Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners received a recommendation on Nov. 19 to enter into a five-year contract with American Medical Response, an emergency ambulance service provider. After conducting a national search and eight-month review, the internal evaluation committee, comprised of representatives from the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department, E-911, DeKalb Medical Examiner’s Office and the CEO’s office, found American Medical Response to be the highest-scoring proposer. “DeKalb is building an innovative countywide ambulance transport service system that prioritizes the lives and safety of our citizens,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “The emergency ambulance service provider recommendation is the product…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer Stonecrest resident Gwendolyn Springfield has many things to be grateful for this holiday season. The 60-year-old postal worker retired on Oct. 31 as the first black mail clerk at the Lithonia Post Office after 35 years of service. Hired as a mail carrier in 1984, Springfield, then 24, delivered mail for one week before being reassigned to clerk carrier – a customer service job typically reserved for whites. “My boss held a meeting to notify and prepare white staff members that I’d be coming on board to work front desk. Even though it…

DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is partnering with the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority (FDHA) to host the 2019 Lock-in for Life, a program designed to promote healthy relationships among middle and high school teen males. The six-hour event will be held Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. to midnight, at Berean Christian Church, 2201 Young Road, Stone Mountain. The program was designed after taking a critical look at the needs of male students within DeKalb schools and the unique challenges they face. The program seeks to fill the gap that a modern education may not be equipped to bridge. “The Lock-in for…

DeKalb County Government is participating in Census Pledge Week, Dec. 1-8 to encourage DeKalb residents to pledge to count everyone in their households. If every resident is counted on the 2020 Census, DeKalb County could receive $1.8 billion in federal funds per year for the next 10 years. “By participating in the 2020 Census, residents can help DeKalb County Government make a positive and lasting impact on our communities,” said DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson, who chairs DeKalb County’s Complete Count Committee. “An accurate count will help to secure funding for critical projects such as new libraries, community…

Get ready to tune in and watch Rockdale County on national television.  The Kelly Clarkson Showis doing a special highlighting the county, which is scheduled to be televised on Nov. 26, 10 a.m., on Atlanta’s ABC Affiliate, WSB TV, Channel 2. Rockdale County spokesman Jorge Diez said officials were embargoed by the show’s producers from discussing any details about the spotlight before it is televised. But Diez is strongly encouraging the public to tune in or set recording devices to watch the segment later. The Kelly Clarkson Show,hosted by the American Idolwinner and judge on The Voice, combine interviews…

The Georgia MVD Tag Kiosk continues to expand its roster of participating counties and Kroger store locations. The grand opening of the newest kiosk was held Nov. 21 at the Conyers Square Kroger grocery store, 1745 GA-138 S.E. Georgia has widely embraced providing more convenient technology for Georgia citizens to perform motor vehicle services. During the past three years, over 827107 vehicle registrations have been performed on Georgia Tag Kiosks. By placing the self-service kiosks in convenient Kroger locations that are open extended hours, Georgia vehicle owners can renew vehicle registrations while shopping for groceries. “I am excited we were…

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is rolling out the red carpet this holiday season with an exciting calendar of holiday events to attend and opportunities to serve. Help children in need this Christmas by adopting a child’s name from the  “Tree of Love.” The annual event assists children living in foster care or low-income households who might not otherwise receive a gift for Christmas. The Tree of Love kick offs on Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. “Share the Love Day” will be held on…

The 12thannual Christmas Tree Lighting Spectacular will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Enjoy holiday entertainment, free eats and treats and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. The event will also feature a Christmas cookie decorating station, ugliest sweater contest and more.  

Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive S.E., Conyers, will present its Soulful Noel Christmas Production on Dec. 6-8. Soulful Noel, the NewRock Christmas Spectacular, is in its fifth season and has become a highly anticipated event during the Christmas season.  The production tells the story of Jesus Christ’s birth from an Afro-centric perspective by employing the use of dance, drama and gospel music. The auditioned cast all come from the Rockdale and Newton County community. As part of the opening night on Friday, Dec. 6, there will be a Red Carpet Gala Reception featuring a silent auction to…

Enjoy holiday festivities with Santa on the Square on Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the City of Decatur Plaza, 101 E. Court Square. Santa arrives on a fire truck that morning. Enjoy a fresh baked cookie and your choice of milk or hot cocoa. Have your wish list ready to share with Santa and get your digital picture taken. The event is free, but reservations are requested to ensure adequate supply of treats: freshtix.com.