The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current, November 23, 2023, Image 1

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Newspaper Page Texte CHAMPION 50^ The official legal organ of DeKalb County, Ga. 64116 0DDU1 LOCAL Superintendent discusses progress PAGE 3 LOCAL Hundreds participate in protest that ends with tear gassing at 'Cop City' site Early voting schedule released for runoff elections BY CHRISTINE FONVILLE CHRISTINE@DEKALBCHAMP.COM According to the DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections (BRE), more than 69,700 registered DeKalb County voters cast ballots in the Nov. 7 general municipal election - however, some will be returning to the voting booths for the Dec. 5 runoff election. "The runoff election on Dec. 5 is just around the corner," said Keisha Smith, executive director of DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections. As with the general municipal election, voters SEE ELECTIONS ON PAGE 6 Early voting will soon be underway for the runoff elections in DeKalb County. Photo by Christine Fonville PAGE 7 SPORTS DeKalb football has statement weekend PAGE10 LIFESTYLE Walmart joins other venues with sensory- friendly hours and features PAGE14 Legal fund established for residents facing eviction BY JAY PHILLIPS JAY@DEKALBCHAMP.COM Residents facing eviction could soon have access to additional legal assistance via the DeKalb County Eviction Legal Defense Fund, which was established by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 14. A news release states that the legal defense fund will "significantly bolster housing stability and promote legal equity" by providing no-cost legal assistance to prevent or divert evictions and mitigate the consequences. The fund will prioritize support for those most in need, including low- income and extremely low-income residents, according to the news release. Residents in need of assistance from DeKalb County's Eviction Legal Defense Fund are encouraged to contact the DeKalb County 6th District Commissioner Ted Terry's office while the partner organizations and contracts needed for the fund are finalized. "With the creation of this [DeKalb County] Eviction Legal Defense Fund, The DeKalb County Eviction Legal Defense Fund will prioritize low-income and extremely low- income residents. File photo DeKalb County is joining a growing movement of jurisdictions nationwide that recognize the critical need for legal representation in eviction cases. This fund is not just a local initiative; it's part of a broader national effort to protect vulnerable families and individuals from the long-term consequences of eviction," said Terry. DeKalb's fund was inspired by other successful High school teams perfect in Sweet 16 playoff games BY JAY PHILLIPS JAY@DEKALBCHAMP.COM F or the first time since 2018, DeKalb will be represented by four teams in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Football State Playoffs Elite Eight on Nov. 24. Cedar Grove, Columbia, Marist, and Stephenson were the only teams from DeKalb in the GHSA's Sweet 16, and each team won on Nov. 17 to advance to the Elite Eight. The home teams won in dominant fashion with Cedar Grove defeating Bremen 49-13 at Godfrey Stadium, Stephenson nearly shutting out Luella 35-7 at Hallford Stadium, and Marist taking down Brunswick 41-14 at Hughes Spalding Stadium. Columbia traveled for its game and defeated North Cobb Christian 18-13. In the Elite Eight, Stephenson will be the only home team when the Jaguars (10-2) welcome Perry (10-2) to Hallford Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 24. Cedar Grove, Columbia, and Marist will all hit the road for away games on Nov. 24. Cedar Grove (7- 5) will play at Mary Persons (11-1) at 7 p.m., Columbia (9-3) will play at Cook (11-2) at 7 p.m., and Marist (11-1) will play at Roswell (11-1) at 7:30 p.m. Stephenson 35, Luella 7 Stephenson earned its host role with a 35-7 win over Luella on Nov. 17. Head coach Marcus Jelks said Luella's defense keyed in on star running back Devin Ingram, forcing Stephenson to—successfully— lean on its passing attack for the win. Quarterback Marte Barton threw two touchdowns to receiver Tyler Bercy in the first quarter, and defensive back Colin Seals THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM SEE EVICTION ON PAGE 6 SEE SWEET 16 ON PAGE 10

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The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current, November 23, 2023, Image 1