By Staff Reports

Get-well wishes and prayers are flooding social media and Atlantas Carter Center for former President Jimmy Carter, who announced Aug. 12 that he is battling cancer.

The 90-year-old Carter recently had surgery to remove a small mass on his liver and he learned cancer had spread to other parts of his body.

I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare, Carter said in a statement.

Carters family has a history with cancer. His father, mother and three sib-lings all died of cancer. But supporters say they are remaining positive about the personable Plains, Georgia native who rose from peanut farmer to Geor-gia governor to President of the United States.

Michelle and I send our best wishes to President Carter for a fast and full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosalynn and the entire Carter family as they face this challenge with the same grace and determination that they have shown so many times

before, President Obama said in a release. Jimmy, youre as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you.

Vice President Joe Biden, who joined President Obama in a phone conversation with Carter just hours after the diagnosis was announced, tweeted: Spoke with President Jimmy Carter tonight. A great man, always upbeat and optimistic. Were praying for him.

Carters grandson, former State Sen. Jason Carter, tweeted: Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my grandfather and grandmother. I will pass them along!

Carter was sworn in as the 39th President of the United States in 1977. He served until 1981 after one term in office. A year later, he founded At-lantas Carter Center, a global human rights center and remained active in politics and foreign policies for decades.

Many political experts say Carter will go down in history as one of the most accessible presidents in public life, teaching Sunday school lessons in churches, and holding annual meetings for freshman students at Atlantas Em-ory University, where he was a member

of the Emory faculty for decades.Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew

Young, whom Carter appointed to the position in 1977, said Carter still has wisdom to bestow.

The people running for president from both parties need to hear his (Jim-my Carter) words about where we are in the world today, Young told Atlanta news reporters. You would always leave with some word of inspiration and

appreciation every time you see him. The Georgia Democratic Party of

Georgia said it is pulling for President Carter.

Prayers and positive thoughts for President Carter and his family. Geor-gia Democrats are with you, President Carter. Thoughts and prayers are going

By Joshua Smith

Interim DeKalb County CEO Lee May is standing by the countys deal to bring the Atlanta United soccer team headquarters to the county, despite objections of naysayers who dont like the deal. May also reiterated his support for a corruption probe of coun-ty government, but rebuked the two two special investigators for stating in a letter that DeKalb is rotten to the core.

May said he believes the overwhelming majority of the countys 6,500 employees are honest and hardworking. He said special investigators Michael Bowers and Richard Hyde should have stuck to factsnot ex-pressed their opinions in their letter updating him and county officials on the progress of the probe. Bowers is a former State Attorney General and Hyde is a veteran investigator.

We may have some bad apples and well deal with that after the results. We expect for the final report to be factual and professional, said May. We brought them (Bowers and Hyde) in and that was the right thing to do. I am anxiously awaiting their detailed report so we can begin to take on the proper actions.

May said the special investigators are expected to complete their report by the end of August, but they may request more time. May used his executive powers to hire the high profile experienced investigators in March because DeKalb was in the media spotlight for government corruption. Long-time former Commissioner Elaine Boyer went to prison in March for bilking taxpayers of thousands of dollars, while CEO Burrell Ellis was convicted in July of criminal attempt to

commit theft by extortion and perjury. Other county officials and former officials also are reportedly under investigation.

As for the pro soccer team deal, May said DeKalb would benefit from the deal.

Yes, we put cash on the table to make a deal that allows Atlanta United to set up a $35 million complex in an area of DeKalb that has not had any development in at least two decades, May said. The deal is done. This is a good deal for DeKalb County.

May made his comments during a news conference on Aug. 12 in response to the negative publicity in the last several days. After the four commissioners who passed the soccer deal held a joint news conference with May to celebrate on Aug. 4, Bowers

blistering letter hit the media the next day. The letter was followed by a press conference held by the three commissioners who voted against the soccer deal. Commissioners Kath-ie Gannon, Jeff Rader and Nancy Jester said the public should have had the opportunity to weigh in before county officials agreed to the soccer team deal, committing $12 million of taxpayer money to help build the $35 million Atlanta United headquarters.

May apologized for the public not having the opportunity to speak at the special-called meeting concerning the deal. The board voted 4-3 to reject a motion to allow public com-ment and then passed the deal in a 4-3 vote. May said in hindsight, he wished the board had permitted citizens to speak.

That was a mistake. Ill take full credit for that, May said. I never run away from times when there were mistakes.

May made it clear, however, that the soc-cer deal is one that will benefit DeKalb.

