Dunwoody Crier - April 23, 2026

ICE detains Dunwoody High junior following arrest for traffic violation

By JIM BASS jim@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody High

School junior Axel Gerardo Archaga Rios is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after he was arrested March 27 by Dunwoody police for failing to stop at a stop sign and driving without a license.

Rios, 17, has few options to avoid deportation because he has a final order of removal that was issued in 2015.

His attorney, Alexandros Cornejo,

said Rios came to the country when he was 5 years old and that he missed important court dates because his mother had to leave her partner because of domestic violence. He has no ability to appeal. Cornejo called it “a very difficult case.”

“There is no remedy,” he said. “There’s no relief for him. It’s over, which means that he’s not going to be able to go before the judge. His only recourse is to ask ICE, ‘Please, allow me to stay here with my mom.’ That’s it.”

See ICE, Page 11

Axel

City adds two officers to Police Department

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Mayor Lynn Deutsch swore in two new officers to the Dunwoody Police Department during the City Council’s April 13 meeting. Officer J. Coachman comes to Dunwoody from the Gwinnett County Police Department. He has also worked for Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, Ozark Police, and Opelika Police.

Before joining the Dunwoody Police Department, Officer J. Pollen worked for the Kennesaw Police Department. He has also worked for the Cobb County Police Department and served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

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At approximately 6:30 p.m. on April 11, there was an active street takeover at the intersection

but were unable to make any arrests. The investigation is

Response to street takeover puts DeKalb 911 in spotlight

By DAN WHISENHUNT dan@appenmedia.com

CHAMBLEE, Ga. — A DeKalb County resident had an unsettling experience on Saturday, April 11.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., he called 911 to report an active street takeover at the intersection of Chamblee Tucker and Alton roads.

“There were individuals brandishing assault rifles,” Matt said. “The call was not answered. After the call, I received a text from DeKalb County asking if I wanted a callback.”

He immediately responded “yes,” but it took him more than an hour to get a callback.

“This was an active situation, not a non-urgent issue, and there was effectively no emergency response available,” he said.

Matt asked that his last name not be used in this article.

Police did respond to the incident, but no arrests were made, according to Director of Public Safety Darnell Fullum.

“I confirmed that [police] responded to the incident, but by the time they arrived, the suspects had already left,” Fullum said. “Preliminary findings show that E-911 call volume spiked during this period due to a surge of similar calls and possibly other incidents across the county.”

He said the county is still investigating and working to identify people involved in the takeover.

Matt shared his experience on

Reddit, where numerous people chimed in with similar experiences involving the county’s 911 services. Slow response times have been a problem with the county’s 911 service for years.

The county has invested $8 million in E-911 upgrades, $2 million for a Real Time Crime Center, and is considering spending $18.9 million on a digital surveillance strategy. County officials say response times are improving, but admit it’s a work in progress.

“We are taking direct steps to improve outcomes,” Fullum said. “E911 is implementing new technology that will help filter calls related to the same incident. Additionally, we are developing strategies to further enhance our technology to address this ongoing issue, which requires significant resources.”

Fullum called Matt and learned that he had hung up after waiting for an operator to answer, prompting a text message. He got a return call, but much later than expected. He said it’s important for 911 callers to stay on the phone, if possible.

“We need assistance to educate our public that hanging up a 911 call places them at the back of the queue,” he said. “Every disconnected 911 call will receive a text message asking them if they still need assistance, or an operator will call them back, which can further exacerbate the workload.”

Matt said he appreciated Fullum’s call and that he understands the problem will take time to fix.

“It’s a tough situation, multifaceted, and it sounds like they are taking steps to alleviate the situation,” he said. “I expected it’s not going to be fixed in a day, certainly, but glad to hear that they’re making strides.”

“John’s background across both community and government roles makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position,” Jack Misiura, board chair of the Sandy Springs Conservancy, said in a news release. “He brings the passion and drive of a community advocate for parks, paths and green space, along with the expertise to collaborate with local government and partners to deliver meaningful, lasting impact for our citizens.”

Maximuk and the board of the Conservancy are focused on building on its strong foundation and expanding its impact in more visible ways as it celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, Misiura said.

The organization has helped raise more than $1 million for parks and green space and partnered with the city of Sandy Springs to advance projects including Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Abernathy Greenway, Lost Corner Nature Preserve and the first segment of the Springway, he said.

