Author: On Common Ground News

STONECREST, GA–New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, an international ministry with one of the largest faith-based organizations in the Southeast, is opening applications for a paid summer internship program aimed at students 18 years and older. Applications are open now until May 8, with interviews taking place May 15 – 19.“New Birth is a cutting-edge ministry with a global calling, and we are excited to open the doors for a unique opportunity to build up our young leaders,” said Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant. “We are actively looking for college-age students who have a heart to serve in a wide-range of…

CONYERS, GA—Father Matthew Torpey, OCSO, a monk and priest of the Cistercian (Trappist) Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, died peacefully in the monastery infirmary on today, April 26. Father Matt, who was 95, had been in monastic life for 73 years, and was a priest for 67 years. The celebration of the Funeral Mass of the Resurrection and the burial will be on Monday, May 1, at 9 a,m, at the Monastery Abbey Church. Father Matt was born on Sept. 1, 1927, in Jersey City, NJ., to parents Thomas Francis Torpey and Mary Agnes Spille-Torpey. He was predeceased…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—-DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda David Johnson will host the District 5 HOA Roundtable on Thursday, April 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. Only HOA presidents or designated board members are invited to attend. A maximum of two representatives per HOA will be permitted. There will be discussion on the status of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and the accomplishments made since the measure received overwhelming voter approval five years ago. There also will be a presentation by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Commissioner Davis Johnson said…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett Police Department needs the public’s help locating a local missing mother. Luce Farah Le, 44, was last seen by her daughter on April 22, around 9:30 p.m., before bed. The following day around 10 a.m., Le’s daughter noticed her mother was not home, but Le’s keys, car, and cell phone were still at the residence. Le’s coat was found by the mailbox. On April 24, Le’s ex-husband reported her missing from her home on Edge Hill Drive in unincorporated Snellville. Le is approximately 5’2 inches tall and around 120 pounds. Le has brown eyes and…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County’s annual State of the County Business Luncheon is sold out, with more than 500 tickets reserved. DeKalb County CEO Thurmond Michael Thurmond will present his 2023 State of the County address and three local business leaders and public servants will be recognized for their community contributions on Wednesday, April 26, during the program, titled “All Aboard DeKalb… Greatness is our Destination.” Business leaders and community partners will be in attendance at the luncheon hosted by the Council for Quality Growth and DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. The three leaders to be recognized will be: · Dr. Vasanne…

A fifth-place finish in the All-Around competition of the Class 5A State Gymnastics Meet capped an excellent season for Stephenson senior Nyla Loyd after completing her routines on Saturday (April 22) against the best in the state. Loyd put together a 36.675 All Around score to finish just 1.55 points out of first behind Oconee County’s Hannah Aoki (38.225). The performance included a bronze medal on the floor exercise mat with a score of 9.225. She was just 0.725 behind Aoki’s near perfect routine (9.950). Loyd took fifth in the vault with her best score of the meet with a…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—In celebration of Law Day, May 1, in Georgia, the Rockdale County Probate Court announced the launch of its new website. The website is designed to provide enhanced access to information and services for the citizens of Rockdale County, offering an easy-to-use interface with a modern design. The new website is a comprehensive resource for probate court services and information including marriage licenses, probate records, and firearms licenses, as well as helpful resources such as frequently asked questions, court forms, videos, and access to free legal services. The site is designed to be mobile-friendly, making it easier for…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Legislative Delegation Chairs, State Senator Kim Jackson (D – Stone Mountain) and State Representative KarlaSDrenner (D – Avondale Estates), joined with State Representative Becky Evans (D – Atlanta) to announce the application deadline for candidates who wish to be considered for appointment to the Dekalb Ethics Board. Nominations must be made by May 7. “The Senate and House Dekalb Legislative Delegations have received a number of qualified nominations to the Dekalb County Ethics Board over six weeks,” said Sen. Jackson and Rep. Drenner. “We opened up this process weeks ago after reading press coverage following…

DECATUR, GA– Crews will continue making repairs to a sewer pipe on Warren Avenue, between Pace Avenue and Hill Boulevard. The work started on March 14 and will continue through Friday, May 19, barring any weather issues, officials said. Motorists are advised a portion of Warren Avenue will remain closed while repairs are made. The Small Diameter Sewer Cleaning Project is part of DeKalb County’s $2.4 billion capital improvement program under the Department of Watershed Management (DWM). For more information, visit the DWM website at www.dekalbwatershed.com, call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Animal Services Department of Rockdale County will hostg a meeting open to the public on May 11, 6 to 8 p.m., to discuss the state of Animal Services. The meeting will provide updates concerning the strategic plan, including program phases, completed and ongoing initiatives, statsand plans for the future of Animal Services. Residents, Animal Businesses, Rescue Groups, and Animal Rights Groups are encouraged to attend to learn about the work of Animal Services and how to get involved with the division moving forward For more information, contact CiJi Baker, Animal Control Division Manager, at 770-278- 8412.