Author: On Common Ground News

First 100 miles to be complete by September   DeKalb County contractors have finished resurfacing 35 miles of roads in DeKalb through funding provided by the county’s special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). More than 100 roads and streets have been paved, including Norman Road, Rockbridge Road, McLendon Road and Mountain Oaks Parkway. “SPLOST is allowing us to pave more than 300 miles of the bumpiest, most pothole-filled roads and streets in DeKalb and improve the quality of life for all who live, work and travel through the county,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. Citizens can follow the…

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced the award of more than $240,000 in literacy grants to Georgia nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. The funds are aimed at supporting adult, family and summer literacy programs within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center across the 44 states Dollar General serves. The grants awarded to Georgia organizations are expected to positively impact the lives of more than 16,000 Georgians. “In keeping with Dollar General’s mission of Serving Others, we are excited to provide grants to support literacy and education initiatives in the communities we proudly call home,” said Todd…

Pictured left to right: Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, Brandon Hayes and Cheri and Daniel Hayes. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary honored 11-year-old Brandon Hayes for his courageous journey as a liver transplant recipient. Hayes, a student at the Academy of Scholars, received the mayor’s inaugural “Stonecrest Champion Award” at the City Council meeting on May 13. A 5K run/walk was held on Mother’s Day in Brandon’s honor to raise awareness about organ donations and funds to help provide financial relief to Georgia families who have a family member in need of an organ…

Salem High School senior Emily Mahabir was named the winner of the 2019 Rotary Club of Rockdale County Four-Way Test Essay Contest and awarded a $500 scholarship at the May 15, 2019 meeting held at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital.  Mahabir, who will attend University of Georgia in the fall, wrote the top essay addressing the values of the Four Way Test, or the guiding principles that Rotary members recite at every meeting – “Of the things we think, say or do – is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, will it…

By Sarita Mason | OCG News Intern The City of Stonecrest has begun repaving 18 of its worst streets in the city’s first round of infrastructure repairs.  City officials and project managers for Blount Construction Company, Inc. held a ribbon- cutting ceremony on May 14 on Leverett Drive in the Amherst Forest community, where construction crews were out early that morning. Mayor Jason Lary said he was excited for the city to finally get rolling on the project. He said the project addresses improvements residents have been requesting for months, some of them citing dangerous potholes in communities and main…

The City of Conyers is expanding the areas where golf carts may be driven instead of regular vehicles. The motorized cart (golf cart) district, established in 2014 by the Conyers City Council, has now more than doubled in size in the hopes of spurring more interest among residents owning and operating golf carts to navigate city streets, officials said. The City Council began working on expanding the golf carts district after its annual January planning retreat, where several topics were discussed. The expansion of the district now extends south of the railroad tracks that divide the city. “In looking at…

  A youth helps to repair a sidewalk during last year’s DeKalb Works Summer Youth Employment Program. Officials say 400 youths will be hired for summer jobs through the 2019 DeKalb Works Summer Youth Employment Program. More than 2,700 youths applied for the positions. The program, in its third year, has provided approximately 1,100 jobs for DeKalb residents ages 14-24. “We are pleased with the overwhelming response to this youth employment and empowerment program,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “In addition to receiving a paycheck, these youth are being introduced to job skills and a…

L-R: Al Franklin, the city’s Community and Cultural Affairs director and DeKalb Police Officer G.T. Karabeika By Sarita Mason Intern, On Common Ground News Authorities say police presence will be greater to direct traffic and monitor the 2019 Atlanta DeKalb Caribbean Festival, which will be held on May 25 at The Mall at Stonecrest. DeKalb police said during a community informational meeting on May 15 that they plan to have 98 police officers, 38 security officers and two code enforcement officers to ensure adequate coverage of the Memorial Day weekend event.  Last year, 70 officers worked the festival, which…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the alleged beating death of an Atlanta man. Warrants received in the sheriff’s office on May 12 accuse Jordan Thornton, 21, of punching Anthony Concepcion Allen, 23, in the head repeatedly, causing bleeding and swelling of the brain that ultimately led to Allen’s death. The incident took place on May 8 at a Hemingway Road residence in Stone Mountain. Thornton turned himself in to authorities at the DeKalb County Jail without incident on May 13.  He is charged with aggravated battery and murder.

Pictured: DeKalb Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson Abel Beyene, director and founding member of The Great Franchise Expo   DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is inviting entrepreneurs and others interested in becoming franchise owners to attend The Great American Franchise Expo featuring more than 120 top franchises, including national and emerging businesses and chains. Cochran-Johnson is partnering with the Great American Franchise Expo to present the event on May 18-19 at the Cobb Galleria. DeKalb County attendees are encouraged to visit the Super District 7 booth on Saturday, May 18, to receive resources and literature from local lending and service partners.…