I have a real problem with those people who would say that they are not in support of putting financial incentives in a corridor that is in need of revitalization and redevel-opment, said May. At the end of the day, it shows not only were you not on the victorious side of this vote but youre trying to make DeKalb County, in particularly me, look bad as a result of this.

The complex will be built on 41 acres near the Kensington Road MARTA station and Memorial Drive, along I-285, behind the DeKalb County Jail.

Under the agreement, the county will spend about $12 million for land preparation and other incentives for the team. Atlanta United has agreed to construct a state-of-the-art facility, which includes a 3,500-seat stadium, three practice fields and a two-story, 20,000 25,000 square foot corporate head-quarters building. Blank said he expects to spend about $35 million for the construction. The team would be exempt from property taxes for 30 years and then ownership of the land and facilities would revert to DeKalb County.

Atlanta United will also pay the county 15 percent of net revenue derived from any naming rights sold for the complex and any revenue generating branded events.

James Tsismanakis, executive director of

VOLUME 21 NUMBER 20 FREE AUGUST 15, 2015

Published Since April 1995Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties www.facebook.com/ocgnews

Praying for Carter, page 8

Photo via Facebook

See Press Conference, page 8

Interim DeKalb CEO defends Atlanta United deal, corruption probe

Interm CEO Lee May fields questions from Atlanta media outlets on Aug. 12.

PRAYERS FOR FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER

We are rooting for you

Joshua Smith/OCG News

DeKalb resident Miranda Mack McKenzie (far right) is one of many locals praying for Carter.

PAGE 2 AUGUST 15, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Stress or Physical Pain?

Bring in this ad and receive a 60 minute Swedish Massage for only $45*

*with Chiropractic Treatment

MOST MAJOR INSURANCES AND OBAMA CARE ACCEPTED!

At Full Body Rejuvenation Center our sta oers the most eective quality health care to satisfy every individual's personal needs. Our combination of chiropractic therapy, massage, and physiotherapy

allow us to focus on the physiological, as well as the biomechanical aspects of the body.

Dr. Smith encourages you to come in and begin your healthyapproach to pain management, weight loss or stress relief!

Chiropractic TreatmentMassage Therapy

Physiotherapy

FULL BODY REJUVENATION CENTER3636 Panola Rd, Ste B Lithonia, GA 30038

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS AUGUST 15,2015 PAGE 3

By Valerie J. Morgan

Congressman Hank Johnson has introduced a bipartisan resolution to rename the Pine Lake Post Office in honor of the late police officer Francis Manuel Ortega.

This month marks the 10-year anniversary of Orte-gas death and city officials say they are pleased that Johnson is working on a permanent tribute to remember the young police officer.

Were just delighted that Congress-man Johnson has taken this up as a cause, said Pine Lake Mayor Kathie deNobriga. Weve been looking for some time for a memorial that would be suitable and permanent. Lots of people have worked on this as a project. The Post Office was a perfect solution.

deNobriga said she still remembers the day that Ortega was killed.

It affected our community very deep-ly. We have a small Police Department and it was a big loss. He put his life on the line for us and we will never forget him.

Ortega, 25, was fatally shot in front of the Pine Lake Post Office while con-ducting a routine traffic stop on Aug. 11, 2005. As Ortega communicated with dispatch, the suspect got out of his vehicle and approached the police cruiser, where a struggle ensued and Ortega was fatally

shot in the head, according to reports. The suspect, an ex-convict who was wanted for violating his probation, then ran inside the Post Office where he ended up in a stand-off with the DeKalb County Swat Team and committed suicide.

Police Chief Sarai Green said Ortega will never be forgotten.

His death ripped through our entire community. He touched so many peo-ple during the time that he was with our Police Department, Green said. Some people just take a job, while others really love their work. He loved his work and the community. To have a Post Office named for him says a lot. It means a lot.

Officer W.J. Regan, who serves on

Pine Lakes Police Department as a vol-unteer, agrees. He said he wrote an online tribute to Ortega on the Officer Down Me-morial Page, because its hard to think of a way to talk to someone youve lost who meant so much to you.

I was 24 years old and I had recently gotten out of the Academy when he took me under his wing. He was extraordinary, Reagan said. If you knew him and needed anything, he always put you first. To hear that after all these years that he may final-ly, finally be honored with the Post Office be named after him is good news. Regan said

Ortega was a part-time officer of the Pine Lake Police Department and a

Mark your calendar for the annual Heart of South DeKalb Festivalset for Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. The event kicks off with a parade featuring local high school bands and representatives from community organi-zations who will march down Candler Road from New Life Church to the mall, starting at 8:30 a.m.

