Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County is continuing its campaign to wipe out blight, taking a tougher stance on code enforcement and utilizing the court system to clean up problem properties. Interim CEO Lee May assisted in the demolition on Aug. 4 of a fire-damaged, vacant home on Walnut Ridge Court in Stone Mountain. The demolition of the property is the result of collaborative efforts of the DeKalb County’s Code Enforcement Division and Legal, Community Development and Sanitation departments. “This demolition shows DeKalb County’s commitment to address blight in our communities in order to make DeKalb a better place to live, work and play,”…

Musician JFly and his How BIG Is Your Dream?! Foundation will provide entertainment during DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May’s seventh Annual DeKalb Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2-7 p.m., at Bransby Outdoor YMCA at Rock Chapel, 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. This event is free and open to the public. Interim CEO May, DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and JFly are partnering to host the fun-filled family event, which also will provide local students with 500 book bags filled with school supplies. “Families will have the opportunity to enjoy the summer one…

A 21-year-old Decatur man wanted by DeKalb County Police since 2014 on various charges was apprehended Aug. 1 by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit after he crashed his vehicle while trying to flee deputies. Deraus Bernard Jeffery was temporarily hospitalized for non-life threatening injuries sustained when he ran his vehicle into a utility pole near Belvedere Plaza on Memorial Drive after deputies tried to pull him over.  Warrants stemming from earlier year incidents had been issued for Jeffery on two charges of felony aggravated assault with a weapon, two charges of misdemeanor family violence battery and four charges…

The 24 year-old Avondale Estates armed robbery suspect who boasted on social media about his ability to elude law enforcement authorities has been arrested. William Jalvon McLeod of Decatur was located and apprehended Aug. 3 by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit working with the U.S. Marshals and the DeKalb County Police Department. On July 26, 2016, DeKalb police issued a warrant charging McLeod with obstruction when he allegedly refused to comply with officers and ran from the scene as they attempted to arrest him on charges stemming from an incident in September 2015 in which he was…

Conyers Police Department (CPD) is accepting applicants for its Citizens Police Academy for local clergy and citizens. Applications are due by Sept. 1. The Citizens Police Academy is a free, 11-week course held every Tuesday beginning Sept. 13. Each session will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and most sessions will take place in the Conyers Police Department training room at 1194 Scott Street. “The Citizens Police Academy is one of our most popular community outreach programs,” said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “This behind-the-scenes glimpse into law enforcement is a favorite with citizens because it is so hands-on and interactive.” Academy…

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs will hold a Back-to-School Bash at N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur on Saturday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hip-hop artist Ricky Lamar Hawk, better known as Silentó, will make a special guest appearance at the event. Patrons will receive school supplies, book bags, giveaways and food while supplies last. The goal for this event is to promote a healthy start to the school year. Patrons are encouraged to join in this celebration to mark the beginning of the new school season. School supplies are limited…

The National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), DeKalb Chapter 380, will meet on Aug. 9, 1 p.m., at Piccadilly Restaurant, at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. All retired federal employees, their spouses and surviving spouses are invited to attend a meeting to learn more about the benefits of NARFE. NARFE meets monthly (except July and December). For more information, go to www.ganarfe.com, or contact Chapter 380 President Calvin Stevens at 404-288-3604.    

Did you know that on any given day, there are more than 450 children in foster care in Gwinnett County, with less than 50 foster homes to care for them? The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services urges Gwinnett residents to make a difference in a child’s life by becoming a foster parent. Get involved by attending an upcoming orientation sponsored by the Gwinnett County DFCS held the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To register, call Kimberly Griffin at 404.852.3694 or send an email to Cathy Chapman at cathy.chapman1@dhs.ga.gov.

The Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb (CCCSD) announces the results of its recent Board of Directors election. Isaac T. Finley, formerly vice chair, will replace Kathryn Rice as chair. Rice affirmed that while she plans to pursue other goals, she looks forward to a continued working relationship with CCCSD. The other elected CCCSD officers are as follows: Vice Chairperson              Ron Mangham Secretary                         Sandy Johnson Treasurer                         Ken Blakely CCCSD is committed to creating economic growth and enrich the quality of…

State School Superintendent Richard Woods is seeking students enrolled in public middle and high schools throughout Georgia to serve on his 2016 Student Advisory Council. Students will attend several meetings with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impacts of state policies on schools. State Sen. JaNice VanNess (R – Conyers) is encouraging all eligible students to apply for the Council. “The Student Advisory Council is an outstanding opportunity for our students to be a part of something that will have a great impact on the future of our public education system in Georgia,” said Sen. VanNess. “I want to thank Superintendent…