Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – The August meeting of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors will be held in person at MARTA headquarters and virtually on YouTube on Thursday, Aug. 8, beginning with a work session at noon and board meeting at 1:30 p.m.  WHAT:   August meeting of the MARTA Board of Directors Agendas: https://www.itsmarta.com/board-documents.aspx WHAT:   Thursday, Aug. 8 Work session – noon                 Board meeting – 1:30 p.m.                     WHERE:  MARTA Headquarters(6th floor) 2424 Piedmont Rd. NE Atlanta, GA VIRTUAL:  YouTube livestream: https://bit.ly/MARTAPublicStream

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a virtual open house meeting to discuss the DeKalb County Trail Greenway Master Plan on Thursday, Augu.15 at 6 p.m. The meeting to discuss the DeKalb County Trail Greenway Master Plan will be conducted via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckde6grjkqH9MOLhrL0-MWZjHqLbONt-Wr. For more information, contact Caleb Wittenmyer, greenspace manger, at 404-904-3028 or ckwittenmyer@dekalbcountyga.gov

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) public art program, Artbound, announces a call for artist qualifications to create a design for a crosswalk mural at Kensington Station. This call seeks artist qualifications, with a shortlist of 3 artists each compensated $500 to create and provide design proposals. The selected artist will receive a $5,000 fee for the final design. The mural will be painted on the crosswalk by a third party hired by MARTA. The project aims to serve as a safe wayfinding solution for children traveling from the Kensington Station to the StationSoccer fields. One percent…

By Mark Brock Former Redan Raider pitcher Taj Bradley wrapped up an excellent month of July for the Tampa Bay Rays, earning Major League Baseball’s (MLB) American League (AL) Pitcher of the Month honors. Bradley, a 2018 graduate of Redan High School, finished 3-1 in five starts during July with a sterling 1.45 earned run average over 31 innings on the mound for the Rays. He had 31 strikeouts and just eight walks over the five games and hitters were swinging at just a .160 batting average against the second-year starter. During the five game stretch he put together 24…

ATLANTA – Peach Pass is issuing a critical alert to all Peach Pass customers regarding text messaging scams targeting Express Lane commuters throughout Georgia and toll road users in surrounding states. This scam attempts to deceive drivers into disclosing their personal and financial information through a fake website. Customers receiving text messages claiming to be from “Georgia Tolls Services” or “Peach Pass Tolls Services” with instructions to click a link to settle an alleged outstanding toll balance or an unpaid toll invoice should be cautious. These messages are not from the State Road and Tollway Authority and aim to mislead…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Stone Mountain man will serve a life prison sentence for fatally shooting his girlfriend and business partner while her young grandchild was asleep upstairs in her home.  Kevin Lamar Matchen, 51, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for the October 2023 death of 45-year-old Alysia Darice Scott. Matchen was sentenced to life in prison plus 15 years.  “We send our condolences to Ms. Scott’s family,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “It is terrible…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW Gwinnett) will host the 2nd Annual Black Family Reunion on Aug. 10, noon to 5 p.m., at Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. This year’s event promises to build on the success of the inaugural reunion in 2023, which earned NCNW Gwinnett a proclamation from Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. In keeping with the spirit of last year’s event, attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions and activities. Club BFR featuring music from our DJ, live entertainment, face painting, and other children’s…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Transforming Faith Church ,in partnership with Justis Connection, will present “The Wills and Wealth Workshop” on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7 to 8 p.m., via Zoom. The free workshop will feature two of Georgia’s premiere estate planning attorneys, Whitney Knox Lee, Esq. of Wills for the People, and Keith R. Miles, CELA of The Law Office of Keith R. Miles, LLC. “It’s time we talk about Wills and Wealth in our community, and I am excited about hosting this virtual workshop,” said Pastor Lee May. “We’re inviting the community to join the Transforming Faith Church congregation in learning more about Elder Law, Wills and Trusts.”…

CONYERS, GA—Pam Cooper has been promoted deputy director of the city’s Department of Planning and Inspection Services. Conyers City Manager Kameron Kelley said the appointment was effective Aug.1. Cooper has been with the city for  7 years, starting in 2017. Prior to being appointed deputy director, she served as an administrative clerk, office manager, senior office manager and department manager in Planning and Inspections. Cooper’s responsibilities include overseeing licensing, permitting for residential and commercial developments, code enforcement, zoning, and plan submittals. She assists Director Scott Gaither with the day-to-day operations of the department and fostering relationships with other city departments as well…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett Purchasing Division will host its annual Supplier Networking Event on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 8:30 to 11 a.m., at the Gas South Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. During the event, attendees can meet buyers and contracting officers from Gwinnett and other metro Atlanta agencies. County departments and procurement staff also be available to allow potential suppliers to get acquainted will with the County’s procurement procedures. Attendees are encouraged to park in Parking Deck 1. Level P3 is the closest entrance to the Gas South Convention Center. To register for the event, visit the Purchasing Division’s webpage. If you have…