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson championed the event, now in its third year, to showcase the residents, schools, businesses and best of South DeKalb. The free outdoor festival, touted as the largest of its kind in South DeKalb, will offer food and retail vendors, a bike rodeo for kids, book and bike give-aways, a gaming truck, job fair and health screenings. DJ Rudy will be mixing music and live entertainment will be provided by EZ Access and other performers through-out the day.

Bring your lawn chairs and join

Discover DeKalb for a day filled with fun for the whole family. To register for the bike rodeo, which is open to ages 6 to 14 and will be limited to 75 par-ticipants, call 404-286-7900 or 770-482-0330. For sponsorship, vendor space, advertising or scholarship information for District 5 stu-dents, contact Festival Coordinator Paula Tate at hosd13@yahoo.com or 404-683-3599.

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

GENERAL MANAGERGlenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith

joshsmith@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspapers advertisers.

No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904

Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910

News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com

Joshua Smith/OCG News

DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson

People still remember the tragedy that took place in 2005 outside the Pine Lake Post Office at Rockbridge Road and Spring Drive.

See Pine Lake page 8

Rep. Hank Johnson seeks to rename Pine Lake Post Office for slain officer

RCSO installs emergency phone at Southside Precinct

The Rockdale County Sheriffs Office recently installed an emergency telephone at its Southside Precinct. The phone is located in front of the main entrance to the Southside Precinct.

The telephone has the capability of connecting citizens to the Rockdale County E-911 center in case of an emer-gency or to the RCSO for non-emergen-cy questions. The emergency phone is equipped with two buttons, a red button for emergency and a black button for information.

Once the emergency call button is pushed, it automatically connects the

person to the E-911 center via telephone. The emergency phone is also equipped with a blue light that flashes when an emergency call is placed to not only notify law enforcement, but also to alert citizens in the area that an emergency may exist.

Safety and customer service to the citizens of Rockdale County are a top priority, said Sheriff Eric J. Levett. Unfortunately, the Southside Precinct cannot be manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The emergency phone allows people to call for help during an emergency or call the Sheriffs Office to get information.

Public invited to Atlanta Beltline chatThe community is invited to learn

about improvements planned for the Atlanta Beltline at a meeting on Aug. 17, 6 p.m., at Atlantas Park Tavern, 500 10th St., N.E., Atlanta.

Trailside Chat: 10 Years of the Atlanta Beltline, Then Now and Into the Future, will provide updates on design, construction, public art, and

transit and transportation.Free parking is available in the

restaurants gravel parking lot. At-tendees are encouraged to consider car-pooling, biking or using MARTA.

For more information, contact Ly-nette Reid, senior community planner at lreid@atlbeltline.org

Heart of South DeKalb Festival accepting vendors

Officer Francis Manuel Ortega

PAGE 4 AUGUST 15, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

South River paddling event set for Aug 22

Georgia River Network, a non-profit organization, is partnering with South River Watershed Alliance, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, and Rockdale County for the upcoming South River Hidden Gem Paddling Event on Saturday, Aug 22.

More than 80 paddlers will spend a day making their way along 5.5 miles of the river. The paddle includes lunch provided by the Paprika House and presentations along the route ranging from water quality testing and river cleanups to cultural his-tory and visual and performing arts. In addition, a live native fish demonstration will be provided courtesy of North American Native Fish Association. After the paddle, participants will enjoy a social and dinner with a special dragonfly presentation at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers.

Ultimately, Georgia River Network hopes to see the South River become an established water trail in Georgia bringing economic benefits to the surrounding communities, improving quality of life by providing recreation opportunities, and ensuring a healthy and clean river, said Gwyneth Moody, Community Programs Coordinator at Georgia River Network.

The trip is suitable for novice paddlers as well as experienced paddlers. Past pad-dlers have ranged in age from 10 to 65, with many families participating. Registration ranges from $25 to $95.

To sign up, visit: http://www.south-river.eventbrite.com For more information about the South River Water Trail, contact Gwyneth Moody at: Gwyneth@garivers.org.

ATLANTA

National Black Arts Festival to present Spike Lee classic

The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) will host a free screening of Acade-my Award winner Spike Lees classic 1988 film School Daze on Thursday, Aug. 27, 5 p.m. at the Morehouse College, Bank of America Auditorium, 830 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta.

The NBAF and Stephane Dunn, associate professor and director of Morehouse Colleges Cinema, Television & Emerging Media Studies (CTEMS) program will host the event. NBAF staff say they are honored to showcase director Spike Lees second feature film, a sharply pointed interrogation of skin color politics at fiction-al Mission College. Dunn says Lees now iconic modern musical offers a dazzling display of modern dance numbers, too.

