Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved spending up to $500,000 for the preliminary design-build phase of an amphitheater at Rainbow Park on Rainbow Drive in South DeKalb. The outdoor facility will complement the existing Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Center and auditorium, also located on Rainbow Drive. The site was formerly part of the historic Mathis Dairy farm, which was well known for providing dairy tours to school children who milked Rosebud, the cow, during their visit. The farm was eventually sold in 1995 and residential subdivisions were built on most of the land. “This is an…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit located and arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a murder in Aiken, South Carolina. Tobias Thomas, 20, was arrested on June 15. Warrants issued on May 26 by the City of Aiken allege that Thomas shot Kalief C. Bey with a handgun on Brandt Court in Aiken, causing his death. DeKalb Sheriff’s investigators found Thomas in a residence near Decatur, Georgia and arrested him without incident.  He is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime. Thomas is being held at the DeKalb County Jail awaiting extradition…

The Decatur Arts Alliance seeks sculptures to be placed in five locations within walking distance of downtown Decatur as part of the ongoing Decatur Artway celebration of public art.  The sculptures are on view for two years and easily accessible to hundreds of people each month who come to Decatur to shop, dine, work, or attend the year-round calendar of events and festivals. In addition, the art and artists are featured on the Otocast App.  Selected artists will receive an honorarium of $2,000, and in addition, the artwork may be available for sale. All submissions should be professionally constructed of durable materials that will withstand the elements.  All durable outdoor media…

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs youth fall soccer registration is now open. Geared for youths ages 5-14, the soccer program focuses on skill development, fitness and team training drills. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Now” button or register in person at any recreation center. Registration is open until Aug. 5 and a birth certificate is required to complete registration. For more information, call the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Athletics Office at 770-414-2111. DeKalb County Recreation Centers Browns Mill Recreation Center: 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, GA 30038, (770) 492-5453 Exchange Recreation…

Rockdale County government’s Human Resources Department officially has a new name: the Department of Talent Management. The Board of Commissioners (BOC) unanimously approved an ordinance to rename the department at the June 13 board meeting. BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt said the new name represents “a fresh new approach” to taking care of the county’s employees. Nesbitt said the name change better reflects the county’s mission to not only recruit “world class” talent for job openings, but to provide training and career track guidance to those who desire to move up into other positions with the county. Toni Holmes, who was…

 FEATURED ITEM: “Thrilling Thursday” summer series at Conyers library offers kids big fun The next Nancy Guinn Memorial Library’s “Thrilling Thursday” summer series will feature “My Reptile Guys and their Fun Reptile Adventures” on June 22, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., in the lower level of the library, 864 Green St., Conyers. Take the kids to experience the thrill of a wild safari. Get up close and personal with exotic and beautiful reptiles during this adventure at the library. The program is free and requires no registration. Also, mark your calendar for the Thrilling Thursday events that will be held…

Hundreds of people showed up for the Monastery of the Holy Spirit’s eighth annual 5K in Conyers. This year, the monastery added an 8-mile endurance race to celebrate its eighth year hosting the race. Before the race, many attendees joined the monks for a 7 a.m. prayer and mass at Abbey Church, located on the monastery’s campus. Runners and walkers trekked through woodlands while enjoying the serene and peaceful landscape of the monastery. After the race, participants were greeted with free, hot pancakes. Runners and walkers came in all shapes, athletic capabilities, and sizes but Xavier Francis Ly was…

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Rockdale County is offering tours every month on the fourth Saturday from June 24-Oct. 28. Docents will guide visitors on a remarkable journey through a place filled with purpose as visitors discover the spiritual landscape where Trappist monks live, work and pray in a community cloistered from the outside world. Sponsored by the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, the two-hour tours will begin near the entrance to the Abbey Store. Participants will gain insight into the Abbey Church architecture and construction, marvel at hand-crafted stain glass and will be joined by a monk…

The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St., will feature Conyers criminal defense attorney Gary Washington in his seminar entitled “Act Like A Citizen, Think Like a Cop – Know Your Rights.” The seminar, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Thursday, June 22, 6 p.m., in the library’s meeting room (lower level). Washington will discuss encounters with police officers, how to respectfully address them and how to effectively assert your rights.  The seminar has been helpful for all ages especially our youth. For more information contact the Adult Services Department at 770- 388-5040, ext.…

Rockdale County has launched a youth cleanup crew to help pick up litter throughout the county this summer. The youths, who are working under adult supervision, are concentrating their efforts on residential communities. Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt said he welcomes the crew of young people. The youths, he said, are enhancing the county’s stepped-up efforts to clean up the county now that it has hired a code enforcement officer. Rockdale held a community-wide cleanup on June 10. Several county employees and department heads joined volunteers from the community to pick up trash. Photos from the event are…