Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA –MARTA has been awarded $25 million for construction of the South DeKalb Transit Hub through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Buses and Bus Facilities Program.  The approximately 2500-square-foot multimodal hub will serve four high ridership bus routes bordering Georgia’s 4th and 5th Congressional Districts: Route 15 (Candler Road), Route 186 (Rainbow Way), Route 74 (Flat Shoals), and Route 9 (Boulevard/Tilson Road). Being built adjacent to the Gallery at South DeKalb on Candler Road, and with park-and-ride availability, the hub will provide a safe, sheltered space to catch or transfer buses and purchase fare, and feature real-time service information and SMART restrooms…

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently presented the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award to Ginette Nean for her efforts in renovation and beautification at Djea Natural Hair Spa at 933 Commercial Street in Olde Town Conyers. Djea Natural Hair Spa opened in Olde Town Conyers in July 2022, but the business has been located in Conyers since 2010. Nean takes pride in her business specializing in healthy hair care, curly hair texture, and locs. Nean uses quality hair products and makes her own all-natural butter for locs. Djea currently has three stylists and three independent stylists who serve clients…

CONYERS, GA— Conyers City Manager Kameron Kelley has appointed Rebecca Hill as deputy director of the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP). The appointment was effective July 1. Hill began her career with the city of Conyers in 2003. She holds degrees from Young Harris College and the University of Georgia. Prior to being appointed deputy director, she served as an intern, event manager, sales and marketing manager and assistant director. Hill is responsible for promotions, sales and event bookings for special events and equestrian events, website management, advertising and social media promotions. Hill is a member of the League of Agriculture and…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs’ Friends of Flat Shoals Park will host a Book it to the Park book drive on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Flat Shoals Park, 4522 Flat Shoals Pkwy. Decatur. The Friends of Flat Shoals Park began hosting the Book it to the Park event shortly after the installation of the new book box in 2017. The book box has been a success and is heavily utilized by youth in the community. In an effort to support literacy, we encourage the community to donate new and gently…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County’s N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, will host a Community Family Health Fitness Expo on Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event has something for everyone of all ages to enjoy whether they are seasoned fitness enthusiasts or just beginning their wellness journeys. The free event will include high-energy fitness demonstrations, exclusive vendor exhibits, nutritional workshops, music and more. Residents are encouraged to come and explore the latest trends in health and fitness with some of Georgia’s top fitness industry professionals and boost their knowledge and passion for a healthier lifestyle.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Twin sisters Sanaa and Sole Frederick have qualified to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the 4×100-meter relay at this summer’s Paris Olympics that begin on July 26. “Wow, Olympians,” said Druid Hills track coach Henrietta George about her two track stars making the Trinidad and Tobago squad headed to the Olympics. “My coaches and I are ecstatic about Sole and Sanaa heading to the Olympics. It has been a joy to watch their dreams come true right before our eyes.” The pair had a stellar career at DeKalb County’s Druid Hills High School under the direction of track…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston today announced convictions by jury trial in the case against two men accused in the murder of Tic Toc Food Mart owner Tesfaye Birru. Birru, 57, was ambushed by three men and shot to death as he closed up his store for the night on Feb. 19, 2020. Police found  Birru’s body in the parking lot of the Tic Toc Food Mart located  in the 2700 block of Evans Mill Road in the city of Stonecrest. He had been shot multiple times, police said. Jurors found both Ronnie Miller, 46, and Ricky Character, 24, guilty…

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Denorris Hutchinson, 36, of East Point, has been convicted and sentenced to prison for trafficking two females, ages 15 and 17, in Fulton County. The 17-year-old, who had been reported as missing from Kansas City, Missouri, was recovered from a hotel in Fulton County as part of a multi-agency operation conducted in 2020. The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit has now convicted 11 individuals for their involvement in the trafficking of this 17-year-old female. This total includes nine buyers and one seller, all of whom were previously sentenced to prison in a 10-defendant…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) announces its intention to adopt a 2024 millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 13.43 percent. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 18.69 mills, an increase of 2.213 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 16.477 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $350,000 is approximately $276.63 and the proposed tax increase for non©\homestead property with a fair market value of $350,000 is approximately $309.82. Each year, the Board…