The film stars Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tisha Camp-bell-Martin. Based in part on Spike Lees experiences at Atlantas Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University, it is a story about fraterni-ty and sorority members clashing with other students at a historically black college during homecoming weekend. It also touches upon issues of real and perceived racism related to skin tone bias and hair texture within the African-American com-munity.

Admission is free, but advance registration is suggested because seating is limited. Register at www.nbaf.org.

Piedmont Park hosts Festival Peachtree Latino

The South Latino Foundation and Piedmont Park, 1071 Piedmont Avenue, At-lanta will host Festival Peachtree Latino on Saturday, Aug. 22 23, 7 a.m. 8 p.m.

Organizers say Festival Peachtree Latino is the largest multicultural event in the Southeast. The event features dozens of exhibitors, family activities, arts and crafts, international foods, a kids zone, international recording artists and local artists.More than 10 performers, including Dora the Explorer and Friends, will hit the stage to perform for attendees. More than 200 exhibitors are expected to participate. Admission is free. For more information, call event organizer Ray Ortega at 404-551-0969.

DEKALB

Fun Bike Ride promotes family, communityThe City of Decatur will host a Fun Bike Ride for the community on Friday,

Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m. The ride, open to people of all ages, will start in front of the citys recreation center, 231 Sycamore St., Decatur.

City of Decatur officials say the city continues to make infrastructure and programming improvements to promote bicycling. With the addition of bike lanes, bike valet parking at major events, bike safety training and more, the city has seen a large increase in the number of cyclists over the past years, officials say.

The city has a bike repair station in front of the city recreation center. 404-370-4100.

3rd annual Fatherhood Conference to offer resources The DeKalb and Fulton County Departments of Family and Children Services

(DFCS) will team up on Thursday, Aug. 27, 5 p.m., at New Life Community Cen-ter, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur to host the third annual Fatherhood Conference and Resource Fair.

This years theme is The Fatherhood Aneurysm: Its about life or death to our families and communities.

There will be booths filled with father-friendly resources such as legal, men-tal health, housing and child support. The annual event will also offer employment and educational/vocational opportunities. Food vendors will be on site.

For more information, call 678-205-4196.

GWINNETT

Registration begins for free emergency response training The Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management is registering resi-

dents for free training sessions, which will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8.These courses will educate residents on disaster preparedness for emergen-

cies that may impact their community. Residents will be trained in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Courses are open to all Gwinnett residents 18 years and older who pass a back-ground check provided by the Gwinnett County Police Department.

The training consists of eight sessions that take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. A course review and disaster simulation will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m. to noon, to put the training to the test.

For more information or to sign up for the courses, email ema@gwinnettcoun-ty.com. Interested residents are encouraged to sign up. Class size is limited to 25 participants.

5-Alarm 5K to benefit firefighters families

The Gwinnett County Fire Employee Benevolent Fund will host the 5-Alarm 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 a.m., on the Lawrenceville Lawn, 147 Luck-ie St., Lawrenceville.

All race proceeds will benefit the non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to help Gwinnett Fire employees and their families in times of crisis. The race will take runners through mostly flat land through scenic downtown Lawrenceville. Awards will be given to the top overall finishers in three different categories and the fastest firefighter will be awarded as well.

T-shirts and cold towels will be provided to runners. Registration is $25 per runner. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m.

ROCKDALE

Novice state championship horse show set for Conyers The Georgia Quarter Horse Association will host a Novice State Championship on Saturday,

Aug. 22, 8 a.m. 6 p.m., in the International Horse Parks Charles Walker Arena, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers.

Saddles, buckles and trophies will be awarded in categories such as Best Rookie Amateur, Best Small Fry and Best Youth. Other competitions include youth, novice amateur and an open walk-trot.

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.gqha.com or contact Deb-bie Lisabeth at 678-478-7071.

To Advertise your event in our upcom-ming edition, Please contact On Common Ground News at 678-526-1910 or email

editor@ocgnews.com

Coming Up

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS AUGUST 15, 2015 PAGE 5

PAGE 6 AUGUST 15, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS AUGUST 15, 2015 PAGE 7

PAGE 8 AUGUST 15, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Pine Lake

continued from page 3

Carmen Johnson, Associate BrokerCarmen & Company Luxury RealtorsPalmerhouse Properties & Associatescell 678 898-3404www.CarmenandCompany.comfacebook.com/carmenandco

Build your dream home at...THURGOOD ESTATES

starting from the 300s

6 presold homes under consturction! Only 20 homesites remaining build your dream home from the High $300s-600s

full-time officer at Georgia Regional Hospital at the time he was killed.

Ortega was survived by his chil-dren, Frankey and Kaylie; his parents, Francisco and Luz; and his sister Joann.

