Author: On Common Ground News

The first elected officials of Stonecrest, a new city of 50,000 residents in Southeast DeKalb County, took their oaths of office on May 1, giving birth to the municipality’s first government. A cheering crowd witnessed the historic event, which was held at the Mall at Stonecrest on the ground level near the Sears department store. Mayor Jason Lary and the five City Council members—Jimmy Clanton (District 1), Rob Turner (District 2), Jazzmin Cobble (District 3), George Turner (District 4) and Diane Daniels Adoma (District 5)—were administered the oaths of office by DeKalb Judge Ronald Ramsey. There were so many who…

MARTA officials will host a groundbreaking ceremony on May 10 for a $25 million Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Chamblee. MARTA GM/CEO Keith Parker will be joined by Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson and Larry Callahan of Patillo Industrial Real Estate at the Chamblee MARTA Station for the 3 p.m. ceremony. The groundbreaking commemorates the Authority’s latest Transit Oriented Development (TOD). Named ‘Trackside” for its proximity to the adjacent rail station, the project marks MARTA’s third TOD currently under construction. The 2.16-acre site, developed by Parkside Partners and Pattillo Industrial Real Estate, will include two buildings with approximately 70,000 square-feet of office…

In honor of National Small Business Week, Congressman Hank Johnson invited Lithonia resident Jerry Myers to the nation’s capitol on May 2 as his “Small Business of the Year” recipient for the 4th Congressional District. National Small Business Week pays homage to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the nation who work every day to promote industry in their communities and create new jobs. “Entrepreneurs have always been a cornerstone of our economy and the small businesses they oversee are vital for American prosperity,” said Johnson. “It gives me great pleasure to recognize Jerry for all the hard work he does…

Conyers attorney Justin T. Kenney of Lavigno & Kenney Attorneys at Law was honored recently as the “2016 Volunteer Attorney of the Year” for Rockdale County’s Family Law Information Center (FLIC), established by Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson. Kenney received a plaque and a $1,000 check to donate to the charity of his choice. The award and check were presented during a reception on April 28 at the Rockdale County Courthouse atrium. Kenney said he hadn’t determined where the money would go but is proud to have served as a volunteer. “I was born and raised in Rockdale…

Operation Clean Sweep removed almost six tons of debris in DeKalb County on April 29 along Redan Road. To date, Operation Clean Sweep crews have removed more than 190 tons of debris from county roads. The initiative is targeting arterial roadways before turning a focus to collector, then residential, streets. Crews clear grass, trash and debris from roadway drains and curbs, mow rights-of-way and remove litter. On Saturday, May 6, crews will continue Operation Clean Sweep on Wesley Chapel Road between Covington Highway and Flat Shoals Parkway. Motorists are reminded to drive with caution around employees and equipment. Find updates…

Featured Event Decatur lantern parade set Light up the night at the Decatur Lantern Parade on Friday, May 12, 8 p.m. at the Color Wheel Studio, 508 E. Howard Ave., Atlanta. Make your own lantern at home or attend a lantern-making workshop where supplies and guidance are provided. Line-up at Color Wheel Studio begins at 8 p.m., with the parade beginning at 9 p.m. and ending at the Decatur Square. Parade music will be provided by the Black Sheep Ensemble and Wasted Potential Brass Band. Please note the Decatur Lantern Parade is battery powered. Flying lanterns are forbidden. For more…

ATLANTA—MARTA is making commuting easier with discounted unlimited two-day weekend passes and discounted 30-day passes beginning in May. For $10.50, the “Ride The Weekend” Pass provides unlimited rides on the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s buses and trains on Saturdays and Sundays. Passes will be on sale until June 30, 2017, but customers can use them on any weekend of their choice. “Weekends in Atlanta offer a full range of activities and attractions that MARTA customers now have even more reason to take advantage of,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “Our array of discounted fares helps get more people…

State Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur) will co-host a town hall meeting with Commissioner Larry Johnson on Thursday, May 11, 6:30 p.m., at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. Jones will be joined by representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Georgia Department of Education, local public safety officials, DeKalb County School Board members and local commissioners to provide updates on community initiatives.

Dionne McGee has been appointed as a DeKalb County Deputy Chief Assistant Solicitor-General for the Office of Solicitor General. McGee, one of three Deputy Chief Assistant Solicitor Generals, is responsible for the Special Victims Unit and Community Outreach. A former prosecutor with the DeKalb Solicitor-General’s Office, McGee had been in private practice focusing on family law matters, criminal defense and personal injury after trying to unseat Dax Lopez in 2012 for state court Judge. McGee returned this year to the Solicitor-General’s office after being appointed by DeKalb’s new Solicitor-General Donna Coleman Stribling. The Special Victims Unit McGee oversees is comprised…

WorkSource DeKalb will move its weekly training information sessions to Thursdays at 10 a.m. beginning Thursday, May 18. The last Tuesday orientation will be May 9. Sessions are held at WorkSource DeKalb’s office at 774 Jordan Lane, Decatur. Training information sessions discuss Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) eligibility, training requirements, available resources and assessments. Individuals receive a training request questionnaire and receive an assigned career counselor to assist in the application process. Attendance is mandatory in order to access WIOA training. WorkSource DeKalb administers various employment and training programs for adults, dislocated workers and youth ages 14-24. Occupational skills…