Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA –– DeKalb County Sheriff Melody M. Maddox announced the retirement today of Chief Deputy Randy Akies, who served the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years. Chief Deputy Temetris Atkins, a 34-year law enforcement veteran, has been appointed to fill the position. Sheriff Maddox appointed Chief Akies to the post when she took office in 2019. As Chief Deputy, Akies was the highest, non-elected official in law enforcement in the agency, responsible for the jail, field and court operations. Prior to his appointment, Chief Akies had been Major and Jail Services Commander, where he was responsible for DeKalb…

ATLANTA – The MARTA public art program, Artbound, welcomes four new members to its Council for the Arts. Created in 2017, the Council meets quarterly to provide perspective to MARTA’s public art programming, helping amplify the work of Artbound and advocate for public art and transit. “Council members are chosen based on their connection to the arts, equity, and their commitment to thriving communities,” said Art in Transit Director Katherine Dirga. “Each member brings their individual talents and unique viewpoints to the table, and I’m excited to work with these gifted community members.” MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood…

STONECREST, GA –A celebration of the life and legacy of Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m., at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Rd., Stonecrest. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. An international figure, purpose-driven philanthropist and celebrated civic leader, Mr. Dortch led a storied career that propelled him to leadership roles as a trustee at a number of the nation’s leading historically black colleges and universities(HBCUs) and chairman of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Dortch, 72, at the time of his passing, also held a number of local, national and global…

ATLANTA –Georgia Rep. Imani Barnes (D-Tucker) recently introduced House Bill 510, or the “Healthy Start” bill, to provide free quality and healthy meals to all students enrolled in a public school in Georgia. “The ‘Healthy Start’ bill would ease the burden and stress on parents and guardians, and it would mirror the support these families received during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency,” said Barnes. “Families were left scrambling after the pandemic-era federal meal program ended last fall, and this legislation would ensure that every student, regardless of their family’s income, would have access to two healthy meals a day.”…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections will hold a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, March 1, 1 p.m. This meeting will be conducted in-person at the Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Dr, Scottdale, GA Public comments may be made in person or submitted by sending an email of one page or less to electionspubliccmnt@dekalbcountyga.gov, which must be received between 1:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. The body of the email must include the first and last name, followed by the speaker’s address. Abusive, profane, or derogatory language will not be permitted. By…

ATLANTA—Georgia Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur) has been appointed to serve as a member of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee (MARTOC) by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “Thank you to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for giving me the opportunity to serve as a member of MARTOC,” said Sen. Jones. “I look forward to being able to serve the Metro Atlanta area in this new capacity. My fellow committee members and I will work to provide thoughtful insight on how we can better our trains, buses and other public systems. The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is vital…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) will host a Career Fair on Feb.24, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Rockdale Regional Youth Detention Center, 2165 Chambers Drive N.W., Conyers. DJJ is looking to hire Juvenile Correctional Officers, Detention Counselors, Teachers, Mental Health Providers, Food Service Workers, Housekeepers, and General Support Staff. Individuals interested in applying should bring their social security card, valid driver’s license and proof of a high school diploma or GED. The Juvenile Correctional Officer position now has a new salary of $37,730. In addition, there is an opportunity for an additional pay increase of…

Important information regarding DeKalb County’s organizational governing structure and policies, as well as the role of the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Commissioners to be discussed DECATUR, GA –DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry are inviting the DeKalb County community to attend a special Town Hall designed to educate residents about the Charter Review process. The DeKalb County Charter Review Town Hall will take place February 23, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Manuel J. Maloof Auditorium (1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030) and will give attendees a better…

ATLANTA—Two longtime DeKalb County community activists—Leona Perry and District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson—have been selected to be the grand marshals for the East Lake Family YMCA’s Third Annual Black History Month parade. The event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2:30 to 4 p.m. with the parade line up at 1:45 p.m. at the YMCA, 275 E. Lake Blvd., SE, Atlanta. The parade will travel to the Lakeside Drive turn-around and return to the Y.    Perry said she is honored and humbled to participate in the Black History Month celebration. “I am honored and excited to be a grand…