The Conservancy will continue to advance new Springway segments, connect to Path400, and improve safe access to the Chattahoochee River and strengthen connectivity, quality of life and economic value across Sandy Springs, Misiura said.

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TALK BACK TO THE CRIER

Is anywhere safe? A Dunwoody answer

A recent Wall Street Journal article asked a question that should give all of us pause: Is anywhere safe?

It was not asked in the abstract. It was asked by Jewish families around the world in response to a rising tide of antisemitism, violence and fear. It is a question shaped by history, but it is now being asked in the present tense.

And that makes it our concern here in Dunwoody. Because this is not someone else’s story. It is our story.

Dunwoody is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Georgia. We have three synagogues in or near our city. We have a Jewish Community Center that serves as a gathering place for families, education and culture. Our mayor is Jewish. Two of my next-door neighbors are Jewish.

These are not statistics. These are relationships. They are the fabric of who we are.

So when Jewish communities begin to ask, “Is anywhere safe?” the answer must begin locally. It must begin with us. And I believe Dunwoody has an answer. It is not found in policy statements or security measures alone. Those matter, but they are not enough. The real answer lies in something deeper and more en-

PROVIDED

Synagoga and Ecclesia in Our Time, at Marist School is a symbol of dialogue and shared understanding, one figure reading the Torah and the other the Bible, framed by daffodils that signal renewal and hope.

during: relationship. Not tolerance. Not coexistence. Relationship. That is what interfaith dialogue is all about.

At Marist School, there is a sculpture that captures this idea in a way words alone cannot.

The statue shows two women, one representing Judaism and the other Christianity, seated together in conversation. For centuries, these figures were depicted in opposition. Here, they are presented as equals, engaged in dialogue.

Through my work with the Bearing

TALK BACK TO THE CRIER: You talk, we listen. The Crier is parking the Talk Back section at the front of the paper for the foreseeable future. Send your letters to newsroom@appenmedia.com by Sunday night and they’ll end up here that week. Park locations, tree-lined medians and backyard chickens welcome.

Rules of engagement:

• Typically we restrict letters to 300 words. To limit fury from the copy desk, try and stay below that line.

• We normally do not publish letters written in response to other letters. We are going to waive that policy for the time being.

• We won’t publish your letter or name without explicitly getting your approval.

Witness Institute, I have seen firsthand what happens when people of different faiths come together not to debate, but to listen. Not to win an argument, but to understand a neighbor.

That spirit of dialogue is not new to Dunwoody. At one time, our local clergy

DRIVEWAYS

modeled it in a simple but meaningful way. Our pastor at the time, Monsignor Kiernan, hosted a monthly luncheon that brought together Christian ministers and Jewish rabbis, not for debate, but for conversation and fellowship. It was a quiet but powerful example of how relationships are built, one conversation at a time. It is the kind of tradition worth renewing.

It changes things. It breaks down barriers. It builds trust. Trust is what makes a community feel safe. If one part of our community feels unsafe, then we all should feel unsettled. Because safety is not something we declare. It is something we build together.

The question raised in the Wall Street Journal is a serious one. But here in Dunwoody, we have an opportunity to answer it in a different way.

We can show that a community rooted in respect, understanding, and genuine relationship can be a place where people do feel safe.

That is the Dunwoody I believe in. And that is the Dunwoody we must continue to build!

Connect-It

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

PLAYING AROUND

1. Play participant. Domestic. River feature.

2. Glue. Play venue. Lock name. 3. Smooth-talking. Play items. Large flying machine.

4. Garbage hauler. Jezebel’s idol. Play brighteners.

5. Lioness of film. Eagle’s residence. Play’s line to the audience.

6. Play genre. Biting. Shakespeare’s stream.

7. Chess piece. Stumble. Play necessity.

Playing Around

1 Play participant. Domestic. River feature

2. Glue. Play venue. Lock name

How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

3. Smooth-talking. Play items. Large flying machine

4. Garbage hauler. Jezebel’s idol. Play brighteners.

5. Lioness of film. Eagle’s residence. Play’s line to the audience

6. Play genre. Biting. Shakespeare’s stream 7. Chess piece. Stumble. Play necessity

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

PAST TENSE

Early Longview subdivision became part of Huntley Hills

Post World War II development included the construction of the Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac Assembly Plant in Doraville, later known as the General Motors Assembly Plant. The first automobiles were produced and shipped in 1947. This led to a need for better roads in the area and more housing for employees. There was already a housing shortage in the Atlanta area as soldiers returned home following the war.

