Author: On Common Ground News

L-R  Diane Adoma (District 5), Jazzmin Cobble (District 3), Jimmy Clanton (District 1) Council approves adoption of new city charter Stonecrest City Councilmembers Jimmy Clanton (District 1), Jazzmin Cobble (District 3), and Diane Adoma (District 5) were sworn in for their first full term today during a special called City Council meeting. Municipal Judge Jonathan Weintraub administered the oath of office. The councilmembers were originally elected in the city’s first elections and runoffs in March and April 2017. In accordance with the city charter, half of the council had to run again in November of 2017. The remaining councilmembers and mayor…

By Valerie J. Morgan The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office this afternoon announced the arrest of Wendall Heath Tolbert, 51, of Coweta County in connection with the theft and vandalism of the Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial at Black Shoals Park. Tolbert was charged with felony theft and interference with government property, also a felony. Authorities said Tolbert is part of a team who stole two heavy, bronze statues and military emblems from the park, which is located at 3001 Black Shoals Road N.E. Authorities said they believe the heist took place over the weekend of Dec. 15. A park official…

Photo by Ceasar Gaiters Atlanta Mayor-Elect Keisha Lance Bottoms, city leaders sworn in today Keisha Lance Bottoms was sworn in on Jan. 2 as the 60th Mayor of the City of Atlanta, along with the Atlanta City Council President, Atlanta City Councilmembers and Atlanta Municipal Court Judges. The inauguration was held at 1 p.m. at the historic MLK Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College. Bottoms is only the second woman to be elected to the city’s highest office following Shirley Franklin. Bottoms defeated Mary Norwood in a Dec. 5 runoff, to succeed Kasim Reed. Congressman John Lewis, former U.S. Ambassador…

As the New Year begins, Commissioner Spencer R. Moore, Department of Driver Services (DDS), recommends checking the expiration date of your Georgia driver’s license or ID Card. “Please check the expiration date of your license or ID, and plan ahead if you are expiring in 2018. Not waiting until the last minute and knowing what to bring ensures a smooth experience if you must visit in person,” said Commissioner Moore.  “Best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy New Year.” Tips Check the expiration date on the right-hand side of your driver’s license or ID card.  Customers who have…

Rockdale County Elections Supervisor Cynthia Welch is reminding county residents that early voting is underway for the Jan. 9 Special Election to fill the Senate District 17 seat. Three candidates are running to fill the unexpired term of Rick Jeffares, who resigned: Phyllis Hatcher; Nelva Lee; Brian Strickland; and Ed Toney. The turnout has been extremely low so far (.60 percent). As of 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 29 UNOFFICIAL COUNT – EARLY VOTING TURNOUT (12,250 Eligible Active Voters for Rockdale Only) 5 Early Voting Days Remain VOTE CENTER   TOTAL VOTING IN-PERSON 72 MAIL BALLOTS ISSUED …

Barbara Woods Lester, former Lithonia City Councilwoman and a lifelong resident of the city of Lithonia, is celebrating her birthday today. Lester turned 82. Join State Rep. Doreen Carter and On Common Ground News in wishing her a happy birthday.

Down goes another one. The food court in North DeKalb Mall has lost one of its main restaurants—Wendy’s. According to Tomorrow’s News Today, a retail news website, Wendy’s restaurant closed Dec. 30. The 1,142-square-foot restaurant was the last national chain in the food court and had been a mall fixture for more than 25 years.

Source: WalletHub If you’ve resolved to find a better job in 2018, economists say the outlook is promising. With the national unemployment rate at a 17-year low of 4.1 percent, hiring is up, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent jobs report says. The prospects are especially good for college graduates. Employers plan to hire 4 percent more college graduates from this year’s class of 2018, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. There is also good news for those seeking jobs in Atlanta. The city ranked No. 28 among 182 U.S. cities for “2018’s Best Places…

The Stonecrest City Council unanimously passed a $6.2 million operating budget for 2018 at a special call meeting on Dec. 27. Mayor Jason Lary said he is extremely pleased with the budget and praised the work of CH2M, the firm hired to oversee the operation of the newly-formed city during its infancy. “This is a pivotal point in our city’s history. We will finish 2017 with more than $100,000 in reserves after our debts have been paid. Next year our reserves will be far greater,” Lary said. The 2018 budget balances out with the city having $851,150 in its reserve…