Slow down: key to curb death on highways

Fatal car crashes increased and decreased in Cobb Cty., Ga. over the last 5 years, according to Kimberly Pettit, Public Service Tech II, PD Central Records. In response to our open records request, the data provided is as follows: 

2018 - 42, 

2019 - 36, 

2020 - 45, 

2021 - 52, and 

2022 - 25.

With more people heading back to work locations, it seems like we're right on track to see at least 50 people killed in accidents on local highways this year unless people slow down and obey the driving laws. 

The high price of gasoline may also contribute to fewer crashes because more people are staying home.

A recent fatality reported by Cobb County Police Department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit occurred on Piedmont Road at Bob Bettis Road, Friday, May 27, 2022 at 11:26 a.m. The incident occurred between a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, driven by 25-year-old Graham Dobbs of Rockmart, and a gray 2022 Kawasaki EX400 motorcycle, driven by 17-year-old Gabriel McLachlan of Kennesaw. McLachlan was pronounced deceased at the scene by personnel from the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office. Dobbs was not injured in the crash. 

The police press release did not indicate whether the accident was a result of high speeds, and the crash remains under investigation.

When asked what members of the community can do to lessen the number of fatal crashes, Sergeant Wayne Delk of the Cobb County Police Public Information Office response follows: 

"The best thing the community can do is to slow down and obey the rules of the road when driving. We regularly post traffic safety tips on our social media (Traffic Tip Tuesday) to keep the motoring public informed of traffic laws. And our Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) unit as well as our Motorcycle unit work in areas that are known to have speeding motorists in an attempt to curtail the number of speed-related crashes.

 

"This summer, as in summers past, our department is participating in “100 Days of Summer HEAT”, a state-sponsored program to address aggressive driving and speeding on our roadways. Speeding and D.U.I. continue to be the biggest contributors to fatalities not only in Cobb County, but also across the state. For more information about the state’s programs regarding traffic enforcement and safety please reach out to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). 

"We are proud participants in the GOHS Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) program, and we remain committed to not only enforcing traffic laws but also to informing and educating the public every chance we get. Sometimes that education comes during a traffic stop on the side of the road and might also include a citation for a traffic violation."

Teen shot and run over in Cobb County, Ga.

Cobb County Police responded to a person shot at 223 St. Martins Lane in Mableton, GA on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 11:36 a.m. Responding officers located 18-year-old Ricardo Ward of Hampton, GA, lying in the driveway with several gunshot wounds. Officers learned that Ward had also been run over by a vehicle in addition to being shot. Ward was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a silver (or champagne) 2000’s model Toyota sedan. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call 770-499-3945 or email cobbpolicecrimetips@cobbcounty.org.

Former Trump “headquarters” being demolished in Marietta, Ga.

Pictures of the week

Cobb Cty police arrest Bleckley Cty sheriff for alleged sexual battery

Press release for Feb. 2, 2022... On January 19, 2022 The Cobb County Police Department was alerted to an alleged sexual battery that had occurred the evening of January 18, 2022 at 2450 Galleria Parkway at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly. Following a thorough investigation by investigators from our Crimes Against Persons Unit (with statements gathered from multiple available witnesses) an arrest warrant was obtained on January 28, 2022 for Sheriff Kristopher Coody, the current Sheriff of Bleckley County. This remains an active sexual battery investigation, and we will not be offering any additional statements or providing any on-camera interviews.” From Sgt. Wayne Delk, PIO

