About The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 2024)
U/tfSocial ^ (cDDEKALBCHAMPNEWS THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 www.THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.com VOL. 34 • NO. 30 e CHAMPION 50£ The official legal organ of DeKalb County, Ga. "64116 0DUU1 LOCAL Extremely low temperatures DCPL adds prompt action throughout county to digital collection PAGE 3 LOCAL Facebook Marketplace users asked to look out for armed robber PAGE 7 SPORTS Tucker, King split region thrillers PAGE 8 BY CHRISTINE FONVILLE CHRISTINE@DEKALBCHAMP.COM With temperatures dipping into the single digits several times since the start of the new year, organizations and officials throughout DeKalb County have been attempting to offer some relief to the chilly weather. Four warming centers located throughout the county were recently open 24 hours a day from 8 a.m. on Jan. 20 through 1 p.m. on Jan. 22 as weather forecasts predicted windy nights during which temperatures dropped to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Those centers included: • Exchange Park Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur • Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive in Decatur • Tobie Grant Center, 593 Parkdale Drive in Scottdale • Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road in Atlanta DeKalb County also continued to make overnight warming centers FIRE S1S Fire stations, such as this one in Avondale Estates, have been used as warming centers throughout DeKalb County. File photo available for residents on Jan. 18 through Jan. 22 at the following locations: • Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Ave. in Avondale Estates SEE WARMING CENTERS ON PAGE 6 LIFESTYLE Scammers preying on older Americans and grandparents PAGE 12 Event at Capitol to celebrate growing Latino influence in Georgia BY KATHY MITCHELL FREELANCE REPORTER The 2020 census indicates that the Latino population of Georgia grew by 31.6 percent since the previous census in 2010, resulting in a Latino population of more than 1.3 million in the state. Last year an event was held at the state Capitol as "a response to our growing influence and evolution in the state," according to Gilda (Gigi) Pedraza, executive director of Latino Community Fund (LCF Georgia). This year, LCF Georgia will spearhead the second Latino Day at the Capitol, slated to be an annual event. Based in Decatur, LCF Georgia is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization with a membership of 39 Latino community groups across Georgia. "Together, the groups work and invest to accelerate positive change in Georgia through advancing democracy, building community, and expanding economic opportunity. We are committed to help build a Georgia which is the premier place to build business, work, study, raise families, and thrive," according to the organization's website. Calling the upcoming event "a celebration of diversity and community strength," LCF Georgia announced that 15 local Judges offer free Valentine's Day marriage ceremonies BY CHRISTINE FONVILLE CHRISTINE@DEKALBCHAMP.COM T wo DeKalb County Superior Court judges are offering a sweet surprise to couples looking to tie the knot in February. "As fervent advocates for love and commitment, Judge Yolanda C. Parker- Smith and Judge Shondeana C. Morris of DeKalb County Superior Court are extending a generous offer to couples this Valentine's Day by providing complimentary marriage ceremonies," stated officials. On Feb. 14, Parker-Smith and Morris invite couples who want to get married to the DeKalb County Superior Court, located at 556 North McDonough St. # 1100 in Decatur, where the judges will conduct the marriage ceremony. This initiative emphasizes their belief that love should be celebrated without unwarranted financial burden, especially on Valentine's Day, stated a press release. Officials stated that couples seeking to avail themselves of this opportunity must complete the following steps: * Apply for a marriage license at dekalbprobatega.com/services/ marriage-license/. • Book an appointment with DeKalb County Probate Court to receive a physical copy of the marriage license. • Send an email to Karen Loder at keloder@dekalbcountyga.gov to reserve a complimentary marriage ceremony slot. • Bring a copy of the marriage license to the ceremony. "On this day of love, we're thrilled to offer couples a chance to celebrate their commitment without the added burden of financial considerations," said Parker- Smith. "Love should be celebrated freely, and we're honored to facilitate that experience for our community." According to wedding planning THECHAMPIONNEWSPAPER.COM SEE CAPITOL ON PAGE 6 SEE MARRIAGE ON PAGE 6