Soon there were more industries in Chamblee including U.S. Envelope, Boyle Midway, General Electric, EastmanKodak and Westinghouse. The population of Chamblee tripled between 1940 and 1960.

In 1949, development in the surrounding area included the extension and paving of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and plans for Longview subdivision. The initial subdivision plan included over 2,000 homes on both sides of North Peachtree Road, extending into what is now Dunwoody. Ten years went by before construction of homes in Longview began. (“A History of the Longview Development,1958-1962,” by Ellen Rankin)

Longview plats were first filed in 1955 by the Long Corporation, Inc. Early plats included plans for an elementary school and construction of Chamblee Plaza. Revisions to the subdivision plats were made in 1957, 1958 and 1960. The first construction permits were for four houses, issued by the city of Chamblee in 1958.

Prior to Longview, the Long Corporation was known for building Darlington Apartments and the Howell House in Atlanta. The company began in 1914. Earle E. Long was vice president and manager of Long Contracting Company. He built his own home at 3659 Greenhill Drive, living there until 1963. Then, he moved to 3769 Longview Drive before leaving the area permanently when the company no longer planned to complete the development.

Home construction began in 1958 with 35 floorplans and 70 exterior finishes. The first homes of Longview were described as 1,150 square feet, six rooms with a lot size of 100’ by 150’. Prices ranged between $17,000 and $19,975. Long Corporation offered a “no down payment plan” to buyers. (Atlanta Journal, June 30, 1959, Longview ad)

According to “A History of the Longview Development, “The Longview developer and architect customized plans with specific features, including outdoor living and sunlit areas, adaptions for hilly terrain, sloping lots, corner lots and triangular lots.” The one-level ranch home kept home prices lower yet also showed off the newest appliances and features available. It appealed to young families.

Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, today’s Peachtree Boulevard, was completed in 1958. Another change to the area was the closing of Naval Air Station Atlanta and opening of DeKalbPeachtree Airport. Chamblee Plaza opened in November 1960.

When the construction of the Atlanta Circumferential Highway (Perimeter I-285) began in 1959, the section of Longview that would be in Dunwoody was separated by the highway. That part

of the project was abandoned and sold off.

Edwards Engineering Corporation purchased the remaining property in 1962. They began developing the remaining lots in 1963 and renamed the subdivision Huntley Hills. The entrance was located where Longview Drive meets Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The sales office was located on Longview across from Chamblee Plaza. (Atlanta Journal, Subdivision Developing as “Total Community,” July 22, 1962)

Huntley Hills was advertised as a “total community,” with a recreation area including a large pool. The 1962 plan included a future school and church. Homes featured in Huntley Hills were

PET OF THE WEEK

BARONESS

split-levels and modified colonial homes in addition to the ranch style home.

The neighborhood was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 13, 2017, as Longview-Huntley Hills Historic District. The areas of significance are identified as community planning and development architecture.

Thank you to Ellen Rankin for sharing her research on the history of Longview subdivision.

Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

company? We have a solution. Meet Baroness, a pretty 5-year-old, 57 lb. gray and white cutie who’d love to accompany you. Volunteers say Baroness walks nicely on leash and she’s friendly and non-reactive to people and other dogs. She knows sit and takes treats gently. So now you can walk in style with Baroness by your side. You get your steps in, she gets a home. Everybody wins!

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the love and security that every shelter animal deserves! If you would like more information about Baroness or if you have questions about adopting, fostering or volunteering please email adoption@ dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165; all potential adopters will be screened to ensure Baroness goes to a good home.

Come visit Baroness and hundreds of other adoptable pets at DeKalb County Animal Services, 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30340.

Saints and Council set to open second restaurant at Perimeter Mall

DUNWOODY, Ga. — A new, upscale restaurant is coming to Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.

Atlanta-based Saints and Council, a popular spot in Midtown’s Colony Square, will open a second space on the mall’s property along Ashford Dunwoody Road near Lazy Dog. Construction is expected to begin in June and be completed by early 2027.

Saints and Council is a modern American restaurant known for its tech-enabled dining service that gives guests the ability to move freely between patio, lounge or table. Its signature beverages are popular, and the restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and a brunch service.

William Pitts, who opened the first Saints and Council at Colony Square in 2021, said he is excited to open a second restaurant in Dunwoody because he lives in the community.

“This location is especially meaningful to me because Perimeter Mall is essentially in my backyard, just about a mile away from where I live,” Pitts stated. “I’m deeply passionate about the community I call home and wanted to extend the brand here to serve my neighbors in a space that

feels familiar yet entirely its own.”

