Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA— The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is going green with an electric bus pilot program. The 40-foot Proterra Catalyst bus is on loan to MARTA as the authority explores cleaner transportation options. MARTA’s General Manager/CEO Keith Parker will lead a tour of the new electric bus on March 17 at 10 a.m. at the Authority’s headquarters. Currently, MARTA’s bus fleet is inclusive of both diesel, hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. “MARTA continues to consider options to diversify our fleet by testing a range of alternative fuel innovations to greatly reduce our overall carbon footprint while…

Today, Stonecrest mayoral candidate Jason Lary released his tax returns, FICO score and the deed to his home during a noon news conference at This Is It restaurant on Panola Road in Lithonia. Lary said he held the meeting to address “financial issues” cited by opponents. He said releasing the documents to the public demonstrates his promise to be transparent and he challenged Charles Hill, Jr. and Douglas Favors II, who also are running for mayor, to do the same. Hill has questioned bankruptcies filed by Lary, stating his concerns that Lary would be responsible in handling taxpayers’ money.…

Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) named Toni Holmes, the District Community Development Coordinator. As the new director, she will oversee community development and public relations including the LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. The BOC unanimously confirmed Holmes for selection. She will begin her duties on March 15. Holmes has more than 20 years of experience in human resources, employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, labor relations, organization and personnel planning. She is the president and founder of WeAreHR, LLC. Holmes earned her Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. She previously worked in consulting roles with…

Congressman Hank Johnson today helped kick off the Georgia Free File programs to assist lower and moderate income taxpayers with their federal and state tax preparation. The online filing services were demonstrated at the Stonecrest Library. To learn more about Free File, visit www.irs.gov/freefile, the Georgia Department of Revenue (www.dor.georgia.gov) and search for “Free File Alliance” or www.taxprephelp.org. See the video here.

The Conyers Police Department has released a surveillance video and is asking for the public’s help in locating suspects who used stolen credit cards at Kroger and Krispy Kreme on Cascade Road and Best Buy in Snellville on Feb. 27 after breaking into cars at two LA Fitness locations. Contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta with your tips: 404 577-TIPS. You will remain anonymous and eligible for a CASH reward. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/M0p1ZBwKB88

Decide DeKalb Development Authority is recognizing Georgia Small Business Week (March 13-17) by highlighting five companies for their contributions to economic growth within DeKalb County. These businesses represent diverse industries—from game design to meal kit delivery service—with their own unique story to tell. Throughout this week, the Development Authority along with DeKalb County government will be celebrating small businesses through social media channels. Businesses and residents are encouraged to join in using the hashtag #DecideSmallBiz when posting to their accounts about local small businesses. Below is the list of companies honored: Gimmie Games: One of the world’s…

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 A group of supporters held a prayer vigil outside the DeKalb County Courthouse for Anthony Hill, the U.S. Air Force veteran who was shot to death by former DeKalb County Police Officer Robert Olsen. “He was not killed on foreign soil, he was killed right here in the United States,” said Amos King, who led the vigil and heads Justice for Veterans. “I can’t say why the officer pulled his revolver and shot Anthony Hill. There was no threat. Anthony Hill was unarmed.” The group of about 15 supporters gathered on March 9, commemorating the two-year anniversary of Hill’s murder.…

In his inaugural State of the County address, Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt expressed his desire to work more closely with stakeholders and outlined his vision to fight crime, deter blight and boost economic development. Nesbitt said while some of his goals are long-term, others could be accomplished immediately. Nesbitt announced, for example, that the county and the city of Conyers would jointly host job fair this spring and fall. Nesbitt said the collaboration came about after the Board of Commissioners accepted an invitation to attend the city’s planning retreat in January, a few weeks after he took office.…

The Southwest DeKalb High Tennis Panthers aced two of their most impressive serves off the court recently.  Members of the team spent two weekends performing community service projects that included packing care boxes for the needy and helping with a beautification project. The students worked with Atlanta’s Grace Fellowship in partnership with Hands on Atlanta’s Teen Service Saturday on Feb. 18. Twenty members of the tennis team sorted and packed donated clothing and food, and worked in the kitchen preparing meals for needy metro area families. On Feb. 25, 10 members of the team helped spruce up the nearby Hartwood…