Ortegas daughter, Kaylie, who was an infant when he was killed, like Offi-cer Reagan wrote a tribute to her father in July on the online site, Officer Down Memorial.

Daddy, I miss you so much, like you wouldnt understand how much i miss you!!! I was only one year old when this happened and by the stories my mom tells me and family also I could tell how much you loved me just like any father would love their daugh-ter. You would always call me your princess and your little angel, Kaylie wrote.

Johnson said he has received sup-port for the resolution, H.R. 3274, to

rename the Pine Lake Post Office by the entire Georgia House of Representa-tives congressional delegation.

Officer Ortega made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for the protec-tion of his community, said Johnson, who was a DeKalb County commission-er in 2005 when the incident occurred. Officer Ortegas commitment to justice and willingness to face danger when others turned away, his desire to stand up for what was right not what was easy, and his compassion for those in need should be applauded, commended and recognized in perpetuity.

The resolution now goes to the Committee on Oversight and Govern-ment Reform. Once it is voted out of committee, it goes before the full House for a vote. Johnson said he hopes the measure will be approved by the end of the legislative year, which is Dec. 18.

A decade. You are still not forgotten. You will not be forgotten. We spoke of you in church on Sunday. If you can believe it, I am still with the City and I still cannot help but to stare at the post office every time I pass by. Miss you brother and I will see you again some day!

--Pine Lake Officer W.J. Regan posted this tribute on Aug. 11 honoring the late Officer Francis Manuel Ortega on the Officer Down Memorial Page at www.odmp.org.

up for President Carter and his family across the nation, said Party Chair DuBose Porter. President Carter is tougher than a lighter knot, and we have faith that he will come through this.

Former Georgia senator and news anchor Steen Miles offered support to Carter on her Facebook page.

Lifting up President Jimmy Carter. The record will show him to be one of the nations finest presidents ever, said Miles, who posted a picture of her pos-ing with President Carter at the White House in 1979.

Angela Moore, a publicist who lives in Lithonia, posted a picture of herself and her son meeting Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.

Praying for President and Mrs.

Jimmy Carter. May God bless and heal you, said Moore.

Miranda Mack McKenzie, who was recently appointed to the Development Authority of DeKalb Countys Board of Directors, posted a picture of her and the former First Couple and offered words of support.

Sending up prayers for Former President Jimmy Carter and the Carter family! said Mack.

The Carters grandson, former State Sen. Jason Carter, tweeted: Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my grandfather and grandmother. I will pass them along!

Carter, who is also the author of more than two dozen books, was born on Oct. 1, 1924.

Praying for Carter

continued from page 1

the DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said he believes the soccer head-quarters will be great for the county. He called the move big picture economic de-velopment, saying sports teams bring people.

It brings in teams, youth, a lot of hotel rooms, a lot of restaurants, shopping and families, said Tsismanakis. When you bring in any type of soccer and tournaments, you are bringing in huge economic develop-ment for the area The national spotlight of this team is a good thing.But not everybody is on board.

We simply gave up too much, said Decatur resident Timothy James, who was among a dozen citizens who attended Mays news conference. DeKalb is getting the short end of the stick on this. There are no guarantees that our families will get to use the facilities or that any tournaments will come there.

Commissioner Rader said he doesnt like the way the deal was pushed through.

The fact remains that the first time that the details of the deal were known were approximately three or four days before the item came onto our agenda. In spite of us asking to defer it for two weeks, as is our practice, the administration and other commissioners insisted it be voted on in the extraordinary special-called meeting where

there would not be a public hearing, said Rader. The letter they (the CEOs office) are circulating is a general endorsement of the team coming to DeKalb and Memorial Drive. I think we all support that. We are all excited about Atlanta United coming to DeKalb. We did not endorse the details of the deal.

Commissioner Gannon said she wants to May provide more details on the deal.We would like the CEO to come before the Board of Commissioners and make a public presentation on a timeline for the project and all of the expenditures, Gannon said at her press conference. The effects of this policy need to be evaluated because we all know that problems of corruption and lack of trust have not gone away.

Press Conferencecontinued from page 1

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS AUGUST 15,2015 PAGE 9

Security guards face no charges after melee at Stonecrest mallBy Joshua Smith

Three former security guards will face no charges after pummeling a 15-year-old boy on June 27 at The Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia.

DeKalb Magistrate Court Judge Howard Indermark ruled on Aug. 10 there was not sufficient evidence to arrest any of the guards involved in the melee. Indermark said it was difficult to determine who threw the first punch because of conflicting testimony by witnesses and police. He said it would have been helpful to have testimony from the teen, who was not present for the hearing. The cell phone recording of the security guards beat-ing the teen went viral on YouTube and other social media platforms.

