Author: On Common Ground News

By Mackenzie N. Morgan, Staff Writer For nearly 40 years, Gregory B. Levett, Sr., founder of Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, has been helping metro-Atlanta families celebrate the lives and memories of their loved ones. The community recently came together to celebrate a new milestone for Levett who recently received an honorary doctoral degree from Allen University, located in Columbia, SC, for his hard work as a businessman and philanthropist in the community. Levett, who was nominated by his pastor, the Rev. Dr. William D. Watleyof Saint Philip AMEChurch in Atlanta,said he was surprised and delighted when…

Rockdale County will celebrate the opening of South Rockdale Park’s mountain bike trails with a ribbon cutting ceremony and inaugural bike ride on Saturday, June 22, 9 a.m. at 3909 East Fairview Road, Stockbridge. MTB Atlanta and Rockdale County Recreation & Maintenance have worked together to build 6-miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails at South Rockdale Park in Rockdale County on the Rockdale River Trail. “Cyclists will be able to enjoy new multi-use mountain bike trails, the first of its kind in our park system that provides a picturesque view of South Rockdale Park,” says Sue Sanders, director of…

By Sarita Mason For On Common Ground News By the time people got home from work on the East Coast, the documentary, “When They See Us,” had shot to No. 1 and it stayed there all night, said Director Ava DuVernay. The four-part trending Netflixseries has sparked renewed demands for criminal justice reform locally and throughout the country. The documentary re-enacts the lives of five boys ages 14 to 16 who became known as the Central Park Five, after they were wrongfully convicted of the rape of a white jogger in New York City in 1989. All five…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. Unit has arrested 37-year-old Anthone Lorenzo Banks of Lithonia. Banks was charged with felony aggravated assault strangulation, misdemeanor family violence battery and misdemeanor child cruelty third degree in an incident that took place at his residence on June 18, 2019. According to warrants, Banks allegedly assaulted Marquita Farmer by striking her in the face with a closed fist, placing her in a headlock and strangling her.  The warrants state that two minor children were present during the altercation in the residence Banks and Farmer have shared for five years. Sheriff’s investigators apprehended and arrested…

The DeKalb County Board of Health will host its third annual Men’s Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The location is the Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s conference center, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. The event is free and open to the public. The fair encourages men to access health care providers and resources to help them lead healthier lives. Free onsite screenings will be available for diabetes, HIV, high blood pressure, and dental and weight issues. Also, the fair will offer resources for employment, exercise, healthy eating, fatherhood and…

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is significantly expanding its operations in Georgia through three investment and job growth initiatives in the state. The initiatives include $43 million invested in the company’s Roper Corporation facility in Walker County, creating 100 new jobs; a $32 million investment to build a new Southern Logistics Center that will create 100 new jobs in Murray County; and a new $55 million smart warehouse, creating 100 new jobs in Jackson County. “Thanks to corporate partners like GE Appliances, we are seeing greater investment and job growth in every part of our state,” said Gov. Kemp.”These jobs…

Wayfair, one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home, will create 500 jobs and invest more than $8 million in a customer support facility in Athens. “Wayfair’s decision to locate their new customer support facility in Athens-Clarke County is a testament to the economic development assets available in Athens-Clarke County and this region,”said Gov. Brian P. Kemp.“Our world-class logistics network has become a magnet for e-commerce companies looking to grow and reach new markets, and we are thrilled that Wayfair chose Georgia.” Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Wayfair has operations throughout North America and…

Reptile Wrangler Ken Panse June 25, 2 to 3 p.m. Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest The Reptile Wrangler is bringing his wildest friends with him. If you have ever wanted to see or touch some wild critters, head to the Stonecrest Library. The program is open to the first 60 participants, ages 5 to 12.  Tickets for free admission will be available one hour prior to the start of the program. Supported by DeKalb Library Foundation. 770-482-3828. Hike at the Stonecrest Library June 29, 9 a.m. to noon Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road…

Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, June 25, 9 a.m. – Cancelled Voting Session: Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Summer BOC Meeting Recess, July 1-19 , No BOC meetings scheduled County Holidays: Thursday, July 4-5, County offices closed Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 23, 9 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Combined Work Session and Voting Session, Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers

The Stonecrest City Council’s June 24 meeting has been canceled. The mayor and Councilmembers are away attending the Georgia Municipal Association Conference.