Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Health will hold its regularly scheduled meeting via teleconference on May 25, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Public access to the video conference can be established through the following methods: Zoom Video: https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 841 4683 8424 / Passcode: 793815 Zoom Audio: 301-715-8592 | Meeting ID: 841 4683 8424 / Passcode: 793815 Agenda items for the meeting include: Call to Order Approval of Minutes Regular Board Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2023 Approval of Board Budget Committee Minutes Minutes of May 22, 2023 Bylaws Committee Approval of the Proposed FY2024 Budget DeKalb…

STONECREST, GA—Hundreds of members from the community are expected to gather for an annual balloon release ceremony hosted by New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, May 28, at 11:30 a.m., 6400 Woodrow Road. Those who have lost loved ones are invited to this event on New Birth’s campus. The event is designed to recognize and honor individuals lost to violence, health-related issues and other causes of death. “We recognize that members of our community are profoundly impacted by the loss of loved ones and that difficult loss often has a lingering and lasting impact as they transition through the…

ATLANTA—Maynard Eaton, multi-award-winning journalist and media communications professional, with a career spanning over five decades, died late Tuesday evening in his sleep after a brief battle with lung cancer. Eaton has left a legacy of impactful reporting and social change. Eaton began his career in 1970 after graduating from Hampton Institute’s Mass Media Arts Program, as WVEC-TV’s first African American newsman. In 2022, Eaton came full-circle with his appointment as Endowed Professor of Journalism at Hampton University. During his occupation, Eaton has been recognized as a broadcast journalist, political columnist, media/ public relations consultant, free-lance writer, executive editor. Eaton’s most…

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers-Covington Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. recently held its Spring Koffeehouse Town Hall at the JP Carr Community Center in Conyers. Approximately 120 citizens attended the event. The forum, “Domestic Violence & Community Safety,” focused on police response to mental health episodes. The distinguished panel leading the discussion included Rockdale County Sheriff Eric J. Levett; City of Conyers Deputy Police Chief Kimberly M. Lucas; Mary M. Torres, Victim Witness Assistance Program manager, Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office; and Ashley Dykes, executive director of Project Renewal Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Inc. For more information about the…

STONECREST, GA – The City of Stonecrest has been chosen to be a part of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Good Jobs, Great Cities Learning Network. The network will help participating cities learn from their peers and other national resource providers to build a strong local ecosystem for workforce development.    Stonecrest is joined by 16 other cities in the Good Jobs, Great Cities Learning Network. The City will participate in quarterly networking calls, and have access to NLC’s and U.S. Department of Labor’s tools and resources to accelerate its effort to promote workforce success in key local industries.  …

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock visited the site of Rockdale County’s future Restorative Justice Complex, located at 2800 Highway 138 SW, Conyers, on May 22 to show support for the project. During this visit, Senator Warnock met with the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners and staff members to learn more about this portion of Rockdale County’s Stepping Up Initiative. The Stepping Up Initiative, led by Commissioner Doreen Williams, is adding the complex as an additional tool to continue to help assist those experiencing mental health issues and addictions as well as house organizations that are a part of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County will receive $10.3 million in grants to be used at six park facilities. Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced preliminary grant awards May 18 for 142 qualified projects statewide that improve neighborhood assets like parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food access in communities across the state disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “This funding will allow DeKalb County to make some needed repairs and upgrades at various neighborhood parks,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “DeKalb County is grateful to Gov. Kemp for this funding which will directly benefit local communities and residents.” In accordance…

STONECREST, GA – The City of Stonecrest will host its first Summer Splash Pool Party to celebrate the opening of Browns Mill Aquatic Center during Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 27. Admission is free between 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Guests will be able enjoy water play, free food, and live entertainment. The Aquatic Center’s opening marks the annual start of the summer season in Stonecrest and City officials want to ensure that residents and visitors have a safe and fun way to cool off. “We are beyond excited to once again provide access to Browns Mill Aquatic Center,”…

By Mark Brock Athletics Specialist, DCSD A pair of twins powered the medals that DeKalb County earned at the GHSA State Track Championships, with DeKalb teams bringing home a total of 46 state medals from meets held May 11-13. Druid Hills twin sisters Sanaa and Sole Frederick and Southwest DeKalb twin brothers Isaiah and Xzaviah Taylor played big roles in DeKalb County’s medal hauls and record- setting marks throughout the various classifications. The group combined to be part of 13 of the 46 total medals and six new state records set by DeKalb County athletes in individual and relay events…

ATLANTA – MARTA will hold a job fair for bus operators and journeyman bus technicians on Thursday, May 25, 2 until 6 p.m. at MARTA headquarters,2424 Piedmont Rd. N.E., Atlanta. MARTA is offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus and will train all Permit and Class C (regular) license holders for their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). WHAT: Bus Operator and Journeyman Bus Technician Job Fair · Pay starting at $17.74/hr. for operators and $23.91/hr. for technicians · MARTA will train all Permit and Class C (regular) license holders for their CDL · $3,000 sign-on bonus · COVID-19 vaccination required for employment WHEN:…