Saints and Council Perimeter Mall restaurant will span 8,000 square feet and feature a mid-century exterior design highlighted by a slate roof and heavy timber elements. Inside, vaulted interiors will be complemented by an outdoor patio and garden room with a fireplace open yearround.

Last year, Pitts founded restaurant group Spur Hospitality to include Saints and Council and the recently launched restaurant Cuevacía in Colony Square.

Chicago-based General Growth Properties owns Perimeter Mall. Regional Vice President of Leasing Julian Soto said Saints and Council will be a “strong addition” to the mall’s lineup of businesses.

“Our shopping center has long been established as a gathering place for millions of Atlantans, and bringing a local concept like Saints and Council only adds to that sense of community,” Soto said in a statement. “This will be a new, dynamic experience that our customers expect from us, and we look forward to welcoming them to Perimeter Mall.”

— Dyana Bagby

Importance of skin checks for mature skin

Brought to you by - Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven

As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.

Addressing skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures

Dermatologists can assist with a

variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.

In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin health and vitality.

How can dementia affect mobility?

Brought to you by – Mobility Plus Alpharetta

According to a 2023 study by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) each year, 40%-60% of individuals with advanced dementia fall. These falls further limit independence, participation in meaningful activities with friends and family, and general well-being. Read more to learn about the specific relationship between mobility and dementia.

Exercise Benefits: Research shows that exercise slows cognitive decline and improves emotional health. Maintaining physical strength can also prevent bedsores and limit pneumonia risk which both occur at higher rates in those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Guided group activities like Tai Chi can strengthen fine muscle groups and improve balance while also calming the mind.

Increased Independence: A 2022 study of 1,400 Medicare beneficiaries with dementia showed that regular movement and exercise improved ease of completing ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living).

Proper Mobility and Assistive Equipment: Cognitive function must be considered when purchasing assistive items such as lift recliners, rollators, power wheelchairs and mobility scooters. For example, lift recliners range in size and complexity. Someone living with cognitive impairment needs a simple remote control that limits choices. Addi-

tionally, the lift recliner must be properly sized to mitigate fall risk. Because brain changes can impact gross motor skills and coordination, an improperly fitted chair can increase fall risk.

This same principle applies to powered mobility items. A trained mobility expert can assess the user to determine their ability to understand the joystick or paddle-style controls of the powerchair or scooter. Certain scooter and power wheelchair models can be reprogrammed (by an authorized dealer) to limit speed. This adjustment can keep your loved one safe...but still mobile!

Easy Ways to Move More: Join a group class specifically for those experiencing cognitive impairment! Here are a few choices for in-person classes in the Atlanta area as well as some virtual options:

• The Center for Movement Challenges

• JF&CS Brain Health Boot Camp

• The Alzheimer's Foundation Online Virtual Activities

• University of Wisconsin Alzheimer's Research Center Online

At Mobility Plus Alpharetta, we sell and install a variety of mobility and fall prevention devices such as grab bars, scooters, wheelchairs, rollators, lift recliners, shower chairs and more! Call us today at 470-545-1827 to schedule your in-home grab bar evaluation, or visit us Mon-Fri 10- 5pm and Sat. 9-1pm in our Alpharetta showroom!

Cube Against Cancer draws speedcubers

By DEAN HESSE decaturish@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Solving a Rubik’s Cube challenges most people, but a growing community of puzzlers doesn’t just solve them. They work to solve them as quickly as possible, achieving personal bests while pursuing world records.

The speedcuber community attended the Cube Against Cancer competition in Roswell on Saturday, April 11. More than 100 competitors filled the Gravity Ballroom at the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art. Competitions follow strict World Cube Association rules to ensure fairness. The WCA is the official nonprofit body that organizes speedcubing competitions, sets rules and maintains world records for solving the twisty puzzles.

The competition is supported by Southeast Cubing Inc., the official organization for speedcubing in the Southeast.

The all-ages event was held in collaboration with Ethan’s Ohana, a Missouri City, Texas-based nonprofit established in memory of Ethan Perry. Perry died from cancer in 2021 at age 12. He learned to solve a cube while hospitalized and became obsessed with the hobby. Solving the puzzle brought him comfort during treatment. At the Cube Against Cancer event, competitors were asked to bring at least one unopened cube or STEM-related toy to donate to a pediatric cancer patient.

