Author: On Common Ground News

The Atlanta City Council has approved legislation legalizing and regulating pickups by rideshare companies such as Uber X and Lyft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The measure gives rideshare, taxi and limousine drivers the option of having fingerprint-based background checks or private background checks conducted. Companies that use private background checks would be subject to an additional per-ride security surcharge of $2.35 per ride, for a total surcharge of $3.85. Under the new system, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2017, the airport would charge a $1.50 fee per ride for pickups at the airport by ride-share services — the…

Atlanta rapper Carlos Walker, popularly known as “Shawty Lo,” died in a car crash early on Sept. 20 after leaving a nightclub. Fulton County police said the crash happened around 2:20 a.m. when the 2016 Audi that Walker was driving crashed over a guardrail, hit several trees and caught fire at the Cascade Road exit. Police said the 40-year-old rapper was ejected and died at the scene. Initially, the accident was thought to have been a hit-and-run, but was later confirmed as a single car accident. Two women in the car were injured and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.…

Kayla McGee, the 12-year-old daughter of Kevin and Attorney Dionne McGee, wanted to do something to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness this month. So the DeKalb County girl set a goal of raising $1,000 to support the CURE Childhood Cancer Foundation. Her mom, however, was happy to report to Facebook friends recently that Kayla surpassed her goal with donors giving more than $3,000 so far. With a few days left in September, she’s hoping more people will show their support. “She is still going strong….Thanks so much for all of the support,” Dionne McGee said in a Facebook post. Kayla was…

ATLANTA Georgia State University presents natural hair art exhibit   The Center for Collaborative and International Arts at Georgia State University will present a limited time exhibit entitled “The Hair Craft Project” opening Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Welch School Galleries, 10 Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta. The exhibition strives to bridge the boundaries between hair salons and art galleries as sites of aesthetics, craft, and skill. The exhibition, which runs through Nov. 11, explores hair as an indicator of race, social status, a symbol of age and authority, a statement of contemporary style, an object of beauty, and adornment.  The…

Sugunda Jackson is receiving kudos and positive feedback on her newly-released children’s book, “At the Fishing Hole.” An “elementary educator in Atlanta, Jackson recently visited Roddenberry Memorial Library in Grady County, where she read her book to a group of children. A native of Climax, Georgia, Jackson has strong ties with the Grady County community. Jackson’s life in the small Southern agricultural town of Climax inspired her to write about her childhood there. Weekends with her grandparents modeled the simplicity of life and the precious moments shared with her grandparents. Jackson says the book is a steppingstone to a movement…

MARTA is celebrating the second year of its Fresh MARTA Market with the opening of a market at the Five Points MARTA Station. “With the expansion of the Fresh MARTA Market concept, we can offer our customers an opportunity to shop for fresh produce without having to make an additional stop,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “Our partners at the USDA and the Atlanta Community Food Bank have helped us provide another great amenity to our customers.” The weekly pop-up markets will provide low-income customers access to fresh, healthy foods in transit accessible locations. In addition, customers will be…

Authorities say online dating may have played a role in the Sept. 1 shooting death of Jordan Collins, 23, and injuries to his brother at a home on Tunbridge Wells Crescent in Lithonia. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit said four suspects were arrested in the murder: Clarissa McGhee, 21, of McDonough; Nashae Poole, 21, of Hampton; Antonio Avery, 25, of Atlanta; and Demarco Butler, 27, of Jonesboro. Each is charged with murder and aggravated assault for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of Collins and the shooting injury of his brother, Chad Collins. All are being held in…

DeKalb ICEO Lee May has appointed Dianne McNabb to serve as the county’s interim Chief Financial Officer through Dec. 31. McNabb is familiar with DeKalb’s finances, having previously worked as a financial advisor for the county. “Ms. McNabb brings with here a wealth of experience in the public finance arena,” Interim CEO May said. “Her stellar career has given her a unique familiarity with DeKalb County not only as a resident but working as an auditor with KPMG and subsequently as our financial advisor.” May said McNabb has been instrumental in the county’s bond rating upgrades, general obligation bond reconciliation…

Auditors from the American Correctional Association (ACA) told DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann on Sept. 22 that the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office deserves the national accrediting organization’s highest ratings. The announcement followed an intensive three-day assessment of operations at the DeKalb Sheriff’s Headquarters and Jail that included tours, reviews of some 388 standards files and policies, observation of jail operations, and random interviews with staff members and jail inmates. “This very positive review by the ACA auditors is an extremely proud moment for us,” says Sheriff Mann.  “It underscores our commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible levels of…

 DeKalb Democratic Party to host panel discussion with Michael Thurmond   The DeKalb County Democratic Party will host a breakfast meeting featuring Michael Thurmond, Democratic nominee for DeKalb CEO. Thurmond will lead a discussion with a panel of Democratic leaders and community activists on Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The topic: “Let’s Talk:  Local, State and National issues and what is at stake in the upcoming Presidential Election, and how you can help turn out the Democratic voters in DeKalb.” The community is invited.   Forum set for candidates in DeKalb’s District…