Author: On Common Ground News

Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Amonzon.com Inc. will create more than 500 full-time jobs at a new fulfillment center in Macon-Bibb County. This will be Amazon’s fourth fulfillment center in the state. “Amazon’s continued investment in our state speaks to our dedication to improve, expand and modernize Georgia’s logistics and distribution network,” said Deal. “As a top national distribution hub, suppliers can reach 80 percent of the U.S. population from Georgia in just a 2-day truck drive or a 2-hour flight. Our robust technology network and world-class logistics infrastructure have been immeasurably beneficial in attracting new business to…

DeKalb County Fire Rescue is mourning the passing of Senior Firefighter Brannon “BC” Davis of Fire Station 22B. The Fire Chief’s Office was notified that he succumbed to injuries sustained in a fatal vehicle accident Friday morning in Meriwether County. SFF Brandon “BC” Davis also worked at Meriwether County Fire Rescue full time. He was revered by everyone as a good-natured soul who never seemed to have a bad day. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.  The Department asks that the Davis family and friends are remembered in your thoughts and prayers.

Updated story FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is hiring Georgia residents to assist in the disaster recovery effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The agency is seeking people with a general background in construction to fill more than 50 temporary positions in Albany, Brunswick, Savannah and Warner Robins. These Public Assistance Site Inspectors will validate disaster damage and collect detailed information on damaged public facilities. Those who are current residents of Georgia may visit www.employgeorgia.com/jobseekers, create a profile and enter the position title or send a resume to: FEMA-DR4338GA-LocalHires@fema.dhs.gov and list the job title and location of the position…

Former DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson was sentenced to 12 months probation, after pleading guilty to misappropriating about $3,000 in county funds intended for business travel. Watson, 63, was supposed to start his pre-trial on Oct. 25 but entered the plea instead. He was sentenced to 12 months probation as a first-time offender, rather than as a felon. Watson’s attorney, Robert James, said he and Watson were pleased with DeKalb Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson’s ruling. “Our intention was never to escape accountability. We wanted him to be treated fairly as others in similar situations,” said James, DeKalb County’s former…

With the countdown drawing near for Election Day on Nov. 7, the City of Conyers’ mayor’s race has intensified. The Conyers Housing Authority has informed the public in a Facebook post that there is no truth to an allegation that residents would be evicted, if they didn’t vote for mayoral candidate Ronnie Godwin. Executive Director Gary Erwin said on the Housing Authority’s Facebook page that a disgruntled former employee of the Housing Authority allegedly made the statement. “The Conyers Housing Authority does not have any such intentions. The Conyers Housing Authority cannot remove any of its residents without cause, but…

Amazon, Georgia snagged the top spot for the “most creative” proposals that have caught the attention of the national network, Headline News. In a recent interview with “On The Story’s” Erica Hill, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary discussed his city’s proposal to name a portion of the new municipality, Amazon, Georgia as a way to lure the tech giant to build its second headquarters, HQ2, in the city of 53,000 residents. Lary told Hill that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos would create an “eternal brand” and become “the first corporate mayor ever in the history of the world,” if the city is…

Operation Clean Sweep’s Phase I will culminate on Saturday, Nov. 4, when DeKalb county crews hit South Hairston Road, between Rockbridge Road and Covington Highway, to remove litter, grass and dirt embedded along curbs. To date, Operation Clean Sweep crews have removed 391 tons of debris, 1,685 bags of loose litter and 51 piles of illegally-dumped material. Operation Clean Sweep kicked off March 11 after the DeKalb Board of Commissioners approved the 2017 budget, which included $2.6 million that CEO Michael Thurmond reallocated to fund the project. Prior to the initiative, DeKalb had not engaged in countywide roadway-drain debris…

In an effort to make room for Restoration Storehouse, Rockdale County Government is holding a public surplus day on Friday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Government Annex Building at 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The County will be offering surplus equipment including office furniture, electronic devices, etc. for low prices. All items will be available for pickup on site and must be removed by 3 p.m. on the day of sale. Those who plan to make purchases should have a vehicle they can load. Transactions can be made by cash, cashier’s check or money orders only. Checks…

Conyers Police is seeking the public’s help in finding a black male suspected of murder. Investigators have released a sketch of the suspect. On Sunday, Oct. 22, at noon, Richard “ATL” Green was shot and killed inside a residence on Pinedale Circle in Conyers. The shooter is described as a tall slender black male with a “box” style haircut and a gap in his front teeth.  He was observed fleeing the location on foot.  A GBI artist rendering of the suspect is provided below. Anyone with information regarding this murder is asked to contact Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or 404 577-TIPS. …

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs’ annual canned food drive to combat local hunger will begin on Oct. 30. The food drive, which has been held for 10 years, encourages residents to donate nonperishable food items at select county locations until Nov. 17. Donations will be given to families in need who participate in park programs. Food donation collection sites: Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, 1st floor, Decatur Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta Hamilton Recreation Center,…