The supportive atmosphere was easy to spot. Between rounds, young cubers practiced at tables or tucked into quiet corners, fingers flying over puzzles with the focus of seasoned professionals. Cubing is an inclusive hobby that appeals to all ages and abilities. The goal of each competition is to solve cubes as quickly as possible. The cubers with the best average solves advance to the next rounds of the competition. While most people are familiar with the traditional 3x3 Rubik’s Cube, the speedcubing community focuses on other puzzles, including the simpler 2x2 and the more complex 6x6. There are other more novel puzzles like clock, where competitors work quickly to adjust the dials on multiple clock faces.

Some cubers move so quickly that the cube’s colors become a kaleidoscopic blur in their fingers. The winner of the three-by-three event, Caleb Chen, recorded a 5.3-second solve.

Silas Skinner, 11, of Marietta, was competing for the first time.

“I’m trying to get faster times and

get new records for myself,” he said.

His mother, Melissa, appreciated how well-organized the event was and was glad that Silas got to judge other competitors. Beginners are often expected to learn to judge to help the event run smoothly.

Shirley Adams was there, cheering on her grandson Levi Adams, 13, capturing every round on video.

“My biggest joy is just watching him have fun — it’s not just all about the cubing, it’s about the interaction,” she said. Adams playfully dubbed herself and her husband the “cubing chauffeurs.”

Austin Currey, 10, has been cubing for two years and said it’s really fun for him. Havish Chittanoori and Karun Rao, both 8, were all smiles between rounds, sitting with their families and a collection of cubes spread out on the table. Both said the event is a fun way to meet and make new friends.

For event organizer Rohan Raj, the appeal is simple.

“Anything cubing is just a great thing. It’s a great community, with great people, so it’s just been a great thing to happen in my life,” he said.

For more information, visit cubeagainstcancer.org.

Sandy Springs purges all police reports from public portal

By CARL APPEN carl@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs has taken steps to remove information about public safety from its online resident dashboard.

For years the city has used Police to Citizen, a web tool from software firm CentralSquare, to make accident and police incidents available to the public. Other agencies across Metro Atlanta use the same platform, including Roswell and Johns Creek.

The portal is designed to allow users to search and access reports online, according to the Sandy Springs Police website. The page flags the tool as its, “Most Popular Service,” for citizens.

Until this month, residents could click on incidents to read when and

where they happened, along with what crime category was involved. That option is now disabled.

Today, users see a pop-up that states, “After searching for Reports on this site, you can request a copy of an Incident or Accident Report by using the Open Records Request link on the Home page or by clicking Open Records Request.”

A Sandy Springs Police spokesperson said command staff made the decision.

was processed under the 287(g) program.

“The change was made to better protect victims and prevent legally protected information from being publicly displayed,” he told Appen Media.

The newspaper has previously reported deficiencies with the portal.

Sandy Springs first removed the option to search and retrieve incident reports in 2023.

Emails between the city’s police records clerks and CentralSquare, obtained by Appen Media, described the

shift as an “upgrade.”

The portal later began showing incidents again, but the attached reports were truncated, listing only barebones information about when and where an incident took place. Following the changes earlier this month, even those sparse reports are no longer available.

Appen has also previously reported that the site does not show all incidents that take place.

Two men are in custody following a shooting death that allegedly took place at a Sandy Springs apartment complex April 14. As of April 16, that reported incident is not listed on the city’s Police2Citizen portal. If residents were relying on the public dashboard for safety information, they would not know the event took place.

Rios is being held at the Folkston ICE Processing Center near Brunswick, five hours southwest of Dunwoody.

Local officials involved in the case said they were following the law.

According to DeKalb County arrest records, Dunwoody police arrested Rios during a traffic stop.

The City of Dunwoody said its role in the case was limited to Rios’ arrest and transportation to the county jail.

“He was taken to the DeKalb County Jail for processing,” a city spokesperson said. “That was the end of the Dunwoody Police Department’s interaction with him.”

The program is federally enforced and is designed to identify and process undocumented immigrants with criminal or pending criminal charges, who are arrested by state or local law enforcement agencies.

Rios posted bond March 29 and was released at 6:19 p.m. from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said they are no longer involved with the case, and said Rios was released into ICE custody on an “immigration detainer notice” after being bonded out.

Customs Enforcement Division of the Department of Homeland Security (ICE),” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said.

According to Cornejo, Rios and his mother sought asylum due to her domestic violence situation with her partner and had to leave quickly, causing her to miss important legal notices.

