Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will honor eight local businesses at its 2019 APEX Awards on June 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. The awards luncheon recognizes businesses for their exemplary standards and contributions to DeKalb County and the metro Atlanta region. “Every day our DeKalb businesses play a role in strengthening our workforce and stimulating the economy,” said Katerina Taylor, DeKalb Chamber President and CEO. “The APEX Awards is our way to thank these businesses for choosing to make a difference in DeKalb.” The following awards will…

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,” said Sue Sanders, director of…

Viewing today, June 16   Photos by William Thomas/OCG News A bouquet of pink balloons rose to the sky on Saturday as supporters and loved ones gathered at the Zaxby’s restaurant, 451 S. Deshon Road in Stone Mountain, to remember 17-year-old Elyse Purefoy. The Arabia Mountain High School student, who was on the honor roll and a member of the DeKalb County school’s dance team, worked part time at the restaurant where co-workers and managers held the vigil on Saturday evening. Purefoy collapsed during a workout with dance team members on June 10 and was pronounced dead…

The Georgia Department of Driver Services Motorcycle Safety Program encourages all motorcyclists and scooter riders to ride to work on Monday, June 17, for the 28th annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day.  The event demonstrates the practical benefits of motorcycles. “Riding a motorcycle to work is a great commute option for those whom are properly licensed and capable of safely handling a motorcycle,” said DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore.  “If you are not properly licensed, please consider a GMSP training class to ensure you are sharing the road safely.” “Motorcyclists already know how much…

Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson           Chief Deputy Clerk James Cabe Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson, who has served 10 years in office, has announced her retirement. She said she will not seek re-election next year and plans to retire from office on March 31, 2020.  Wilson’s term ends Dec. 31, 2020. “It has been my pleasure and distinct honor to serve the citizens of Rockdale County. While I will miss the opportunity and responsibility of serving the courts, the public and the legal community as well as my wonderful staff and colleagues,…

Following the swearing-in ceremony of Judge J.P. Boulee as the newest member of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Gov. Kemp announced his appointment of DeKalb County State Court Judge Stacey Hydrick to the DeKalb County Superior Court. “Judge Hydrick’s wealth of experience in private practice and public service makes her an ideally qualified candidate for the DeKalb County Superior Court,” Kemp said. “Given Stacey’s commitment to her community, I am confident that she will make DeKalb County proud of her service on the bench.” Hydrick was appointed to the DeKalb County State Court by Governor…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan Jeanette Everhart is not your average centenarian. The spry 104-year-old brought in her birthday laughing, singing and cutting up on the dance floor. The celebration took place on June 13 at the Traditions Health and Rehabilitation Center amidst an intimate circle of family, friends and well-wishers. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary attended the celebration and danced a little jig with Everhart. The mayor beamed as he presented a bouquet of flowers to potentially the oldest centenarian in the City of Stonecrest. “Happy birthday,” Lary told Everhart, who asked him to dance with her, drawing laughter…

A colorful memorial of balloons and flowers were placed on a bank outside of the Zaxby’s restaurant where 17-year-old Elyse Purefoy worked as a cashier in Stone Mountain. The rising senior at Arabia Mountain High School, who was a member of the school’s dance team, collapsed on June 10 during a summer training workout and was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Purefoy was a straight-A student who worked part-time at Zaxby’s. Kimberly Cuffie, one of Zaxby’s shift managers, said workers at the restaurant were shocked and saddened by Purefoy’s…

Two minorities made history in Georgia with appointments by Gov. Brian Kemp’s on June 12. Doraville Police Chief and Brigadier General John King was named Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner and Safety Fire Commissioner, the first Hispanic to serve in that capacity. Cobb Judicial Circuit’s Chief Magistrate Judge Joyette Holmes was named the incoming District Attorney. She is the first African-American and first female to serve as District Attorney in Cobb. Holmes succeeds Victor Reynolds, who was appointed in February as director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations by Kemp. “John King is a decorated soldier, passionate community advocate, and devoted…

Conyers Police captured armed robbery fugitive Calvin Smith on June 7. Police arrested Smith after he and another man, Trayvion Clark, ran from a vacant house. Police pursued the men on foot chasing them through Olde Town, Sgt. Kim Lucas said. Code Enforcement officers and a gang detective had observed fresh gang-related graffiti on a vacant residence. and were meeting with a homeowner in front of the house when the pair ran out of a back door. A foot chase ensued and a perimeter was quickly established to locate the pair. Cadet Shelton Ragland spotted Smith running out of the…