Author: On Common Ground News

SPARTANBURG, SC – A federal investigation into child labor violations at a Spartanburg Bojangles has led the franchisee to partner with the U.S. Department of Labor to make sweeping changes to enhance working conditions for minor-aged workers and compliance with labor laws at the operator’s 93 locations in six states. The department’s Wage and Hour Division investigators determined that BOJ of WNC LLC – operating as Bojangles 0212 – permitted 16 minors to work outside of permitted hours while school is in session, a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The division assessed an $11,744 civil money penalty to address the violation. The investigation’s findings…

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is ready to welcome retired educators who would like to return to teaching. Thanks to new legislation, retired educators can work full-time for DCSD and still receive full retirement benefits from the Teachers Retirement System (TRS). Beginning on July 1, 2022, Georgia House Bill 385 allows retired educators with a minimum of 30 years of creditable service to return to the classroom after a 12-month waiting period following retirement and earn a full-time salary and maintain their pension. “We are thrilled and extremely supportive of this legislation because it means that veteran, highly driven,…

STONECREST, GA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a day of fun and activities during its inaugural Impact Festival on Saturday, July 2, beginning at noon. The free community festival will be held on the church’s campus at 6400 Woodrow Road in Stonecrest. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech, the event will feature performing artists, dancers, choirs, and musicians. Award-winning gospel recording artist Jekalyn Carr will headline the event with Praise 102.5 radio personality Darlene McCoy serving as mistress of ceremonies. The Impact Festival concludes at 5 p.m.   In addition to the planned performances and entertainment, the festival features several…

STONECREST, GA – The City of Stonecrest has issued a film permit for a temporary road closure and drone operations on Lithonia Industrial Boulevard between I-20 [south of exit ramp] to Woodrow Road. The road closure for film production is scheduled on Tuesday, June 28,  9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Motorists should use avoid that area.

DECATUR, GA –The DeKalb County Police Athletic League (PAL) Unit  is hosting an “After Dark Basketball Summer League” Program to bridge the gap between the youths of DeKalb County and the DeKalb County Police Department through sports. All youths ages 15 – 20 years are invited to come out every Tuesday and Thursday, 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., at the YMCA,  2565 Snapfinger Road, Decatur. Tournaments will be played during the final week of July 25 Over the course of the summer, a diverse group of professionals will come to the “After Dark Basketball Summer League” to share words of wisdom about…

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Applications are now being accepted for the DeKalb County Police Department’s second Youth Academy, which will be held on Saturday, July 30 This is an opportunity for DeKalb County youths ages 14-17 to learn how their police department works. During the one-day, in-person program, students will be given an overview of the department’s various units, including K9, SWAT and Crime Scene. They will also learn what to do when they encounter police. “I think it is important for our youth to have dialogue with their local police,” said DeKalb Police Chief Mirtha V. Ramos. “We want…

DECATUR, Ga.— DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson in partnership with the 100 Black Men of DeKalb will host a Youth Violence Prevention Rally & Summit Monday, June 27, 6 p.m., in the gymnasium at the Intergenerational Center at Exchange Park. Johnson started his ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! campaign over five years ago to focus on a comprehensive approach to crime prevention. This approach includes involving and working alongside youths in the community. Johnson said the rally and summit are designed to bring together the community and remind our youths that they are loved—ranging from law enforcement to our community-based organizations. The event will…

ATLANTA– Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur) was appointed on June 23 by Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Economic Development and International Relations. “Georgia has been a longstanding symbol of a prosperous economy and the top state in the nation to do business. With that, Georgia has continued to uphold strong relationships with international partners around the globe, providing sound economic growth opportunities while continuing to support local economies,” said Sen. Jones. “It is my hope that with this study committee, we will be able to uncover more advantageous opportunities to continue this…

Notice is given that the Rockdale Board of Elections will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, June 27, 2022 at 2 p.m. to certify the results of the Democratic Primary and Nonpartisan Runoff Election held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.  Please see the Agenda and Unofficial and Incomplete Election Results Attached. Please note, as of this email, we have a total of 15 outstanding Absentee Ballots (9 military and 6 absentee cures) that are eligible to be counted, should the voter return them by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 24. Meeting Information   Rockdale Board of Elections Special Meeting…