Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May honored Fire Chief Darnell Fullum on Sept. 27 for completion of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. The four-year course provides senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and emergency services administration. The courses and accompanying research examine how to exercise leadership when dealing with difficult or unique problems within communities. Fullum said the training will go a long way in helping with overall risk reduction. “This program gave me even more helpful tools to improve the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department,” said Fullum. “Things like working…

Danielle Perry, a Tucker resident and fellow members of the Tennessee State University (TSU) Marching Band, had a chance to meet President Barack Obama on Sept. 23. President Obama greeted the university’s band on the South Portico of the White House following a reception for the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. The TSU band performed on the South Lawn for arriving guests, said Danielle’s parents, Pastor Daniel R. Perry and his wife, First Lady Teresa L. Perry. Danielle is a junior at TSU majoring in education…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College recently welcomed  WSB-TV veteran news anchor Monica Kaufman Pearson, who addressed students, faculty and staff from the college’s Design and Media Production Technology Program. During her presentation, Pearson briefly discussed the role of citizen journalists, job prospects in broadcast news and ethics in journalism.  Recounting how, in her spirit of always giving back to the community, she continues to take time from her demanding schedule to read to elementary students within the Atlanta Public School system. Imparting words of wisdom, Pearson told them to “…Remember, there are more than two sides to every story.  You must…

Alumni of Columbia High School recently hosted an assembly for the Destined to Soar initiative founded by Dr. Viniece Jennings, an environmental professional who formerly interned at the White House for the Obama Administration. This is the third annual program held by the Destined to Soar Initiative. Jennings launched the program as a way to mentor and encourage students at his alma mater to achieve their goals. “The educational system plays a key role in the change we want to see in our communities,” said Jennings. “This initiative aims to improve alumni engagement and educational empowerment at the high school…

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May has issued a moratorium through the end of 2016 on the disconnection of residential water accounts that have been contested through the county’s Utility Customer Operations Center. May said he is taking steps in an abundance of caution because of the numerous complaints the county has received concerning the accuracy of water bills. “I have always said that one incorrect water bill is too many, and we have a number of issues that could factor into many errors on bills,” said Interim CEO Lee May.  “We must ensure that the process is accurate, and…

The DeKalb County School Board joined the growing list of school districts opposing Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed plan to allow the state to take over “chronically failing schools” in Georgia. In a meeting held Monday, Sept. 19, the DeKalb school board voted against the governor’s plan and issued a statement urging citizens to reject Deal’s plan. “After careful consideration, the DeKalb County Board of Education urges voters to vote NO on proposed Constitutional Amendment #1, the Opportunity School District amendment,” the School Board’s statement says. “Local control of education is a bedrock American principle. We strongly believe citizens whose taxes…

Nearly 100 children and adults with disabilities from around the Atlanta area and their families spent a recent Saturday afternoon riding ponies, climbing in a fire truck, playing miniature golf, singing to karaoke, playing games and more while eating snow cones, candy, and popcorn. The third annual Carnival for Children with Disabilities, sponsored by the youth ages 12-18 from the Conyers Georgia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held on Sept. 17 at the church building located at 1275 Flat Shoals Road, Conyers. They were assisted by members of the Heritage High School National Honor…

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…