A movement message

It was another well-choreographed yet pitiful-some 50 worshippers who convened yesterday at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia to commemorate the life and legacy of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who, being only 39 years old (the same age Malcolm and Medger were gunned down) was shot in the mouth on a segregated Negro hotel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee. Resembling a sparkling Christmas tree with silver lights, The Rev. Dr. Bernice King, who was a traumatized kindergartener when her father was murdered by Who knows who, gave a somewhat angry speech in the year 2022 but smiled while singing “We shall overcome someday.” Why don’t they change that to TODAY? I want it to be TODAY!!! Like that morning Tv show… I’m tired of waiting for someday. Still dreaming? Wake up! Revive yourself, like Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the keynote speaker of the Afternoon who also preached at Meghan Markle’s wedding to a prince, and stop giving Delta free commercial plugs while you’re at it. We are still the last hired and first fired, The first killed by the police, The last ones standing in the voting line without water, food or bathroom breaks, The last to get a good education or decent living arrangements The near last on the millionaire/billionaire/trillionaire list. We need a Someday Today. How long? As long as we let this shit go on. Take me to a place where I can be safe. When you find it, call me, ‘cause I want to go. Today. Stop focusing on Yesterday and Someday. Focus on NOW!

Kidnapped children found in Cobb Cty., Ga.

Cobb County Police Officers responded to a person stabbed at 6760 Mableton Pkwy Lot 2B in Mableton, Ga on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at approximately 9 p.m. They discovered 31-year-old Danny Bernal inside his trailer suffering from several sharp force trauma injuries and lacerations. According to Mr. Bernal, several masked men along with his ex-girlfriend had forced their way into his home, stabbed him, and kidnapped his children. Cobb County Police investigators from the Crimes Against Persons unit were able to track down the children to the Super 8 Motel located at 417 Church St in Decatur, Ga. Our detectives, along with our VIPER unit, responded to the hotel early in the morning of December 2, 2021; and with the assistance of the Decatur Police Department they were able to recover the children unharmed in the hotel room. Bernal’s ex-girlfriend and three adult males were taken in for questioning by detectives. This investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call 770-499-3945. Press release and photo provided by Cobb County Police Dept.

Joe Douglas, music promoter, dies in Metro Atlanta

Music Promoter Joe Douglas has died. Husband and father of three, Douglas was associated with Frankie Beverly, Maze, and Tam Tam. (Photo by Kurk D. Johnson) Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, details of his death are unclear. A private funeral is being planned with future details pending.

All we can do is pray!

Family hour for the Hicks held at In His Hands Church, Woodstock, Ga.

While visiting Woodstock, Ga. today, I went under a gigantic flag being hoisted by firefighters around noon in the middle of the street. Then came the motorcycles, a hearse, and dozens of police cars and firetrucks. It was a tribute for a fallen firefighter and his wife who were killed by an alleged armed robber.

In the Lowe's parking lot, I talked to the crying aunt of Amber Hicks, 31, who was killed, allegedly by a 22 year old man on drugs in a neighborhood reported to have safety/security problems. The alleged gunman also killed Amber's 31 year old husband, Tim, who was a firefighter.

Family members gather in front of church.

"All we can do is pray," said Amber's Aunt who said she helped raise her from three months old because Amber's mother died of cancer. Outside of the church's family hour, her cousin said he was glad their two year old son was spared and was not also killed by the intruder.

Sculpture in front of church

"We're living in bad times right now, all over the world," said Amber's cousin. He is committed to taking care of the family during this time of grief.

Condolences are in order. Names of the family have been held from this article since calls to Officer Wayne Delk of the Cobb County, Ga. police department were unanswered at post time.

Family members meet with members of police and fire departments.

Amber's Obituary: https://www.facebook.com/amberthatsme?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDoxMDIxODEzOTY1ODk4ODYwMl8xMDIxODEzOTk3NTQ3NjUxNA%3D%3D Amber's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amberthatsme?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDoxMDIxODEzOTY1ODk4ODYwMl8xMDIxODEzOTk3NTQ3NjUxNA%3D%3D

I was born in America, but what does that mean?

I wear beautiful, clean,  affordable clothes and jewelry; I wear a mask in public, speak English, am a married mother, and believe in a divine spirit who can forgive when asked.

Today’s photo

About 65 cars wait in line with people trying to get COVID-19 test on Piedmont Rd and around the corner in Marietta, only days after Georgia Governor Kemp delays mask mandate. This could mean more people have symptoms or just want to make sure they’re not sick!

