first
summer teaching in DeKalb their ideas, write a script,
County. The Lithonia-
Davidson library is the third and distribute. Attendees
DeKalb location where she
has instructed.
Lee also teaches her
course to college students.
shot on iPhones and iPads,
instead of traditional
filmmaking equipment.
“I thought the class was
great,” said Roland Carter,
attendee and independent
filmmaker. “It showed me
something that I didn’t
know, such as the different
commercial types.”
Attendees also were
instructed on camera
shots─wide, medium and
close-up─and shooting
angles─low, high and over
the shoulder.
Lee said she is taking
advantage of Georgia’s
growing film market for
students while incorporating
STEAM (science,
technology, engineering,
arts and math) learning and
bridging economic gaps for
students.
“I don’t want my
students to think that
During the course,
because they don’t have
attendees are taught how
fancy equipment that they
to make a commercial.
can’t make a movie,” Lee
In doing so, they learn to
said. “We’re considered the
brainstorm an idea, pitch
Hollywood of the South. I
want a trained workforce
scout locations, film, edit
and for our students to
be able to stay home and
then show their commercials
not have to move to Los
to the class and are able to
Angeles to show their talent
take their creation home.
in front of or behind the
All commercials are
camera.”
 AROUNDDeKalb
DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 12

CLARKSTON on fatherhood, mental health and

City to host Fourth of July cookout
party
Clarkston will host a fourth of July
cookout party at Milam Park from 6
to 9 p.m. The event will include free
food and fun activities for families.
The park is located at 3867 Norman
Road. For more information, visit www. Fourth of July to be celebrated
clarkstonga.gov.
Fair to emphasize men' health
DeKalb County Board of Health is
holding a Men’s Health Fair June 29.
The free event will include cooking
and fitness demonstrations, health
screenings and talks and resources
employment.
STONE MOUNTAIN TUCKER
The fair will be held at Georgia Park to host annual Fourth of July Detail of annual fireworks event
Piedmont Technical College Conference celebration released
Center, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive in Stone Mountain Park will host its
Clarkston from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. annual “Fantastic Fourth Celebration” Tucker is partnering with the Old
July 1-7. Park goers can enjoy family Town Tucker Merchants Association
attractions during the day and (OTTMA) for the annual Celebration
DUNWOODY experience the “Lasershow Spectacular” of Independence and Fireworks
and fireworks. Access to the Lasershow Spectacular July 3 on Main Street from
Spectacular and fireworks is included 5 to 11 p.m. The event will include live
with parade with a paid daily or annual parking music preceding the fireworks, and a
admission. Access to park attractions group of armed forces veterans will be
Dunwoody will hold an and seasonal live entertainment is selected to lead the countdown to start
Independence Day parade July 4 included with a daily all-attractions the show. Main Street will shut down
starting at 9 a.m. pass or annual mountain membership. at 4 p.m., music will start around 6:30
The celebration will feature For more information, visit www. p.m. and fireworks will launch at 9:30
marching bands, floats, clowns and stonemountainpark.com. p.m. For more information, visit www.
animal units who will march from tuckerga.gov.
Mount Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road
to Dunwoody Village.

