Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA –MARTA is collaborating with the Autism Transit Project to feature rail station announcements made by children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The announcements can be heard on the platforms at MARTA’s 38 rail stations throughout the month of April to mark Autism Acceptance Month. “Research has shown that those with ASD are drawn to trains because of the sensory feedback they feel from the trains on the track and the repetitive nature of their arrivals and departures,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “We at MARTA are delighted to be partnering with the Autism Transit Project to amplify the voices of…

CONYERS, GA– This year, five students from Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) have been selected to attend the 2024 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) hosted at Georgia Southern University this summer. The students selected are pictured left to right from top row then bottom row: Ariana Boyd, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Biology/Environmental Science Christian Bridges, Heritage High School, World Languages – Spanish Gabrielle Christie, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology,Communicative Arts Alton Ellis, Rockdale County High School, Music –Tuba Sydney Hammett, Rockdale County High School, Theatre Performance. RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts applauded the finalists. “I congratulate our…

CONYERS, GA–Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded the city of Conyers’ outstanding issue and general obligation debt ratings from A2 to A1. The city had approximately $11 million in general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) debt outstanding as of the end of fiscal year 2023. Moody’s is a leading global credit rating agency providing data, intelligence, and analytical tools to help business and financial leaders create timely debt strategies, while capturing wider investor focus. The A1 issuer rating reflects the city’s strong financial reserves which have grown as a result of improved property tax revenue stemming from tax base growth. According to Moody’s analysis,…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County School District (DCSD), in partnership with the DeKalb Entertainment Commission, is hosting the 6th Annual DeKalb County Student Film Festival. The event will be held on March 26, 6:30 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. The Student Film Festival will showcase 17 student films submitted by students from 10 DCSD high schools. Each film is up to three minutes long and requires the use of the prompt line, “I Didn’t See That Coming,” along with a deck of playing cards as a prop and the…

STONECREST, GA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has planned a packed Easter weekend of activities, including a massive community outreach providing 2,000 families with free food boxes. Global faith leader Creflo Dollar, senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI) and World Changers Church-New York, will join New Birth for a special Good Friday worship service on March 29, 7:30 p.m., at 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest. In partnership with DeKalb County government, Bojangles and others, New Birth will launch its “Easter Dinner on Us” outreach on Saturday, March 30. The giveaway will be held from 10 a.m. until noon.  Through the…

CONYERS, GA— Kameron Kelley, who most recently served as chief operating officer of the city of Conyers, has been named City manager. Kelley will succeed Tony Lucas, who is retiring after over 40 years with the city. Conyers Mayor Vince Evans and the Conyers City Council said that Kelley will assume his new position effective June 1, 2024. The council will formally appoint Kelley as city manager by resolution at an upcoming city council meeting. Kelley joined the city of Conyers in 2010. He is a native of Rockdale County and holds degrees from Clayton State University and Bellevue University.…