Author: On Common Ground News

The Rockdale County Clerk of Superior and State Courts and the Conyers-Rockdale Library have been working together this spring on the Law Library Speaker Series. The objective has been to provide citizens with a resource that would give them access to attorneys for free and educate them on legal matters affecting their lives. The Law Library Speaker Series has shown itself to be a valued platform that has positively impacted the community. The upcoming session will be held: · May 20, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Conyers-Rockdale Library, 864 Green St. SW., Conyers · Topic: Guardianship · Speaker: Trichelle G. Simmons, Attorney…

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers-Rockdale Library has added OverDrive Libby materials to its online collection. The Libby app provides readers access to popular reading (including Spanish) and magazine materials. Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and more from the library for free. Libby is the newer library reading app by OverDrive, used by millions of readers worldwide. The library added OverDrive effective May 12. Libby is available free on Android, iOS and Apple CarPlay with a valid Conyers Rockdale PINES library card—all your loans, notes, bookmarks and reading progress sync across users’ devices. Libby’s mobile app is designed to make borrowing and enjoying eBooks,…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA– Following an Executive Session at its Called Board Meeting today, the DeKalb County Board of Education overwhelmingly approved the negotiated contract for Dr. Devon Horton as the next superintendent of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) by a vote of 6-1. Dr. Horton will officially start on July 1, 2023. The board did not divulge specifics concerning the contract or salary. “Today represents an exciting new chapter for DeKalb County Schools as we enthusiastically welcome Dr. Horton into the District. His vision, energy, innovative approaches, and deep understanding of the needs of our diverse scholars made him…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Human Services Department Office of Youth Services is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 DeKalb County Youth Commission. The Youth Commission is a leadership program open for DeKalb County residents in grades 10 through 12 who attend high school in DeKalb County. Program participants learn the roles of county government, take part in civic and community activities, and serve as a voice for DeKalb youth regarding current issues. The DeKalb Youth Commission program is held annually from September to May. Selection for the program includes a competitive process that requires students to submit a completed application along…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb Human Services Department’s Office of Youth Services is accepting applications for its 2023 Sights N’ Sounds Program, designed to provide DeKalb high school students with exposure to the film, art, music production and recording industries. The program, which will offer workshops and hands-on experiences to encourage youth to pursue careers in the entertainment field, will be held in partnership with the DeKalb Entertainment Commission and Plug ATL, a local studio production company. DeKalb County high school students ages 15-18 are encouraged to apply. There is no charge to participate for accepted applicants. Classes will be held in…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department will launch a highway safety initiative dubbed “Operation Whiskey Charlie” starting May 19 and ending May 20. During the weekend-long initiative, Gwinnett officers will diligently target speeding, drunk driving, aggressive driving, and other traffic offenses ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. In 2023 there have been 26 deaths caused by traffic collisions on Gwinnett County roadways. This loss of life prompted the police department to develop a targeted enforcement initiative to remind motorists of the importance of adhering to traffic laws. The goal of Operation Whiskey Charlie will be to protect the lives…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is working to identify a male who stole a watch worth several thousand dollars from a local jewelry store. On May 9, 2023, the male is seen on surveillance camera entering Kay Jewelers at the Sugarloaf Mills Mall (5900 Sugarloaf Parkway), trying on a watch, and then running out of the store with the watch without paying. The watch is valued at $2,000. Detectives need the public’s help in identifying the male suspect. He is described as a white male, tall and slim, with a beard, a Lakers logo white jersey with the…

CONYERS, GA—The city of Conyers has a new badge of honor. Conyers has been designated as a “City of Civility” by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The city recently adopted a civility resolution as part of GMA’s new Embrace Civility program. To become a City of Civility, city councils are required to adopt a Civility Resolution and pledge to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as with residents and meeting attendees. “Staff presented this initiative at our recent planning retreat and it’s really how we already conduct business,” said Council member Gerald Hinesley. “The civility resolution reiterates…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Charter Review Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 17, 6 p.m. to continue reviewing sections of the County Organizational Act. The meeting will be held in person at the Manuel J. Maloof Center,1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Free parking is available at the DeKalb County Courthouse parking lot for this evening event. The meeting also will be livestreamed and can be viewed at this link: https://video.ibm.com/channel/dctv-channel-23. The public can leave comments for the Charter Review Commission at: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/form/charter-review-contacts. AGENDA for May 17, 2023 Call to Order Roll Call Minutes From Previous Meeting Introduction of any elected…