Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb County 911 Communications Department is seeking qualified applicants to join its communications team. Ten E911 Communication Officer I positions are currently open. Interested candidates can apply during a five-day period beginning Monday, Aug. 8, and closing Friday, Aug. 12. All applicants must submit and complete the online application listed in the “job opportunities” section on the county website: dekalbcountyga.gov. All candidates must meet minimum requirements: At lease 18 years of age S. Citizen High school diploma or GED Applicants must successfully pass a computer skills test (keyboarding, data entry, listening and prioritization, pass a background investigation and complete…

CONYERS – The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) welcomes the public to attend its next Strategic Planning session on Aug. 18. The meeting will be at 10 a.m. at the Government Annex Building, Lobby B, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. Discussion topics planned include determining short, medium and long-range priorities, reviewing survey results, considering cost levels for priorities, and identifying any overlaps with other local governments. Staff members of the Atlanta Regional Commission have been invited to attend to help facilitate the discussion. For more information, contact Post II Commissioner Doreen Williams at 770-278-7008 or doreen.williams@rockdalecountyga.gov.

CONYERS–The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has announced its intention to increase the property taxes it will levy this year by 4.09 percent over the amount that would be generated by the 2016 roll-back rate, as defined by state law, for the County’s maintenance and operations (M&O). The proposed County M&O millage rate is 20.19, the same as last year’s rate. Based on a formula the State outlined, Rockdale County’s rollback rate for 2016 is 19.4 mills. Each year, the Tax Assessor is required to review the assessed value of property in the County for tax purposes. When the…

  The funeral service for SWD high School football coach Michael Tanks will be held Aug. 13, 11 a.m., St. Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road, Atlanta. Mr. Tanks passed away Aug. 3, 10 days following a massive stroke. He was 48. Students, supporters and members of his family held a prayer vigil on Sunday, Aug. 7, at SWD High School. The vigil was attended by hundreds. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -…

DeKalb County is continuing its campaign to wipe out blight, taking a tougher stance on code enforcement and utilizing the court system to clean up problem properties. Interim CEO Lee May assisted in the demolition on Aug. 4 of a fire-damaged, vacant home on Walnut Ridge Court in Stone Mountain. The demolition of the property is the result of collaborative efforts of the DeKalb County’s Code Enforcement Division and Legal, Community Development and Sanitation departments. “This demolition shows DeKalb County’s commitment to address blight in our communities in order to make DeKalb a better place to live, work and play,”…

Musician JFly and his How BIG Is Your Dream?! Foundation will provide entertainment during DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May’s seventh Annual DeKalb Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2-7 p.m., at Bransby Outdoor YMCA at Rock Chapel, 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. This event is free and open to the public. Interim CEO May, DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and JFly are partnering to host the fun-filled family event, which also will provide local students with 500 book bags filled with school supplies. “Families will have the opportunity to enjoy the summer one…

A 21-year-old Decatur man wanted by DeKalb County Police since 2014 on various charges was apprehended Aug. 1 by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit after he crashed his vehicle while trying to flee deputies. Deraus Bernard Jeffery was temporarily hospitalized for non-life threatening injuries sustained when he ran his vehicle into a utility pole near Belvedere Plaza on Memorial Drive after deputies tried to pull him over.  Warrants stemming from earlier year incidents had been issued for Jeffery on two charges of felony aggravated assault with a weapon, two charges of misdemeanor family violence battery and four charges…

The 24 year-old Avondale Estates armed robbery suspect who boasted on social media about his ability to elude law enforcement authorities has been arrested. William Jalvon McLeod of Decatur was located and apprehended Aug. 3 by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit working with the U.S. Marshals and the DeKalb County Police Department. On July 26, 2016, DeKalb police issued a warrant charging McLeod with obstruction when he allegedly refused to comply with officers and ran from the scene as they attempted to arrest him on charges stemming from an incident in September 2015 in which he was…

Conyers Police Department (CPD) is accepting applicants for its Citizens Police Academy for local clergy and citizens. Applications are due by Sept. 1. The Citizens Police Academy is a free, 11-week course held every Tuesday beginning Sept. 13. Each session will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and most sessions will take place in the Conyers Police Department training room at 1194 Scott Street. “The Citizens Police Academy is one of our most popular community outreach programs,” said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “This behind-the-scenes glimpse into law enforcement is a favorite with citizens because it is so hands-on and interactive.” Academy…

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs will hold a Back-to-School Bash at N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur on Saturday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hip-hop artist Ricky Lamar Hawk, better known as Silentó, will make a special guest appearance at the event. Patrons will receive school supplies, book bags, giveaways and food while supplies last. The goal for this event is to promote a healthy start to the school year. Patrons are encouraged to join in this celebration to mark the beginning of the new school season. School supplies are limited…