Rios’ arrest was first reported by Telemundo Atlanta, and the news spread across social media last week.

county’s educational environment.

Meanwhile, the DeKalb County Commission failed to make a similar affirmation after withdrawing a resolution to condemn ICE raids.

“I told her, ‘Listen, I know that lawyers don’t want to touch this case with a 10-foot pole, but the other option is for you to just abandon your son, and he’ll be taken from one facility to another for six months, and then he’ll be removed,’” Cornejo said. “At least we can fight, so we’re going to do our best knowing that it’s going to be difficult.” Continued from Page 1

At the DeKalb County Jail, Rios

“The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office complies with procedures set forth in H.B. 1105 regarding individuals who are arrested by local law enforcement agencies and subsequently released to the custody of the United States Immigration and

The case comes as local officials struggle to address community concerns about increased ICE activity without provoking the ire of the Trump administration.

In February, the DeKalb County School District passed a resolution reaffirming that every child, regardless of immigration status, national origin, or the status of their parents or caregivers, has full access to the

Cornejo said his mother described him as a “charismatic and happy-golucky” kid who made the mistake of driving without a license. He said the case is difficult, but he hopes that taking it will educate the community about the process. He promised Rios’ mom he would do everything he could to keep her son from being deported.

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Support Local News Join Appen Press Club

MEMBER (CONT.)

Julie Martin

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THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

Cindy Nolan North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc.

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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

Janet Sandberg

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THE APPEN PRESS CLUB

One solution is the creation of a membership driven organization called the Appen Press Club that is dedicated to recruiting people and companies to join as members. Members pay recurring monthly or annual dues that are 100% dedicated to sustainable journalism. By providing predictable revenue, Appen Press Club members and partners help fund the salaries and expenses of local reporters who will no longer be subject to the whims of marketing budgets and an ever changing advertising world. In turn, those reporters will provide the readers they serve with highly researched and qualified journalism focused on subjects that directly affect their quality of life.

To join go to appenmedia.com/join and follow the prompts to select your membership level and select your t-shirt size! Questions? Email Hans Appen at hans@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

Scan QR code to join the Appen Press Club

ServiceNow Business Analyst (Norcross, GA) to analyze, dsgn, test, support, maintain & validate various s/ware & info systems; recommend system modifications, upgrades or process improvements based on business needs. Req: Bach’s deg (or foreign equiv.) in Comp Sci/Engg, or a rltd field of study; 2 yrs of job-rltd exp (any title). Exp to incl working w/Jira, Remedy, ServiceNow, ITSM/ ITOM, ITIL process, Scrum, Agile System Dvlpmt Life Cycle, Integrate tools & System administrator. Frequent travel/relocation to various unanticipated locations w/in the U.S. possible. The anticipated frequency of travel is approximately 5% of the time & is intermittent in nature. No permanent relocation is reqd. Resume: HR, AgileSoft, Inc., 5425 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste 255, Norcross, GA 30092. Refer: GASM25.

To place a classified ad, email classifieds@appenmedia.com. Deadline is Thursdays by 3pm

Production Engineer. INTECO PTI LLC, Tucker, GA. Eval manufacturing, delivery, cust exp, or other systs & idntfy ways to improve productivity & quality. Collect data on processes & prod’n thru observations of work activities, time studies, & staff surveys. Anlyz data to idntfy trends & areas for improvement. Dsgn processes, systs, or enhancements to max productivity, efficiency, or space. Collab w/ other depts to dvlp & implmnt recommendations for improving productivity or performance. Present anlys & recommendations to mgmt & other stakeholders. Req Bachelor’s deg Industrial Engrs & 2 yrs exp in job offered. $72,488/ yr. Send resume to: Trent.travers@intecopti.com.

Part-Time

YOUTH DIRECTOR (Part-Time) Alpharetta Presbyterian Church — Alpharetta, GA

APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place.

To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.

Part-Time Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Thrift Shop Associate

NFCC is looking for a part-time Bi-lingual (Spanish/ English) Thrift Shop Associate to join our team. In this role, you’ll deliver exceptional customer service while handling cash register transactions, managing our client clothing program, and keeping merchandise neat, clean, and organized. Above all, we’re looking for someone with a warm, welcoming presence who treats every shopper with dignity and compassion.

The schedule is Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:30am–5:30pm, Tuesdays 4:30pm–8:30pm, and one Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm per month.

If you’re passionate about serving your community and connecting with people in both English and Spanish, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org.