Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May has issued a moratorium through the end of 2016 on the disconnection of residential water accounts that have been contested through the county’s Utility Customer Operations Center. May said he is taking steps in an abundance of caution because of the numerous complaints the county has received concerning the accuracy of water bills. “I have always said that one incorrect water bill is too many, and we have a number of issues that could factor into many errors on bills,” said Interim CEO Lee May.  “We must ensure that the process is accurate, and…

The DeKalb County School Board joined the growing list of school districts opposing Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed plan to allow the state to take over “chronically failing schools” in Georgia. In a meeting held Monday, Sept. 19, the DeKalb school board voted against the governor’s plan and issued a statement urging citizens to reject Deal’s plan. “After careful consideration, the DeKalb County Board of Education urges voters to vote NO on proposed Constitutional Amendment #1, the Opportunity School District amendment,” the School Board’s statement says. “Local control of education is a bedrock American principle. We strongly believe citizens whose taxes…

Nearly 100 children and adults with disabilities from around the Atlanta area and their families spent a recent Saturday afternoon riding ponies, climbing in a fire truck, playing miniature golf, singing to karaoke, playing games and more while eating snow cones, candy, and popcorn. The third annual Carnival for Children with Disabilities, sponsored by the youth ages 12-18 from the Conyers Georgia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held on Sept. 17 at the church building located at 1275 Flat Shoals Road, Conyers. They were assisted by members of the Heritage High School National Honor…

The Atlanta City Council has approved legislation legalizing and regulating pickups by rideshare companies such as Uber X and Lyft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The measure gives rideshare, taxi and limousine drivers the option of having fingerprint-based background checks or private background checks conducted. Companies that use private background checks would be subject to an additional per-ride security surcharge of $2.35 per ride, for a total surcharge of $3.85. Under the new system, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2017, the airport would charge a $1.50 fee per ride for pickups at the airport by ride-share services — the…

Atlanta rapper Carlos Walker, popularly known as “Shawty Lo,” died in a car crash early on Sept. 20 after leaving a nightclub. Fulton County police said the crash happened around 2:20 a.m. when the 2016 Audi that Walker was driving crashed over a guardrail, hit several trees and caught fire at the Cascade Road exit. Police said the 40-year-old rapper was ejected and died at the scene. Initially, the accident was thought to have been a hit-and-run, but was later confirmed as a single car accident. Two women in the car were injured and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.…

Kayla McGee, the 12-year-old daughter of Kevin and Attorney Dionne McGee, wanted to do something to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness this month. So the DeKalb County girl set a goal of raising $1,000 to support the CURE Childhood Cancer Foundation. Her mom, however, was happy to report to Facebook friends recently that Kayla surpassed her goal with donors giving more than $3,000 so far. With a few days left in September, she’s hoping more people will show their support. “She is still going strong….Thanks so much for all of the support,” Dionne McGee said in a Facebook post. Kayla was…

ATLANTA Georgia State University presents natural hair art exhibit   The Center for Collaborative and International Arts at Georgia State University will present a limited time exhibit entitled “The Hair Craft Project” opening Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Welch School Galleries, 10 Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta. The exhibition strives to bridge the boundaries between hair salons and art galleries as sites of aesthetics, craft, and skill. The exhibition, which runs through Nov. 11, explores hair as an indicator of race, social status, a symbol of age and authority, a statement of contemporary style, an object of beauty, and adornment.  The…

Sugunda Jackson is receiving kudos and positive feedback on her newly-released children’s book, “At the Fishing Hole.” An “elementary educator in Atlanta, Jackson recently visited Roddenberry Memorial Library in Grady County, where she read her book to a group of children. A native of Climax, Georgia, Jackson has strong ties with the Grady County community. Jackson’s life in the small Southern agricultural town of Climax inspired her to write about her childhood there. Weekends with her grandparents modeled the simplicity of life and the precious moments shared with her grandparents. Jackson says the book is a steppingstone to a movement…

MARTA is celebrating the second year of its Fresh MARTA Market with the opening of a market at the Five Points MARTA Station. “With the expansion of the Fresh MARTA Market concept, we can offer our customers an opportunity to shop for fresh produce without having to make an additional stop,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “Our partners at the USDA and the Atlanta Community Food Bank have helped us provide another great amenity to our customers.” The weekly pop-up markets will provide low-income customers access to fresh, healthy foods in transit accessible locations. In addition, customers will be…

Authorities say online dating may have played a role in the Sept. 1 shooting death of Jordan Collins, 23, and injuries to his brother at a home on Tunbridge Wells Crescent in Lithonia. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit said four suspects were arrested in the murder: Clarissa McGhee, 21, of McDonough; Nashae Poole, 21, of Hampton; Antonio Avery, 25, of Atlanta; and Demarco Butler, 27, of Jonesboro. Each is charged with murder and aggravated assault for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of Collins and the shooting injury of his brother, Chad Collins. All are being held in…