Author: On Common Ground News

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…

Registration is underway for the Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) Rivers Alive countywide cleanup on Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Check in, cleaning supply assignments and other activities will be headquartered at Pine Log Park Pavilion, 1500 GA Highway 138, Conyers. Created by the Department of Natural Resource’s Environmental Protection Division and Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, Rivers Alive targets waterways as part of an ongoing statewide campaign to clean and preserve more than 70,000 miles of Georgia’s rivers and streams. Volunteers in Rockdale will support the effort locally by helping prevent the pollution of the County’s rivers, streams,…

DeKalb County Police Department will host Coffee With A Cop on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 8 to 10 a.m., at the IHOP, 2910 Stonecrest Circle, Lithonia, near the Mall at Stonecrest. Community police officers, detectives, Code Enforcement officers and the Precinct Commander will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns. The community is invited.

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May and the Board of Commissioners will hold its annual “Sick of Signs” campaign, part of a national effort against the proliferation of illegal signs that blight communities. DeKalb’s “Sick of Signs” sweep will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to noon, beginning at Walmart, 5935 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain and Walmart, 3580 Memorial Dr., Decatur.

DeKalb County firefighters will host the 14th Annual DeKalb Fire Safety Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, at The Gallery at South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. The family fun event will promote fire safety and prevention, kicking off National Fire Prevention Week. The Southwest DeKalb High School Drumline will kick off the festivities at noon. The free festival will feature Cheddar, a Dalmatian who enjoys teaching fire safety, entertainment, demonstrations, a junior firefighter combat challenge, inflatable gyms, rides and other activities. Participants can practice crawling low in a smoked-filled room in the fire safety house.  Teens can learn about distracted driving on…

Gov. Nathan Deal today issued an executive order reiterating state law which prohibits price gouging. Due to a leak in a critical fuel pipeline in Alabama, which is currently undergoing repairs, Georgia and other states have experienced interruptions in motor fuel supply,” Deal said. There have been recent reports that wholesale and retail gas prices have substantially increased in some markets. In order to remedy this, I’ve issued an executive order reiterating the state law prohibiting price gouging. In addition to this, I’ve sought and received a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency as well as lifted operating regulations for commercial truck drivers…

A DeKalb County jury has found Antione Hood, 31, guilty in the shooting death of his fiance, Candace McGriff, a physical education teacher in Rockdale County. Hood was convicted Monday of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Hood called 9-1-1 on Feb. 17,  2015 to report that McGriff fatally shot herself. Hood told police that McGriff shot herself because “he was attempting to leave her and she did not want him to leave,” according to the report. A Medical Examiner’s forensic investigator testified during the trial, that evidence showed that McGriff…

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is reminding DeKalb taxpayers that the due date for the first installment of 2016 real estate and personal property taxes is Friday, Sept. 30. First installment taxes that are not received or postmarked by Sept. 30 will incur a 5 percent late payment penalty, which applies by law. There are drop boxes located on the front and side of the Central Office, located at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur.  These may be used for overnight and last-minute drop-offs.  Another convenient option is payment by electronic check or credit card at: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner.  There is a…