The Ginger Room opens in Alpharetta to serve high tea and crumpets

With the full backing of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, The Ginger Room owners officially cut the blue ribbon at 61 Roswell Street in Alpharetta, Ga. yesterday. 

The business, located in the historic yet renovated 1856 Skelton-Teasley House, is a place where patrons can enjoy a sip or two of juice, coffee, or tea along with sweet baked deserts and finger sandwiches. The Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by owners Dr. Karl Walbrook and Angela Avery, real estate professionals, NAACP officers, business owners, family, and friends. Indoor and outdoor dining is available. 

One guest teared up when she came into the event - she remembered her grandmother's dishes and fine china. Nostalgia is one thing that makes the place special.

First on the beverage menu were glasses filled to the brim with a delicious strawberry blend of fruit and ginger which has anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Avery credits looking through the windows and loving the location as reasons why she chose the antique brick building to host clients for special occasions. According to LinkedIn, Avery is senior vice president at Municipal Finance/Blaylock Van LLC, an 80% owned African American investment bank.

A former midwesterner who claims not to be emotional, the teary-eyed Avery said she got "goosebumps" when she first entered the building. She credits her family, staff, and Ginger-Yummers for making the business a successful storefront since February. 

Co-owner Walbrook is a London, England native who holds a PhD in Built Environment from Trinity College, according to his LinkedIn profile. The two are affliated with Ginger Yums LLC USA. "One thing I learned in university: the true test of the measure is in your application... get on with it. Get it done," said Walbrook who also works as a project manager for the City of Atlanta. 

For reservations or special event pricing, call 678-399-9964. (the-gingerroom.com)

Happy Juneteenth, but who are the good, real Americans?

There once was a social experiment using kids and dolls. Children were asked, “Which doll is the good doll? Which doll is bad?” Seventy percent (70%) of the children chose the black doll as bad and the white doll as good. This study was used in a landmark desegregation case. https://www.thompsonschools.org/cms/lib/CO01900772/Centricity/Domain/3627/The%20Clark%20Doll%20Experiment.pdf 

The two black psychologists who did the experiment determined that “color in a racist society was a very disturbing and traumatic component of an individual’s sense of his own self-esteem and worth.” This may also lead to learned hopelessness. While a technology teacher in elementary school, I overheard a conversation in the lunchroom centered on Muslim American parents who had brought their kids to be enrolled in school. “They shouldn’t be here,” one teacher said. “But they’re Americans,” I interjected. “But they’re not real Americans,” was her reply. 

“The problem of the 20th and 21st century is the color line, and probably it will be in the 22nd century if systemic racism is not eliminated.” Children learn racism and sexism at a very young age, even while attending kindergarten. Looking at the Georgia kindergarten curriculum map for excellence in Social Studies (https://lor2.gadoe.org/gadoe/file/a1a403cd-9c0f-4b70-8ab5-39357ec63bed/1/Social-Studies-Kindergarten-Grade-Curriculum-Map.pdf ) youngsters are asked to study the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) who is dead! (Myth: the only good Negro is a dead one, and black men who oppose the status quo will end up martyrs, is the lesson.) 

Under leaders, three are listed: Washington, Lincoln and the current President who is also white. There are no Hispanics, Cubans, Afro-Americans, or Asians on the list, and women are also absent. Columbus Day is mentioned, even though Christopher Columbus (Cristoforo Colombo) never entered Georgia or the United States, but he decimated many native Americans during his search for fame, glory, and gold. Will that fact be taught on Columbus Day, or “Columbus sailed the ocean blue. He discovered America in 1492”? 

Since Juneteenth was just added as a national holiday...how will it be taught in public schools, and by whom? These are definitely reasons why critical race theory should be used in teaching Social Studies in the pre-k and Kindergarten classroom. But you have to make sure first that teachers who teach know the true history of America, including South America and Canada, and that the curriculum is not biased in the first place.

Will BLM join ALM?