We dont have (the teen) here to say what happened from his version, said Indermark, adding that the court was left to deduce what happened from from a video, third-party state-ments and hearsay. The judge said he couldnt be sure how the fight started without hearing testimony from the teen.

Attorney Mawuli Davis, who represented the teen, said he did not ask his client to attend the hearing because he didnt feel it was not necessary. He said the video was sufficient evidence, along with the testimony of the woman who shot the video.

It is really troubling that you can have something as clear-cut as a video of a kid walking away trying to get away and an offi-cer throws his equipment down and goes after the teen and viciously beats him, said Davis. We disagree with the judge. His ruling was not based on the law.

Davis says he plans to present the case to DeKalb District Attorney Robert James for an investigation.

We wont stop. We are still here to fight for justice, Davis said.

Davis said the judges ruling is another

example that underscores the conflict between minorities and law enforcement.

The officers testified the three men were involved in an assault. There is no reason for three grown man to beat up a teenager who is walking away. This is absurd, Davis said.

The June 27 incident started when secu-rity guards asked a group of minors to leave because of the malls curfew. Youths under 18 must be accompanied by a parent after 4 p.m. Words were exchanged and things escalated

from there. Defense Attorney Ken Hodge applauded

the judges decision. The judge felt there was not enough

evidence to determine who started the fight, the very same reason DeKalb County police didnt file charges in June, Hodge said. The main thing the judge harped on was that the applicant himself was not there himself. The evidence was contradictory all over the place.

The teens mother, Chavella Ham, said

her son is trying his best to heal and suc-cessfully started school.

Im upset for the moment but we will continue to move forward. Officers like the ones we see today are simply taking advantage of their authority. Youre hurting our kids and building mistrust, said Ham as she fought back tears. Who are the kids to trust now? We cant event trust simple security guards, or trust a judge. This is what we get at the end of the day? Its sad. Its very sad.

Attorney Mawuli Davis shows the video that captures the security guards beating the teen. Bottom Left: Former mall security guards sit with their attorney, Ken Hodges, as they await a decision in Magistrate Court.Bottom Right: Chavella Ham, mother of the teen who was beaten.

The Atlanta Hawks and the City of Atlantas Department of Parks and recreation teamed up to unveil a state-of the-art teen room at the Pittman Park Center of Hope in Atlanta.

Funded by the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, the cool new hangout spot for teens sports a modern dcor with custom furniture, Samsung tablet stations, two 65-inch flat screen tele-visions and other electronic upgrades for the Center of Hopes teen participants to enjoy.

The Atlanta Hawks continue to be an exemplary community partner, said Mayor Kasim Reed. The entire Hawks organization shares my commitment to supporting Atlantas young people as they reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.

As part of the teen program at the Pittman Park Center of Hope, Atlanta high school students have structured opportunities to get involved in their community and receive lead-ership training.

Training covers five priority youth devel-opment areas including: academic enrichment,

character and leadership development, health and fitness, community, and technology.

Today was a wonderful day here at Pittman Park, but our relationship with the

Hawks doesnt end today, said Amy Phuong, commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation. We are already working on our next project together and look forward to an

enduring partnership with the Hawks.Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala

and Hawks cheerleads joined a group of team officials to open up the center to teens.

The Atlanta Hawks and the NBA rec-ognized the positive impact the Pittman Park Center of Hope has on Atlanta youth and the local community, and identified the center as a partner during the teams run to the East-ern Conference Finals during the 2014-2015 season.

The Atlanta Hawks Foundation is proud to partner with the City of Atlanta to enhance Pittman Park and provide a great new space for youths in the Pittsburgh community to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue, learn and have fun, said David Lee, senior vice president of External Affairs and the executive director of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation.

Pittman Park is located at 950 Garibaldi St., S.E., Atlanta. For more information on getting your child signed up for the teen lead-ership program, call 404-546-6744.

Atlanta Hawks donate teen room at Pittman Park

Decatur announces new MyDecaturGa web and mobile reporting platform

The City of Decatur has announced a new tool, MyDecaturGa, that allows users to report quality-of-life issues and request services online or with their smart-phones. Powered by SeeClickFix, the place-based reporting platform allows residents to document neighborhood concerns and improve-ments alike, ranging from graffiti and code vi-olations to damaged sidewalks and potholes. It also features useful information such as lists of restaurants and city parks as well as links to the citys blog, Facebook page and Twitter account.

