Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry is hosting “Passport Day in the USA,” a special event on this Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. Appointments are not necessary when applying in the Clerk’s Office. You may apply for a passport for routine or expedited service. The DeKalb Superior Clerk, along with hundreds of local acceptance facilities around the county are joining the Department of State in celebrating Passport Day in the USA 2017, national passport acceptance and outreach event. U.S. citizens mus present a valid…

MARTA will roll out three new bus routes and modify 32 existing routes beginning Saturday, Dec. 9. The MARTA Board of Directors adopted the route additions and adjustments to improve on-time performance and provide more direct service. New Routes: Route 40: Peachtree Street/Downtown: Route 40 creates a link between West End Station and Arts Center Station. The route will travel on Lee Street, Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, McDaniel Street, Whitehall Street, Peachtree Street and 15th Street. Details: Operates every 30 minutes, seven days a week Relieves congestion at Five Points Station Creates new bus connection between West End Station and…

Funeral services will be held Friday for Marcus L. Reese, co-founder and principal of CERM.

Rockdale County invites the public to escape the winter weather and share in the warm spirit of the holidays at its annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers.   Festivities begin with the Hometown Holiday parade at 4 p.m. Doors open for the Tree Lighting Celebration immediately after the parade at 5 p.m. The pre-show will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the main event begins around 6 p.m.   The county encourages citizens of all ages to attend this free, public event.   This year’s theme, “My Favorite Christmas Movie,” will…

As state lawmakers prepare to convene for the 2018 Georgia General Assembly session on Jan. 8, the DeKalb Delegation is hosting a series of community meetings. State Rep. Howard Mosby, who chairs the DeKalb House Delegation, said the meetings will provide an opportunity for legislators to share updates, answer questions and receive input from the community on issues and concerns. It’s really a listening session to hear from constituents,” said State Rep. Howard Mosby, who chairs the DeKalb Delegation. “We expect that we’ll be dealing with Emory’s annexation into Atlanta, cityhood of Greenhaven, transportation and MARTA. Also, the ethics bill…

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced today that a new sculpture honoring champion boxer Evander Holyfield will be placed in front of the Flatiron Building in Downtown Atlanta. The nine-foot bronze sculpture, by master sculptor Brian Hanlon, will be installed on the site in early 2018. The new work honors Holyfield’s achievements, and will remind viewers of his contributions to the sport of boxing and the City of Atlanta’s proud legacy of athletic achievement. Holyfield was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2017, his first year of eligibility. “I am proud to announce that the City of…

DECATUR–Flightway Drive will be closed to through-traffic on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., from Corsair Drive to Hardee Avenue, due to filming.      Road closure signs will be in the area alerting motorists to local traffic restrictions. For more information, contact the DeKalb County Roads and Drainage Department at 404-294-2878.

Rockdale County invites the public to share in the warm spirit of the holidays at its annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers. Festivities begin with the Hometown Holiday parade at 4 p.m. Doors open for the Tree Lighting Celebration immediately after the parade at 5 p.m. The pre-show will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the main event begins around 6 p.m. This year’s theme, “My Favorite Christmas Movie,” will feature recording artist Derrick Monk performing alongside local church and student choirs singing a medley of Christmas favorites, and a…

The Conyers Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding the suspect who is pictured. The man shown was involved in a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts of vehicles at multiple locations in Conyers and Rockdale County. The image was taken of the suspect just before he stole a vehicle from a Shell Station, 2130 Salem Road in Rockdale County on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017.  The vehicle was recovered abandoned in College Park two days later. Any information leading to the arrest of this suspect may result in a cash reward up to $2000.00.  Tipsters will remain…

DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson prepares for a radio interview as volunteers pass out frozen turkeys in purple bags and Mission Agape gives out coats. Photos provided. A senior shows her gratitude with a smile to Rockdale BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt, who helped distribute turkeys at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News Kristy Gaiters, founder of Just About Blessing You, pictured with Bishop Gary Hawkins (left), presents turkeys to seniors at Voices of Faith Ministries Rockdale campus. JABY also gave turkeys to seniors at the church’s Stone Mountain location. Photo by Glenn Morgan/OCG News…