Mass murder in Georgia massage parlors example of sex, religion, and shared community gone wrong

OPINION

Photo of relaxing massage in window of now closed
Youngs Asian Massage 

I live 10 miles from a recent mass shooting. Yes, I admit that I have had a full body massage several times but not at this particular place, and I have never been invited into a private room. But if I had been welcomed there, would that give me the right to shoot and kill eight people and leave another one shot in the forehead in intensive care? 

Site of first of three spa shootings in Metro Atlanta -
Hwy 92 in Cherokee County, Ga.

Of course not, but we’re living in a crazy world according to some people, a world of “psycho poop,"  of blaming China for a virus, and if we don’t get our act together, we will kill each other either by harsh words or bullets. 

One storeowner in the mall where the shootings occurred said the "problem" is people don't respect and treasure each other before tragedy strikes.

The eight people that were gunned down mercilessly two days ago didn’t have a chance. Probably the reason they were slaughtered was not because someone had a sex fetish. A 21-year-old male who is said to have frequented the massage parlor on Highway 92 in Cherokee County, Georgia couldn’t have respected the people he killed. There was probably no one from the Asian culture at his Baptist Church. 

Red candle wax and flower stems on pavement outside closed spa

But that I don’t know. What I do know is that there are a lot of Asian Americans who are very, very scared, living in a country of high ideals of freedom and justice but a history of lynchings and genocide. Asians like other non-white people continue to be terrorized by other Americans. They are probably not on Robert Aaron Long’s list of vulnerable people. Instead, they are victims. 

Omen or a protection symbol/message? Dead frog on sidewalk outside a newly opened massage business on Bells Ferry Rd. in Cherokee Cty., Ga.

And where do we go from here?

Japanese owned Yanmar Evo Center is just down the street from Youngs Asian Massage, but at press time, they had no comment. Could they be the next target?

Update: Driver waits 8 hours to renew license in Cobb County, Ga. and told to try again tomorrow

Even with a mandatory appointment, the state agency location on County Services Parkway had an unimaginable wait time to service customers. We had an appointment to wait! 

When an announcement was made that "The System" was down again which would worsen wait times, one customer went off and began to curse, saying she needed to get her car insurance and couldn't because she was unable to get her driver's license renewed.

Of the inside stations available to take customers, only 20% were manned. The manager said they didn't have enough people because they were out sick.

Three officers from the Sheriff's department were called in to stand at the front entrance around 5:30p.m. They said county and state tag and driver's license offices had been plagued with outages all day but couldn't explain why this office was claiming outages due to problems with the system which is not connected to county offices or why they had the same problem last week. It was unclear when "THE SYSTEM" would be repaired or if it was tested before being put into production.

One elderly gentleman who showed up at 9:30 a.m. was told after waiting 8 hours to go home and schedule another appointment because he probably wouldn’t be served due to the system being down. After I told them I was not leaving without my license and would sleep on the floor overnight if I had to, I was moved up in line. I was charged $32 for an 8 year renewal.

After waiting five hours, a 10 second eye test netted a 120 day paper renewal. After the wait, I was given a form that could have been used by my optometrist stating that I had vision good enough to drive. I took the vision exam without my reading glasses on and passed, but my renewal states that B-Corrective lenses required.

Form: DDS-MR 287 - Medical Report latest 102019.pdf

The media relations number I was given - Susan Sports at 678-413-8657 - had a busy signal each time I called to get an update on what to expect from "THE SYSTEM" moving forward. I was told by one customer standing in line that in her native France, you only have to get a driver's license once, and there is no renewal.

The ineptitude of state government shown at drivers license building

Drivers 64 or over have to get a vision screening in order to renew a license, but the wait for that could take hours if you are planning on getting the job done at the County Services Rd. location in Marietta, Ga., even if you have an appointment. 

But my renewal notice didn’t say I needed an appointment, but I found out when I got there that getting on the schedule was mandatory.

And even if I did have an appointment, I would have to wait hours outside in the cold during Covid because they “just started a new system today, Sweetie,” I was told by the attendant at the front door.