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BUSINESS
DECATUR
Restaurant brings taste and atmosphere of beach to Decatur
BY KATHY MITCHELL
FREELANCE REPORTER
Although Decatur is
hundreds of miles from the
ocean, a new restaurant
in the city’s downtown
is working to create the
look, feel and taste of a
beachfront eatery. The view
from Wildcrab’s patio is not
the ocean but a shopping
plaza parking lot; however,
the inside décor—from the
natural wood tables to the
fish images on the walls—is
designed to suggest a beach
house.
What really makes
customers feel they’re on
beach vacation, however,
is the fresh-off-the boat
seafood, according to James
Davis, general manager at
Wildcrab on West Ponce
de Leon. “Everything here
is as fresh as we can get—
not just the seafood but
everything on the menu,” he
said, noting that seafood is
flown in fresh from around
the globe. “If it’s not still
alive when it comes to us, it
recently was.”
Davis said the owners—
veteran restaurateurs—
chose Decatur for the
first of what is to be
several restaurants in the
Wildcrab chain. “Our
approach fits so well with
Decatur’s culture,” he
explained. “People here are
enthusiastic about living
a healthy lifestyle. They
like to eat ‘clean’—fresh,
minimally processed—food
and that’s what we offer.
Also, there’s nothing like it
in the area. Everybody loves
good seafood, but if you
have to drive 40 minutes to
get it you may not bother.”
Some menu items
suggest a New England or
Cajun boil with shrimp crab,
fish or oysters accompanied
by traditional corn and
potatoes. Customers can
create their own meal by
choosing from a dozen
seafood possibilities and
adding one of six sauces
DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 13
such as Cajun, garlic butter
or the house seasoning—
described by Davis as
spicy—then indicating a
level of spiciness from mild
to fire hot.
Others are fried
specialties such as are often
featured on the Florida coast
or po’boys like those served
on the Louisiana coast. “The
fried shrimp and oysters are
among our most popular
menu items whether they’re
served in a basket or in a
po’boy,” Davis said, adding
that fried catfish, and combo
specials are also favorites
with customers.
“This is our start-up
menu,” said Davis, who not
only is managing operations
at the Decatur location but
also directing a plan for the
entire chain. “We will soon James Davis, general manager at Wildcrab on West Ponce de Leon, says, “Everything here is as fresh as we can get—not just the
rollout a more extensive seafood but everything on the menu.”
menu. We will be adding
salads, broiled and grilled any five-star restaurant. Davis said he wants exceptional experience from
foods, as well as additional That’s what leadership his staff to love the work the service to the food. If a
fish such as snapper and is, taking people from all because that’s how he feels. dish isn’t exceptional, we
salmon.” different backgrounds and “I have a law degree, so won’t serve it. We don’t
Davis said bar selections getting them to commit to I have other options for serve anything we wouldn’t
are crafted as thoughtfully common goals. I also want earning a living. I do this eat ourselves. We want
as the food items. “We have them to enjoy their work so because I’d rather do it than customers to be planning
inventive cocktails as well much they would choose anything else,” he noted. their next visit as they
as a selection of national it if money were not a “We want everyone leave,” Davis said.
and locally brewed beers. consideration.” who comes in to have an
This is another example
of how we support the
community. We feature beer
made here in Decatur.”
A hallmark of the NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
Wildcrab brand will be
community involvement,
according to Davis. At their regular meeting on June 10, 2019, The Board of
“We won’t just be in a Education of the City of Decatur tentatively adopted a 2019
community; we will be millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by
part of the community— 12.07 percent.
reflecting its tastes and
values and supporting its
businesses and institutions.” All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on
A former Marine, this tax increase to be held at the Board Room of the Central
Davis prides himself in Office, 125 Electric Avenue, Decatur, Georgia on Tuesday,
his ability to pull together July 16, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
highly functional teams.
“I’ve only been here a few
days,” he said in mid-June,
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 20.250
“but after I’ve worked with mills, an increase of 2.181 mills over the rollback millage. The
the staff a while, I’ll get to rollback millage rate is calculated to produce the same total
know my team members revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage
and they’ll get to know rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred.
me. They will be so well Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no
trained they could fit in at
more than 18.069 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home
with a fair market value of $498,783 is approximately $543.92
and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property
with a fair market value of $644,913 is approximately $703.28.
SPORTS DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 14

