Author: On Common Ground News

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you learn the ins and outs of the business world and turn your passion into a business with the 2016 Entrepreneurial Academy. Starting on Monday, Sept. 12, this seven-week program offers motivated individuals the essential information needed to start and run a successful business. “This entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business entrepreneur in mind. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who have been there,…

DeKalb Medical has received the Health Champion Elite Designation from the American Diabetes Association for providing health and well-being support and resources to its employees. The award recognizes DeKalb Medical for meeting three healthy living criteria as defined by the Association: nutrition and weight management, physical activity and organizational well-being. “Employee health and wellness is very important at DeKalb Medical,” said WorksWell Interim Executive Director Cynthia Holbrook. “Each year, we participate in community and corporate events like the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes and National Cancer Survivors Day to give employees a chance to connect with people in the community…

Rockdale County’s elementary students scored above the state’s average on the 2015-16 Georgia Milestones assessment, reports released by state officials show. This is the second year for the tests, given to students in grades 3-8. The Georgia Department of Education also made available scores for the Georgia Milestones End of Course Assessment for grades 9-12. The test scores represent only one piece of the State of Georgia’s “multiple measure” approach to school accountability known as the College and Career Ready Performance Index, or CCRPI. “Overall, we have seen an increase in the number of students in the proficient and distinguished…

Voices of Faith Ministry’s 50+ Ministry awarded $500 scholarships to six college-bound students on Sunday, July 24. Linda Williams-Sanchez, who serves as president of the 50+ Ministry, said applicants were required to submit essays detailing their plans for college and beyond and how God has played a role in their lives as well as the teachings of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., who founded Voices of Faith, which has campuses in Stone Mountain and Conyers. The names of this year’s scholarship recipients are: D”nia Elston                     Stephenson High School Jordan Davis                     Stephenson High School Tahj Copeland                  South Gwinnett High School Breanna Bivens    …

  Gov. Nathan Deal today announced the statewide back-to-school tax-free holiday weekend will take place this Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31.   “The back-to-school tax-free holiday allows Georgia’s families and students to save money on crucial school items, clothing and technology during a time of year when household expenses add up quickly,” said Deal. “I commend the General Assembly for working with me to reduce taxpayer burdens in order to make our state a better place to work and raise a family, and it is my hope that parents and students will use this weekend to prepare for a successful…

Early results in Rockdale run-offs (all precincts reporting): Tonya Anderson Peterson (2,132) is leading Dee Dawkins-Haigler (2,022) for the Senate 43 seat Vernon Jones (1,349) is leading Rhonda Taylor(1,335) for the State House 91 seat Clarence Cuthpert (3,095) leading Judge Charles Mays (2,120) for probate judge Oz Nesbitt (3,065),leading Richard Oden (2,275) for Rockdale Chairman Sherri Washington (2,657) leading Phyllis Hatcher (2,420) for Post 1 Commissioner H. Duncan (3,227) is leading C.Barker Carr (2,512) for School Board

Dozens of DeKalb County school children beamed happily as they picked up free backpacks and school supplies handed out by DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann and other public safety officials. The parting gifts were the finishing touches to a pizza/bowling party the sheriff held on July 20. DeKalb students will start the new school year on Aug. 8. More than 100 children attended the “7th Annual Community Day with the Sheriff” at the Stars and Stripes Family Entertainment Center in Stone Mountain. “Our goal each year since this program began has been to help school children learn to trust and…

A former DeKalb County Board of Commissioners chief of staff and a man who did business with the county are facing theft and conspiracy charges. Morris Williams and Douglas Wayne Cotter were indicted on two counts of theft by taking and one count each of conspiracy to defraud a political subdivision. Cotter also was indicted for making a false statement. Williams was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on July 19 but was released after posting bond. Cotter was booked on July 20 and released on bond as well. DeKalb District Attorney Robert James said county employees and others who…

The Georgia Lottery has transferred $1,097,567,000 to the State Treasury’s Lottery for Education for the 2016 fiscal year. The amount is the largest transfer in a single fiscal year and the greatest in the lottery’s 23-year history, officials announced. “We appreciate the commitment from our dedicated lottery and COAM retailers, players, vendor partners and employees. We are grateful to our board of directors for their leadership and guidance,” said Debbie D. Alford, president and CEO of the Georgia Lottery. “We’re proud to have reached the extraordinary milestone of raising over $1 billion for HOPE and Pre-K.” Profits transferred surpass last…

John Evans, who devoted 16 years to the DeKalb County NAACP branch, has resigned from the civil rights organization to focus on his own civil rights organization, Operations Lead. Evans stepped down on July 16. Teresa Hardy, 1st vice president, moved up to take the helm as president as stipulated by the organization’s constitution and bylaws. She will hold the position until November and then run for the office when the organization holds its elections. “We are honored to have been under Mr. Evan’s leadership for over 16 years and send many blessings as he continues to fight for the people,”…