Author: On Common Ground News

The Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council has appointed Sherri Washington, Commissioner Post 1 as Vice Chair of the council. The Vice Chair is responsible for providing support to the Chairperson. In addition to standing-in for the Chairperson if required, the Vice Chair may also be delegated specific areas of responsibility. “I’m thrilled to accept this position and to partake in the expansion of economic development in Rockdale County,” Washington said, “This is truly an honor and I’m so excited to be a part of this council.” As Vice Chair, Washington is encouraging the public to learn about the new Advancing Rockdale Economic Development Strategy in a virtual…

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox rolled up her Class A Uniform sleeve on Dec. 11 to receive a vaccination against the COVID-19 Coronavirus. “I have no fear of this vaccine,” said Maddox.  “In fact, I look forward to it with the knowledge that it is a responsibility we all share in this protracted effort to stop the pandemic. Public health officials say there is always a chance of re-infection, so getting the vaccine, while continuing to wear masks, wash our hands and practice social distancing, remains our best defense.” Maddox was one of four metro area sheriffs who tested positive…

Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance Director of Interpretation Sarah Lisle hangs an educational banner on construction fencing. The Lyon Farm is located right next to the popular Arabia Mountain PATH trail.  Preparations for construction have begun at the Lyon Farm. Phase II of historic preservation work at the site will focus on the smokehouse (at left) and other farm structures.   STONECREST– Historic preservation efforts continue at the Lyon Farm, one of the oldest homesteads in DeKalb County and a part of the history of the African-American Flat Rock community. In early January, DeKalb County Board of…

The City of Chamblee was informed that a member of its municipal court staff tested positive for COVID-19. The court staff member was present during the Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 traffic court sessions. They were not in close proximity with any attendees and followed social distancing guidelines, officials said in a news release.   Per the Statewide Judicial Emergency Order, the city released municipal court operating guidelines May 13, 2020 and later updated them on July 1, 2020 that require all attendees to wear masks, maintain 6-feet distance at all times and scan all attendees’ temperatures upon entry. Only…

ATLANTA – The Georgia House Democratic Caucus (GHDC) Subcommittee on COVID-19 is urging Gov. Brian Kemp take more aggressive action to slow the spread of a new strain of COVID-19. The new strain, recently confirmed in Georgia, is reported to be more contagious. Members of the subcommittee, which includes State Representatives Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Shelly Hutchinson (D-Snellville), Donna McLeod (D-Lawrenceville), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) are asking Kemp to re-evaluate his current response plan regarding the spread of COVID-19 within the state of Georgia. “In view of the recent confirmation of a new,…

Randy Lewis Cato Jan. 20, 1956-Jan. 3, 2021 Pictured: Jeffery Cato and his wife, Kelly Cato, District 6 Coordinator for DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry mourn,  thank the community for condolences for Randy Lewis Cato. Jeffery Cato and Randy Cato were brothers.  Randy Lewis Cato transitioned into this world on Friday, Jan. 20, 1956 in Lagrange, Georgia to Rev. Albert Cato, Sr., and Eldora Fish(e) Cato as the fourth of five children. He later moved to Decatur, where he called home. Randy briefly attended Douglas High School, transferred and graduated from Columbia High School. He was an…

County will focus on creating ‘A Beloved Community’    DeKalb County will continue its longstanding tradition of celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting its first food distribution of 2021 alongside an abbreviated program on Jan. 18. The King Day theme for 2021 is “The Urgency of Creating the Beloved Community.” “The biggest threat to the creation of a ‘Beloved Community’ throughout DeKalb County is food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 health and economic crisis,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “We will commemorate King Day 2021 as a ‘day on, not a day…

CONYERS—Mayor Vince Evans and the Conyers City Council will designate and dedicate a stretch of Milstead Avenue in the city limits as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Avenue on Dr. King’s birthday, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. Discussion has been ongoing for some time about memorializing Dr. King’s legacy in Conyers and at last year’s City Council retreat, the council assigned the task to Council Member Connie Alsobrook and members of the city employee-led Connect Committee. The Conyers Connect Committee was created in 2020 to foster the city’s successful ability for its employees to work collaboratively as a team despite…

Commissioner Steve Bradshaw and Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously re-elected District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw as presiding officer and Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson as deputy presiding officer. “I am honored and humbled by the renewed vote of confidence in me that has been demonstrated by my esteemed colleagues,” Bradshaw said. “And I will continue to work hard to prove myself worthy of their support.” Since taking office in January 2017, Bradshaw has served in several roles,  including deputy presiding officer (2018 and 2019), County Operations Committee chair (2017 and 2018), Public Works…

Rockdale County Post 1 Commissioner Sherri L. Washington and Newton County District 3 Commissioner Alana Sanders are inviting small business owners to engage in a virtual town hall to discuss the new Federal COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package recently passed by the U.S. Congress. The town hall will be held via Zoom on Saturday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m., and broadcast live on the Official Rockdale County Facebook Page at facebook.com/rockdalegov. Congressman Hank Johnson and representatives of the Small Business Administration will discuss funding available through the new COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package and how to apply for assistance. “We want to…