MyDecaturGa replaces the citys previ-ous reporting system, GovPartner, said City Manager Peggy Merriss. The SeeClickFix in-terface is more robust and allows users to report concerns not only online but using the mobile

app. This makes it much easier to include a pho-to and exact location when reporting an issue.

Anyone can go to SeeClickFix.com to create a login and report an issue or download the free app from the Apple or Google Play stores by searching for MyDecaturGa. When submitting issues via mobile app, users can provide locational, descriptive, and photograph-ic information as they see the issue in real time. Users can even create their own watch areas to receive notifications about all issues reported in their community, enabling them to follow the progress of all service requests, not just the ones they report. Additionally, people can view, comment on and vote to fix problems submitted by other users.

Once someone submits an issue, City of

Decatur staff and anyone watching the area will receive an alert. Then, a City of Decatur employee will acknowledge the service request, and update the request once its been resolved. Everyone watching an issue will be able to see each step of the process as it happens.

Currently, the list of reports that can be made are: animal complaints, car seat safety check request, cemetery issues, City Facilities Maintenance issues, city trees and park main-tenance request, code violations, feedback on staff or service, fire inspection request, graffiti, missed sanitation collection, out-of-town house check requests, parking issues, potholes and sidewalks.

Launched in 2008, SeeClickFix allows citizens anywhere in the world to report and

monitor non-emergency community issues. Through web and mobile applications as well as embeddable widgets, SeeClickFix empowers citizens, community groups, media organi-zations, and governments to work together to improve neighborhoods. It is the most widely distributed citizen-reporting tool in the country, having recently surpassed 1 million issues. SeeClickFix supports the Open311 standard that promotes improved communication between local municipalities and the citizens they serve.

We are happy to welcome the City of De-catur to the SeeClickFix family, said SeeClick-Fix CEO and co-founder Ben Berkowitz. We look forward to an engaging partnership with the Decatur community.

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

PAGE 10 AUGUST 15, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

The Home Depot, the worlds largest home improvement retailer, recently announced the appointment of Gerard J. Arpey to the companys board of directors.

Arpey will serve on the companys Finance Committee and its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. His appointment gives the company 11 directors.

Arpey is the former CEO and chair-

man of AMR Corporation and Ameri-can Airlines. His nearly 30-year career with American Airlines also included service as its President and Chief Op-erating Officer, senior vice president of Finance and Planning, and Chief Finan-cial Officer. He is currently a partner in Emerald Creek Group, LLC, the private equity firm based in Southern Califor-nia, which he joined in 2012 following his retirement from AMR.

Arpey serves on the board of directors of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., a privately-held company. He is also a trustee of the American Beacon Funds and a member of The Business Council.

Im pleased to welcome Gerard to our board, where his extensive expe-rience in organizational management, strategy and finance will serve our com-pany and shareholders well, said Craig Menear, chairman of the Home Depot Board of Directors.

The DeKalb Medical Foundation recently wel-comed new board chair, Kathy Peters.

Foundation members say as a retired execu-tive, Peters will bring her corporate experience to focus on fundraising. Her husband, Doug, a crim-inal defense lawyer and also a board member, will work with her to network to strengthen DeKalb Medicals community relationships.

We are excited and ready to have this type of leadership driving the Foundation. We will be an even more incredible asset to our community be-cause of her efforts, said retiring chair, Judy McMahan.

Peters first matter of business will be a capital campaign for the Emergen-cy Department (ED) at DeKalb Medi-cals North Decatur campus. Building the Future of Emergency Medicine; When Every Second Counts is a cam-paign that looks to raise $2.1 million to renovate and reinvent the ED so that evaluations and care are administered more efficiently to impact more lives.

The new architec-ture features a Super Fast Track check-in for urgent care patients and a separate immediate care area for patients experiencing stroke, heart attack or other life-threatening symp-toms. This streamlined admissions process provides patients more privacy and quicker co-ordinated care whether

arriving by car or ambulance.With more than 64,000 ED visits in

2014, the renovated facility is expect-ed to help DeKalb Medical treat more patients in less time ensuring that no matter what their need, they receive the highest level of attention and personal care.

The DeKalb Medical Foundation was established in 1990 for the purpose of raising funds for the direct support of capital projects, special programs and research activities conducted by DeKalb Medical in furtherance of the Foundations purpose. The Foundation is a volunteer organization.

TO CONTACT USBY PHONE: 678-526-1910BY FAX: 678-526-1909BY E-MAIL: EDITOR@OCGNEWS.COMVISIT ONLINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

People Movers & Shakers in the CommunityGwinnett student selected for

national music ensemble Keshay Kalathoor, a junior at

Peachtree Ridge High School, has been selected to be a member of the All-National Honor Ensembles mixed choir. Kalathoor will sing Bass 2.