And if you don’t have a computer to schedule an appointment, “you can call 

678-413-8400, but I can’t guarantee anyone will answer the phone,” she said.

“My daughter’s been in there since 9 a.m. , and it’s now 12:13 p.m.,” said one mother sitting in the car with her grandson. “We just moved here from

Tampa, Florida where it’s an in and out process down there.”

I called the number to get help scheduling an appointment but got a message saying that high caller volume wouldn’t allow my call and to go to the website.  If I don’t have a computer or the Internet, I’m screwed.

“People are in line, some without masks, most not six feet apart, and some elderly on walkers. I don’t think they care if folks get Covid or not,” one woman waiting said.

I tried to get a response from the state, but they’re not answering the phone. I guess if we really had a state or national emergency, the SYSTEM would not work. Hope that doesn't happen.

On MLK Day and everyday, witness truth and praise God’s mercy

Get your shoes on and your mind fixed on our mission.

  
Our marching orders:

( taken from the MLK Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga.)

Lift up God’s good mission and be your brother’s keeper.

Dwell together under God.

Overcome the world.

Entreat God’s power with your voice and actions.

Distain hate but continue to protest injustice.

Image a peaceful world.

Extremes should not be allowed to defeat us.

Watch what you say and how you say it.

Be introspective to save souls.

Shift focus and priorities.

Don’t be too late. Take the chance to promote a peaceful, sustainable world.

Eliminate violence and truly care for one another.

Harness your drive for power, racism, and militarism.

Preserve our civilization.

Shirk off the chain of violence.

Shift from chaos to community with love.

Become love-centered instead of power centered.

Speak truth to power in love.

Be free at last.

Praise God and bless His name.

Be summoned by holy men, even in virtual spaces.

Stand up for righteous, even in the face of death.

Have the faith of your forefathers.

Stand together. Pray. Let’s stay together.

Do everything in God’s name. Don’t live in vain.

Unite for equality.

Link peace and justice together.

Be inspired by John Lewis, Ralph Bunche, and MLK.

Move on to make our world what it should be, and don’t rest.

Charge ahead.

Be hopeful.

Don't be deterred by obstacles.

Triumph over fear and hatred.

Subdue revenge and aggression.

Have goodwill as your righteous stand.

Men are powerless without God, so seek God’s help.

End racial discrimination by non-violent means.

Have one heart in love and humbleness.

Have the same mindset of Jesus and others who follow God’s laws.

Know that nobody is safe unless everyone is safe.

Be empathetic.

Be connected to the world and its problems.

Make peace, lay down arms, construct the peace through reconciliation and patience. Heal wounds.

Avoid war through an ongoing process of peace and prevent individual atrocities.  

Remember we live in One house, on One planet, and are One human family. Have empathy for others.

Shirk trauma and drama.

Have clear mission and vision in the midst of fear. Don’t be distracted but love one another.

Practice non-violence.

Have a stirred conscience.

End racism, economic exploitation, and militarism. 

Lift your eyes to the hills, to God, our strength and help.

Have an ecumenical revolution of values.

Shun bitterness. Demand better.

Expand the walk for justice to include everyone.

Reform the criminal justice system.

Reimagine the church. Leave the sanctuary. Go to the streets.  Don’t just support movements started in the church. Repent. Live out a new day of righteousness.

Learn the facts to demand justice in all areas of human activity.

Strengthen the backbone of the nation. Livable wage, student loans, and gentrification need to be resolved.

Don’t be complacent. Lead with truth.

Don’t be silenced by the ungodly.

Be rededicated to create a better world for ourselves and our children.

Don’t bend before tyrants.

Hold up all civil rights leaders - past, present and future and their views on moving forward.

It will take not one of us but all of us to make positive changes.

Heed the call of a challenging cause.

There will probably never be another MLK, so all of us must continue the cause collectively.

Opposition is not fair and often we face insurmountable odds.

We are stalked by giants, but work it out.

House the poor and promote social and economic justice.