Author: On Common Ground News

Notaries Public have long been relied upon to deter fraud. The Notary process dates back to ancient Rome and continues to be a staple of personal, government and business transactions as a means to certify that the signatures are valid. Notarized documents are required for a wide range of legal filings and financial transactions. The proper performance of notarial duties is essential to the effective operations of government and commerce. As a Notary, you are exercising the sovereign authority delegated to you by the State of Georgia. Why do we need notaries? To deter document fraud. To ensure the integrity…

State Sen. Gloria Butler is partnering with Overcomers House Inc. to host the 9th annual “Back to School Giveaway” for residents of Gwinnett and DeKalb 
counties on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Overcomers House, Inc., 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., 2100 Fountain Square, Suite C, Snellville. “It will be a great event partnering with Overcomers House,” said Butler. “We’re supporting the community and children with their school needs. Going back to school is a stressful time for students of all ages and the fear of a new experience should not be made any harder because they do not feel prepared to…

Watchdogs for Justice (WFJ), a nonprofit organization established for the purpose of “Keeping Kids out of Prison” will conduct a free seminar on Aug. 12, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. Attorneys Clara King, Alis Hughes, Dana Harrell and juvenile advocates Frank Conwell, Derek & Daisy Graham, Deborah Young, and Wallace Ward will discuss a variety of topics in their efforts to keep our young people out of the system. The seminar will consist of interactive skits based on actual court cases. Most of the kids can relate to the…

DEKALB  Join Arabia Mountain for Junior Ranger Day Help your children discover the great outdoors. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is hosting Junior Ranger Day on Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Panola Mountain  State Park Nature Center, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. Kids will participate in hands-on activities where they’ll explore landscapes filled with amazing plants and creatures; learn about nature and history; and work together to protect parks. ctivities are geared toward children ages 8-12, although the entire family is welcome to attend. All Junior Rangers will earn a badge, special prizes and precious memories. Friends from…

The National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), DeKalb Chapter 380, will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 1 p.m., at Piccadilly Restaurant, The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. All active and retired federal employees, their spouses, and surviving spouses who are not currently a member of NARFE are welcome to attend the meeting to learn more about the benefits of NARFE. For more information, visit www.ganarfe.org or contact Chapter President Calvin Stevens, 404-288-3604.

In an effort to provide greater accessibility, the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will have an evening meeting in south Rockdale at Lorraine Elementary School. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., in South Rockdale at Lorraine Elementary School, 3343 East Fairview Road, SW, Stockbridge. This meeting is open to the public, and the public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Jennifer Rutledge, director of Legislative Affairs and County Clerk, at jennifer.rutledge@rockdalecountyga.gov.

The DeKalb County Youth Commission is accepting applications. Members of the Youth Commission discuss pressing youth issues with elected officials and community leaders and serve as spokespersons for youth in the community. The DeKalb County Youth Commission meets twice per month. Applicants must: Be a resident of the DeKalb County Be between 16-18 years of age in the 2017 -2018 academic year; Submit a completed application to the DeKalb County Office of Youth Services; Submit a Personal Statement to include hobbies, social and/or civic affiliations and extra-curricular activities Submit a Recommendation Letter from a Teacher, Counselor, Principal, Pastor/Religious Leader,…

A Conyers Police officer was dragged by a moving Ford pickup truck as he pursued three suspects who sped off after one of them tried to fill a fraudulent prescription at a drugstore. The officer was treated for abrasions, said Sgt. Kim Lucas. Police are asking for the public’s help in locating the men. The incident happened on Tuesday, Aug. 1, around 5:45 p.m., at Beasley’s Drugs, 933 Center St., Conyers. Officers responded to a call from the drugstore and approached the suspect inside. Lucas said the man bolted and jumped into a white 2015-2016 Ford F150 XLT. The officer…

The Conyers Police Department is seeking three suspects involved in the burglary of a liquor store. The suspects broke into Sigman Bottle Shop, 439 Sigman Road, on Aug. 1 about 6 a.m. The suspects smashed the front glass of the store by throwing a brick and swinging a sledge hammer through the door, police said. A 2004-2008 Ford F150 was used during the burglary. The vehicle has uniquely identifying features that include a lifted suspension, wheels and several decals. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspects may result in a cash reward of up to $2,000. Tipsters will…

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you turn your passion into a business. The Chamber is accepting registration for its 2017 Entrepreneurial Academy, which begins Monday, Sept. 11. The seven-week program offers essential information needed to start and run a successful business. “This entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business entrepreneur in mind. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who have been there, tried that, share their voices of experiences…