The All-National Honor En-sembles consist of a concert band, orchestra, mixed chorus, and jazz ensemble, and students were chosen by auditions. The concert band and symphony orchestra will each have approximately 150 instrumentalists, the jazz ensemble 20 instrumentalists, and the mixed chorus approximately 350 vocalists. Eligible students have qualified for their state-level honor en-semble program and competed against top students for a spot in these national honor ensembles.

The 2015 All-National Honor Ensembles program will take place in conjunction with the National Asso-

ciation for Music Education National Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Conference Center from Oct. 2528. The final performance will be at the historic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN.

Gerard J. Arpey

DeKalb Medical Foundation welcomes board chair, capital campaign

Gerald Arpey named to Home Depot Board of Directors

Keshay Kalathoor Kathy Peters

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, August 20, 2015 Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below: REQUEST FOR SOLICITATION NO. ITEM CLOSING DATE 15-100560 Sale of Used Oil (Annual Contract with 2 Options to Renew) September 17, 2015 15-100566 Cleaning & Repair of Fire Rescue Turnout Clothing September 10, 2015 (Annual Contract with 2 Options to Renew) 15-100567 Replacement of Chemical Storage Tanks at Pole Bridge Creek September 10, 2015 15-100568 Small Domestic Brass Fittings & Gate Valves September 10, 2015 (Annual Contract with 2 Options to Renew) 15-100569 Fire Hoses (Annual Contract with 2 Options to Renew) September 10, 2015

Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise.

By: Scott M. Callan, CPSM, Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting

Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS AUGUST 15, 2015 PAGE 11

J U S TWE AVES

NEW LOCATION!!

Formally The Weave Stop

2091 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA

404-284-8833

Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503.

Goat Lawn Service. Need your yard cut, raked, or aerated. Call 678-953-0063.

2 BR,2.5 BA, Condo, 6016 Regent Manor, off Hillandale, Lithonia, $34,500. Call 770-482-6122 or 404-483-2526.

CLASSIFIEDSSERVICE

E-MAIL YOUR CLASSIFIED TO:

classifieds@ocgnews.com

RESTAURANTSDEKALB COUNTY

INSURANCE

BEAUTY SUPPLIESGWINNETT COUNTY

BEAUTY SALONSROCKDALE COUNTY

CATERINGFULTON COUNTYINTERIOR DESIGN

BARBARA ELLIOTT & JENNIFER WARD WOODS917 Main Street, Stone Mountain GA

(770) 498-7780 www.decdens.com/belliott

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

770-484-33552910 EVANS MILL ROAD, LITHONIA, GA

WEEKLYLUNCHSPECIAL

Visit these advertisers @ OCGNEWS.COMWant to spotlight your business? 678-526-1910

PHOTOGRAPHY

On Common Ground News Marketplace

REAL ESTATE

ALL EVENT FACILITY

MINI MALL

MINI MALL

678-755-5955CALL TODAY!

7173 Covington Hwy, Lithonia, GA 30058

$500 MOVES YOU INA A

Parties Seminars Wedding

Church Meetings Business Meetings Graduation Parties

$20 -$125 per hourA ABooth Rental $50 1st Month

Free Banquet Hall!Monday-Thursday only Community Events, Non-Profit, For Profit Events.

FOR SALE

Dr. Jamal A. Duval, DDS, MS

Braces for Children & Adults Free Consultation Low Monthly Payments Starting at $89 Metal and Clear Braces for Children & Adults Invisalign Certified Saturday Appointments Saturday Appointments Available Upon Request

770-482-74008200 Mall Parkway, Suite B 200, Lithonia, GA 30038

M-F 8:30am to 5:30 www.Lithoniabraces.com

Death Announcements

Funeral Service for Mrs. Dorothy (Dot) Dickerson Scales will be held Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 2470 Bruce St., Lithonia. The Rev. Edward Randolph, Pastor. Interment New Macedonia Baptist Church Ceme-tery. Professional Funeral Service entrusted to Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 6861 Main St., Lithonia. 770-482-2358.

PAGE 12 AUGUST 15, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Power Bleaching- Zoom Invisible Braces (Invisalign)Dental Implants Tooth-Colored Fillings Crown & Bridges Porcelain Veneers Low- Radiation X-Rays

www.beautifulsmiledds.com

Cosmetic & General Dentistry

New Patients Welcome!

Mon- Thurs 8am-5pm Every other Friday 8am-5pmRecline in Comfort & Watch TV During Your Treatment !!

Se Habla Espanol!

8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155Lithonia, GA 30038 (770) 484-4051Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)

!

Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS