Author: On Common Ground News

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,”…

Rockdale County officials have narrowed its search for a Director of the Recreation and Maintenance Department to two candidates: Sue Sanders and Casinious Moores. Records associated with these finalists are available for public inspection. Sanders, whose surname at the time of application before being married was Roberts, has been with Rockdale County since June 2001, working as an administrative manager, assistant director and deputy director. She has served as the interim director of Recreation and Maintenance since former Director Jackie Lunsford retired in late June. Moore is currently the City of Chamblee’s athletics manager/coordinator, a position he has held since…

Compiled by Mackenzie Morgan High Museum presents history of sneakers exhibit Sneaker enthusiasts can step back in time and see the history of sneakers at the High Museum of Art. An exhibition featuring more than 150 sneakers will be held through Aug. 14 at the High, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta. The exhibition follows the evolution of the sneaker from its origins in the mid-nineteenth century to its present day role as a status symbol of urban culture and marker of masculine identity. Originating at the Bata Shoe Museum, “The Rise of Sneaker Culture” examines the sneaker’s complex social history…

Customers who call DeKalb County with water billing questions are spending an average of 15 fewer minutes on the phone. “These results show our commitment to respond to our customers’ needs in a timely fashion,” said Interim CEO Lee May. “Our focus on decreasing call wait times and increasing access to payment locations is providing a better experience for DeKalb customers.” DeKalb County Department of Watershed’s Utility Customer Operations (UCO) has implemented several key upgrades to water and sewer billing operations over the past year to improve customer service. In 2015, these changes resulted in the number of calls answered…

Rockdale County Post 1 Commissioner Oz Nesbitt will host his annual Back to School Bash on Sunday, July 24, 4 to 6 p.m., at the Olde Town Pavilion to help kids gear up for the new school year. Book bags and school supplies will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. The Back to School Bash will also include raffle prizes and a cookout. “As kids get ready to go back to school, we want to make sure they have what they need to start the year off right,” said Nesbitt. “The success of Rockdale students depends on all…

The Conyers-Rockdale Library System will host a Local Children’s Author Expo in August. This event provides an outlet for local children’s authors to showcase their books and network while giving patrons the opportunity to purchase autographed books. The Expo will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2 – 4 p.m. in the library meeting room (lower level). For more information and author registration, please contact the Adult Services Department at 770-388-5040, ext. 118. This event is free and open to the public- all ages are welcome!

DeKalb County Police officers soon will be equipped with state-of-the-art body cameras. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners has awarded a $737,724 contract to Utility Associates of Decatur to purchase 600 BodyWorn wearable body cameras to outfit the entire uniform division. Officials showed off the new gear during a July 20 news conference. “The purchase of this technology will benefit both police officers and the public by providing an added layer of transparency and accountability,” said DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May. “This is another important investment in community-oriented policing by using technology to aid in building trust and mutual respect between…

Each year DeKalb County Fire Rescue personnel volunteer at the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation’s Camp OO-U-La for young burn victims. Camp OO-U-La, which began in the early 1980s and serves approximately 100 youth annually, offers young burn victims the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and meet other campers who share the common experience of suffering from a burn injury. One longtime volunteer is DeKalb County Fire Rescue Capt. Shawn Staton, who has served as a camp counselor for 17 years. “It’s hard to describe my experience at the camp in a few words,” said Staton, a 19-year DCFR veteran…