Author: On Common Ground News

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) continued his small business initiative on July 19 with another informational roundtable, which was held at the (e) station in Olde Town Conyers. The meeting was the second installment of the Advancement of the Small Business Community initiative, which launched in June with DeKalb County small business owners at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston. The roundtable in Conyers, conducted by Betty Mason from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Terri Denison of the Small Business Administration (SBA), offered information on federal and state resources available to assist small businesses. During the meeting, participants had…

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has elected DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, M.B.A., to its 2017-2018 Board of Directors. NACCHO is governed by a 24-member board that comprises local and tribal health officials who are elected by their peers. The Board also includes ex-officio members who represent the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Ford’s 2-year term as an at-large member began on July 1. As the governing body, the Board of Directors establishes NACCHO’s strategic direction and initiatives, sets the annual legislative agenda, approves official statements…

Ninety-four physicians on the DeKalb Medical staff were named “Top Doctors” in the July issue of Atlanta magazine. Dawn Mandeville, MD of Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology in Decatur, was featured on one of the magazine’s four covers. “I feel very fortunate to be recognized for doing something that I love,” said Mandeville, pictured left with Catherine Bonk, MD, also from Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Our medical staff has been well- represented on this list in the past,” said Bob Wilson, President and CEO, DeKalb Medical, “but this year, we have 94 doctors recognized by other doctors, here and around the…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Jabari Simama was honored recently by the Atlanta Business League (ABL) as one of Atlanta’s Men of Influence for 2017. For many years, the ABL has recognized business owners, professionals, community and civic leaders throughout the entire Metropolitan Atlanta area for their accomplishments. The official introduction of the 2017 Men of Influence and announcement ceremony was held July 11 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Simama was selected for the honor because of his work in education, government, leadership, technology and community development,said Leona Barr-Davenport, ABL’s president and CEO. “Dr. Simama never met a problem that…

There will be a Special Called Meeting of the City of Stonecrest, Monday, July 24, at 6 p.m. in the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Georgia for the following: Review and Approval of the Tax Anticipation Note Proposals Amendment to the Hotel, Motel Tax Ordinance Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control Ordinance- First Read Discussion on the Role of City Council Members

The beating of a homeless woman by a DeKalb police officer has prompted law enforcement officials in metro Atlanta/Fulton County and faith leaders to come to the table and talk. A luncheon meeting is planned for Thursday, July 20, at noon at the historic Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, in Buckhead to discuss ways to improve relations fighting crime and preventing a negative encounters between officers and citizens, the Rev. Markel Hutchinson said in a press release. Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson, Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields and the police chiefs of each of the other 13…

DECATUR—The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit, in cooperation with the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshal’s Office, have arrested 26-year-old Samuel M. Alexander of East Point as a suspect in a shooting death on July 7, 2017. Warrants were issued on July 8, 2017 alleging that Alexander fatally shot Adrian Anderson while in a physical struggle that took place during commission of an armed robbery on Covington Highway in Decatur. Alexander is charged with murder and armed robbery. Alexander was arrested at a residence in East Point and transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident.

As the county experiences a rise in temperatures during the summer, DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) offers advice to stay cool throughout the season. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1999 and 2009, an average of 658 people died each year due to heat in the United States. Older adults, the very young and people with mental illnesses or chronic diseases are at highest risk. Below are some tips to stay safe in the heat this summer: Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Residents without air conditioning should go to…

In case you haven’t heard, this entire week, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) and law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Georgia are teaming up with their counterparts in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee in “Operation Southern Shield,” a week-long speed prevention and enforcement initiative in each of their respective states on interstates, major highways and local roads. If you’re speeding over the limit, you could face fines under the Super Speeder law. Georgia’s “Super Speeder Law” defines a Super Speeder as a driver convicted of speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane…

The Georgia Department of Education released income guidelines for free and reduced price meals for the 2017-18 school year. The Georgia Department of Education has announced its guidelines for free and reduced-price meals for the 2017-18 school year. The free and reduced-price meal option is available for families who are financially unable to consistently pay a full price for lunch for their children. Application forms have been sent to homes with a letter to parents and guardians detailing the requirements to qualify for the programs. To apply, households should fill out the applications and return them to the school. For…