Author: On Common Ground News

Decatur resident Joshua D. Smith, 18, has earned the highest award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts: the Eagle Scout Award. Smith received the award after earning 21 merit badges and completing his Eagle Scout Service Project. Smith’s project created a peaceful and enjoyable prayer area at New Covenant Christian Ministries in Lithonia called the “NCCM Prayer and Praise Point.” A member of Boy Scout Troop 155 chartered to New Covenant Christian Ministries, Smith is one of approximately five percent of all Boy Scouts who ever achieve this rank. Smith is the son of Cedric and LaVonne Smith.…

Do you need assistance with your job search? The WorkSource Atlanta Regional Mobile Career Lab provides information on job readiness and job research assistance to job seekers. The Mobile Lab will be available at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St., Conyers, January through June. For further dates, please visit the library calendar at: www.conyersrockdalelibrary.org. For more information call 404-463-3327 or visit www.atlantaregional.com/worksource.

Decide DeKalb is pleased to announce the recent addition of Mechel McKinley as senior project manager. McKinley, who formerly served as the executive director for the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, will work to attract, expand and retain businesses in DeKalb County. “[McKinley’s] economic development background, ingenuity and perspective makes her a perfect fit as our new senior project manager. We are excited to welcome her to the team,” Decide DeKalb President Ray Gilley said. During her three-year tenure with the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, McKinley was instrumental in implementing a signature small business grant…

WorkSource DeKalb has partnered with Dart Container Corporation for a hiring event that will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 774 Jordan Lane, Bldg. 4, Decatur. Dart is hiring more than 30 full-time inspector-packer positions and shift mechanics for its Lithonia facility. Successful inspector-packer candidates will earn $12.26 per hour and shift mechanics $20 per hour. Dart Container will conduct onsite interviews and provide immediate job offers to credentialed candidates. Interested jobseekers must pre-register for the event at gaworkready.org and fill out an application through Dart’s website at www.dart.jobs. Jobseekers are also asked to…

The American Express OPEN for Government Contracting: Success Series for Local Small Businesses workshop will be Tuesday, Jan. 31, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta. The free full-day workshop is designed to educate small business owners on the benefits of selling to the government. The program will cover a variety of government contracting topics for businesses at all levels of contract readiness and provides attendees with resources and step-by-step instructions to secure government contracts. In addition to networking with other small businesses, attendees can sign up during registration to meet directly…

Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt held a meet and greet to introduce his Chief of Staff Corey Hambrick and Executive Assistant Claire Harris. Dozens of people turned out this evening for the event which was held at the Rockdale Board of Commissioners’ office.

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond released his first proposed operating budget of $1.3 billion today for fiscal year 2017. This proposal begins the implementation of Thurmond’s vision for DeKalb County. “This budget provides a framework for strengthening the government’s fiscal condition,   improving public safety, annualizing the fiscal year 2016 pay and compensation increases and funding various infrastructure and capital improvements,” Thurmond said. “By proactively managing our resources, we will be able to maintain a projected $50.1 million fund balance, which equals one month’s operating revenue.” Prior to the official adoption of the budget, the administration will submit funding proposals to address…

A crowd of people came out to commemorate the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt served as the grand marshal for the event which was organized by community activist Josie Dean and a host of volunteers Monday, Jan. 16. Photos by Glenn Morgan

The homegoing service for Bishop Eddie L long will be Wednesday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Rd, Lithonia. The doors will open at 8 a.m. The family is planning a wake that will be held on Tuesday,  Jan. 24. No time has been set. More details to follow. Please share from On Common Ground News.

LITHONIA, GA – Sunday, January 15 Bishop Long, Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, died early Sunday morning after a long battle  with an aggressive form of cancer. First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, Bishop Long’s wife of 27 years issued the following statement in the wake of the mega church pastor’s death: “I am confidant through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place. Although, his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he’s at peace.” Deeply committed…