BASEBALL

Youth baseball team raising funds for Cooperstown tournament

BY CARLA PARKER said the trip will also include
Carla@dekalbchamp.com a surprise trip to a Yankees
game, and the team will be
featured on Good Morning
South DeKalb County’s
America.
lone youth travel baseball
DeKalb Lions was
team will make history in
founded four years ago by
July.
Nolden after he was hired
The DeKalb Lions
at Salem Middle School to
13u travel baseball team
teach and coach baseball.
from Lithonia will be the
The baseball team started as
first African-American
a middle school team and
youth baseball team from
grew into a travel team.
the United States and
“Parents were asking to
from Georgia in 11 years The DeKalb Lions 13u travel baseball will be the first African-American youth baseball team from the United States and from Georgia in
do travel ball because we
to compete in the 2019 11 years to compete in the 2019 Cooperstown Baseball World “Hall of Fame” Tournament in Cooperstown, N.Y. Photo provided
don’t have a travel [base]ball
Cooperstown Baseball World
[team] in [south] DeKalb
“Hall of Fame” Tournament, formed, they played their Disney-ESPN Wide World Nolden said he hopes the
County,” he said. “So, I
July 20-26 in Cooperstown, first tournament in Orlando, of Sports youth baseball community and businesses
started a travel ball team for
N.Y. The team is raising Fla. at Disney Wide World of tournament and the Disney get behind his players as
the summer, and it grew into
funds to send all 14 players Sports. Nolden said he chose Memorial Day Baseball they make history at the
something big. So, we play
to the tournament. Disney because most of the Classic, where they placed as Cooperstown Baseball
all year round—fall, spring
Along with playing in players had never been to high as third. They recently World “Hall of Fame”
and summer.”
the tournament, the 10-day Disney World or Orlando. played in the Glory Days Tournament. The team has
Students from other
trip will also include stops in “So, that was an Tournament in Orlando, Fla., a GoFundMe account under
nearby schools—Lithonia
Washington D.C., Manhattan opportunity to take them where they placed third. the name, “DeKalb Lions
and Miller Grove—play with
and Baltimore, DeKalb for a vacation and get They’ve also played Cooperstown, NY 2019,”
the team during the summer
Lions have raised more than exposure in tournaments in tournaments in Myrtle Donations will cover travel
season. They practice at
$14,000 so far and hopes to because most tournaments Beach, S.C., and in Georgia. expenses, meals, lodging,
Salem during the spring
raise an additional $4,500 to are played in front of scouts Nolden said the team could attire, activities and other
season and at Martin Luther
fund the trip. and recruiters,” he said. “A play in more tournaments if expenses for the team.
King Jr. High School or
DeKalb Lions coach recruiter once told me that they had sponsorship. Donations can also be
Browns Mill Park during the
Marius Nolden said the they always scout 13- to “By us not having made through Cash App at
summer.
team was invited to play in 14-year-olds, which are sponsorship or the support $dekalblions, or by mail,
Nolden, who is a
the tournament two years middle school kids.” from different businesses, addressed to Lions Baseball
graduate of M.L. King, said
ago, but was not financially Since then, the DeKalb we’re limited to what we can Team at 5333 Salem Road,
it was important to him to
able to make the trip. Lions have participated afford,” he said. “Most of the Lithonia, Ga. 30038.
bring travel baseball to the
“Anyone knows that in several tournaments in funds come from parents and
south DeKalb community.
playing in Cooperstown, you the southeast, such as the fundraisers.”
“We have so much talent
have to prepare a year before
in south DeKalb in every
you go because it’s so much
sport—football, basketball,
money,” he said. “Each kid
baseball, soccer, you name
has to pay $1,140 to attend
it,” he said. “As I was NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
and that’s not including the
growing up, even into my
activities that we are doing
early 20s, I saw all this talent
while we’re there. It’s not The DeKalb County Governing Authority has tentatively
in DeKalb going to [play] in
including food; it’s not
including the extra stuff.”
Gwinnett, Cobb and Henry adopted a 2019 millage rate which will require an increase in
The team has sold
counties because there is property taxes by 4.22 percent.
nothing in DeKalb.”
popcorn and t-shirts to raise
After the travel team was
money for the trip. Nolden All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this
tax increase to be held at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium,
1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur GA 30030 on Tuesday, June
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN 25, 2019 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice
