Archived News

Doraville man indicted on sex crimes

A Doraville man was indicted April 24 by a DeKalb County grand jury on nine counts of sexual exploitation of children, one county of bestiality and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, according to court documents.

John Norman, 56, is accused of having sex with a dog and of possessing numerous images of naked children performing various sex acts. Norman was arrested in June 2011.

Police investigating slaying at apartment complex

DeKalb County Police are investigating the shooting of a man at an apartment complex at 1010 Kenridge Parkway. The victim, whose name is not being released by police, was shot and killed shortly after midnight on April 24, according to police. A family member went to the apartment and found the victim, according to detectives. Robbery may be the motive for the shooting but no suspects have been identified, police said.

Child abuse awareness program set for today

The DeKalb County Police Department is hosting a child abuse awareness training program today, April 25, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The department is partnering with the Georgia Center For Child Advocacy in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The free three-hour class is designed to educate community members how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

The program will be held in the Peer Auditorium on the second floor of police headquarters at 1950 West Exchange in Tucker. Participants must register prior to the training at prevention@gacfca.org or by phone (678) 904-2880 x 205.

Commissioner receives award from college foundation

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon received the 2012 Investing in Dreams Award from the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation on April 14 at the school’s Investing in Dreams event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the college. Gannon was honored for devoting her time, knowledge, skills and resources to enhance the community through investing in the field of education and supporting sustainability in DeKalb County.

Gannon was instrumental in the county’s recycling program and other green initiatives. She created the Green Commission to educate residents and employees of DeKalb County on sustainable choices. The Atlanta Regional Commission certified DeKalb County as a green community.

Rain barrel workshop set for April 28

Today, April 25, is the last day to register for a rain barrel workshop hosted by the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM). The program is set for Saturday, April 28, 2– 3:30 p.m. at the Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Road in Lithonia.

Collecting rainwater in rain barrels for use during dry months is an excellent way to conserve water and reduce water bills.  During the workshop, attendees will be instructed on rain barrel maintenance and water conservation landscaping.  The workshop is open to the first 15 DeKalb County residents who sign up.  This is a “hands on” workshop where participants will make their own rain barrels with DWM assistance.

The cost of the workshop is $30, which includes all the materials to make a rain barrel. For more information and to register, contact Michael O’Shield at (770) 724-1456 or by e-mail at msoshield@dekalbcountyga.gov.