that a Public Hearing will be held to receive public increase are at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium, 1300
comment on a Variance Application for 5368 East Commerce Drive, Decatur GA 30030 on Tuesday, July 9,
Mountain Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, 2019, at 10 a.m.
Parcel #18 089 27 007. Variance is requested for
deviation from the parking requirements and the This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 10.495
district regulations for Village Center Mixed-Use
(VCM). mills, an increase of 0.425 mills. Without this tentative tax
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public increase, the millage rate will be no more than 10.070 mills.
Hearing on this matter on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value
at City Hall located at 875 Main Street, Stone of $250,000 is approximately $42.50 and the proposed tax
Mountain, GA at 6:30 P.M. Anyone wishing to
attend the public hearing may do so and be heard increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value
relative thereto. of $400,000 is approximately $68.00.
SPORTS
CHAMBLEE
Chamblee won boys’ Class AAAAA state tennis title.
Chamblee takes third consecutive DCSD All-Sports Award
Chamblee girls, Tucker boys win inaugural gender awards
BY MARK BROCK
Three state titles
propelled the Chamblee
Bulldogs’ athletic program
to the top of the DeKalb
County School District’s
All-Sports Award standings
for the third consecutive
year.
Collecting Class
AAAAA state championship
trophies in girls’ tennis
(third consecutive), boys’
tennis and girls’ swimming
helped the Bulldogs
program to score 352.0 All-
Sports points to outdistance
second-place Southwest
DeKalb (307.0) and third-
place Lakeside (301.0) in
the standings.
Chamblee also collected
six Region 5-AAAAA titles
in tennis (boys’ and girls’),
girls’ soccer, volleyball,
girls’ cross country and
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER!
fastpitch softball.
Southwest DeKalb’s
second-place finish was
fueled by five Region
5-AAAAA titles, including
football, basketball (boys’
and girls’), wrestling and
baseball. The Panthers’
athletics program finished
second behind Chamblee
for the second consecutive
season and in the Top 10 for
the 29th year in a row.
Lakeside finished third
in the standings to come in
the Top 5 for all 38 years
of the award’s existence.
The Vikings’ total was
built behind a Region
7-AAAAAAA boys’ soccer
title and state runner-up
finish, along with county
titles in boys’ swimming
and girls’ gymnastics.
Dunwoody came in
fourth with 296.5 points,
moving up three spots from
Chamblee won its third consecutive girls’ Class AAAAA state tennis title.
Chamblee won its first girls’ state swimming title.
seventh place a year ago.
The 2018 season was the
lowest finish in the 38 years
of the award for Dunwoody,
which has finished no lower
than sixth in the other 37
years. The Wildcats Top
5 finish was clinched by a
Class AAAAAA girls’ state
track championship.
Druid Hills edged
Tucker for the fifth spot
289.0 to 286.5 as the Red
Devils’ program picked up
its first Top 5 finish since
2009. Druid Hills has been
a consistent Top 10 program
for the past 23 years.
DeKalb initiated its first
boys’ and girls’ All-Sports
Award this year with Tucker
picking up the boys’ title
and Chamblee the girls’
trophy.
The Tucker Tiger
boys’ program won three
4-AAAAAA region titles
DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 15
in 2019—cross country, runner-up finish in the boys’
basketball (state runner- standings.
up) and soccer—to aid a Chamblee claimed the
total of 168.5 points to get girls’ award with 212.5
past Southwest DeKalb’s points, beating second-place
164.5 points. The boys’ total Dunwoody (159.5) by 53
helped Tucker finish sixth points. The Lady Bulldogs
overall and in the Top 10 of won the Class AAAAA
the All-Sports standings for state tennis title for the third
the 15th consecutive season consecutive year and won
and 35 seasons out of 38. the schools’ first girls’ swim
Region and Area title and DeKalb’s first since
5-AAAAA titles in football, 1987.
boys’ basketball, baseball
and wrestling were keys
to Southwest DeKalb’s
CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City of Stone Mountain hereby gives notice
that a Public Hearing will be held to receive public
comment on a Conditional Use Application for 1051
Hill Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Parcel
#18 090 14 004. Conditional Use is requested for
a special use permit – Bed and Breakfast facility-
within the Traditional Residential (R2) district.
The Mayor and City Council will hold a Public
Hearing on this matter on Tuesday, July 16, 2019
at City Hall located at 875 Main Street, Stone
Mountain, GA at 6:30 P.M. Anyone wishing to attend
the public hearing may do so and be heard relative
thereto.
LOCAL DEKALB FREE PRESS • JUNE 28, 2019 • Page 16

PDK Continued From Page 10

in the next 20 years. The airport is
planning to build eight additional hangars
for jets and planes near Clairmont Road.
The plans affect both Chamblee and
Brookhaven, with residents voicing noise
and air quality concerns at recent city
council meetings. The eight hangars─part
of the expansion─would require an
additional 19 acres for PDK.
PDK would have to cut down an
estimated 260 trees for the pending
expansion. PDK plans to replant trees to
replace those being cut down.
According to Chamblee Mayor Eric
Clarkson, the airport does not need the
city council’s permission to build the
hangars or expand. The city council is only
voting to approve the appearance of the
hangars.
During the June 18 Chamblee city
council meeting, the council voted to
postpone the vote for the design plans.
According to the council, the additional
month will give PDK officials time to
communicate with residents about the
expansion and noise concerns.
Chamblee’s next city council meeting
is July 16 at 7:30 p.m.

DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Department celebrated the retirement of Charles Green. Photo provided

EMPLOYEE
Continued From Page 10

member in the GoFundMe page

description. “He loved all things pirate
Firefighter extinguishes
flame of 30-year career
and enjoyed celebrating life through
music and laughter. His family feels an
immense loss and will miss Chris’ sweet
smile and generous spirit.”
According to Kellie Vander
Veur, owner of the Buford Highway
McDonald’s, Campbell did not have life
insurance.
While being celebrated by the Down
Syndrome Association of Atlanta and
McDonald’s in March, Campbell said, “I
love it here [at McDonald’s]. There’s no
place like here.”
During the March celebrations
Campbell sat in front of pictures on a
poster board documenting his time with
the restaurant─one photo being of his
first paycheck. Campbell said he saved
his first earnings. He assembled Happy
Meal boxes for the restaurant part-time.
According to Ortega, Campbell
learned motivation, respect and
independence while of working at
McDonald’s. Campbell was also a Boy
Scout and was active in his church and a
local food bank.
The McDonald’s where Campbell
worked plans to hang a plaque to
memorialize him.
“Everybody loves him here,” said
Maria Clemente, McDonald’s general
manager. “He’s special.”
BY HORACE HOLLOMAN
horace@dekalbchamp.com
Firefighter Charles Green said working for
DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Department was
one of the best decisions he has made in his life.
However, after 30 years of service, Green officially
retired in June.
Green said it was time to move on. He also said
he is excited and looking forward to retirement.  I was able to process it without it affecting me too
“It feels great. A lot of stress has been relieved
from me. It’s hard to believe it actually happened,”
Green said. “It’s hard to understand that 30 years
have gone by so fast. It’s a good feeling.”
Green said he plans to visit his mother and
father, ages 85 and 88 respectively, who live in
Texas.
Green decided to become a firefighter based
on influences he saw on television and having an
uncle who was a fire captain in Indiana. Green said
his elementary school’s career day also had a big
influence on his career choice.  and a rewarding opportunity, especially for those
“We had a career day in elementary school and
firefighters came and that really stuck with me.
When they discussed what they did for a living that
was it for me. I knew what I wanted to do,” Green
said. 
While Green has had a lot of positive
memories, some negative experiences will stick
with him, he said. Green has fallen through a floor
which burned under him and has seen women, men
and children die. Green said the last five years of
his career affected him more emotionally. 
“There are calls that stand out in my. I’ve seen
more than what I should have seen and I thank God
much,” Green said. “In the beginning it was hard
and I had to learn to adapt. A lot of people think we
sit around a lot and sit there all day hanging out but
the job is a little more than that.”
Green said he will miss the people he
worked with and the bond he formed with other
firefighters. He said he would advise others looking
for a job to consider becoming a firefighter. 
“Working for DeKalb County Fire and Rescue
was one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made.
It made me a better person. It’s a great challenge
fresh out of high school,” Green said. “It’s a great
job. The goal is to make a positive impact in our
community and I loved it.”