Author: On Common Ground News

Miss Nigeria, Olutosin Araromi, visited Stonecrest City Hall, two days after competing in the Miss Universe 2018 Pageant in Atlanta. Mayor Jason Lary presented Aaromi with keys to the city and congratulated Araromi for her participation in the Dec. 8 pageant, along with Araromi’s roommate, Zozibini Tunzi, Miss South Africa, who took the crown at the pageant. “It was a great honor to meet Miss Nigeria. On behalf of the City of Stonecrest, I presented her the keys to our city to show our appreciation and support for what she and and Miss Universe and others like them represent…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan The East Lake Family YMCA Active Older Adults senior group (AOA) has spent the past year putting their sewing needles to good use with one goal in mind—to bring a little extra warmth to the less fortunate during the holiday season. The group will be gifting over 50 handmade blankets to local homeless shelters, hospital patients and families in need. Fitness instructor and AOA member Ranette “Ray Ray” Clark, 56, helped launch the program nearly two years ago after a member suggested starting a knitting program. Other members with different niches from knitting to crochet…

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by guilty plea in the murder and aggravated assault case against a Decatur man accused of killing a 6-year-old boy and attempting to strike a police officer with his car. During plea proceedings on Dec. 11, Meshon Williams, 18, entered a guilty plea to charges of felony murder, aggravated assault (eight counts), fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The extensive list of charges against Williams stems from a series of events spanning several days in…

On Friday, Nov. 22, at approximately 1:50 p.m., two suspects purchased a large amount of gift cards and other items using fraudulent credit cards at the Conyers Walmart, 1436 Dogwood Drive.  The suspects left the location in a silver 2017 Audi RS7 with a dealership tag displayed. Any information regarding these persons of interest may result in a cash reward of up to $2,000.  Tipsters will remain anonymousand are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with anyinformation, call 404-577-TIPS(8477) or click:www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org. BOLO CS 19-120397

News Update: District 5 Councilwoman-elect Tammy Grimes to be sworn in Tuesday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. at Stonecrest City Hall. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary introduced the public to two new community leaders at the Dec. 9 City Council meeting: Revonda Cosby, the new executive director of the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, and Tammy Grimes, who won the Dec. 3 runoff for the District 5 City Council seat. Grimes did not participate as a voting council member during the City Council meeting because she had not been sworn into office.   She cannot take the oath office until the…

DeKalb County’s District 4 is slated to receive some major upgrades. The Board of Commissioners approved $1.6 million for improvements at Avondale Dunaire Park, Needham Park, Mystery Valley Golf Course, funding for traffic radar signs and the expansion of the county’s summer jobs program for youths. Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, who represents District 4, secured the support of the board for the improvements at the board’s Dec. 10 meeting. The board allocated $1 million for capitol improvements at Avondale Dunaire Park, which is located at the intersection of George Luther Drive and Memorial Drive. Bradshaw said the…

Stonecrest District 4 Councilman George Turner and District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble will honor community volunteers in their districts during a Town Hall meeting on Dec. 19, 6 p.m., at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, 3800 Miles E. Fowler Way, Stonecrest. The meeting will be held in the church’s Fellowship Hall. “It’s the season for giving and we wanted to honor the volunteers who have given all year to their community. They put in the work and their dedication and service means a lot to the city,” said Turner. Turner, who is heading the city’s 2020 U.S. Census Complete Count…

The December DeKalb Cultural Exchange Community Breakfast has been cancelled and will resume Jan. 11, 2020.

The King Center will host its 37thSalute to Greatness Awards Gala in celebration of the annual King Holiday Observance on Saturday, Jan.18, 2020, 7 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street, NE in Atlanta. The annual signature fundraiser is a preeminent gala awards ceremony honoring individuals, corporations, humanitarians, activists and other organizations whose leadership has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, The King Center is proud to salute: Cathy Hughes, founder and chairwoman, Urban One, Inc.,Salute to Greatness Individual Award Kellogg Company, Salute to Greatness Corporate Award…

DeKalb’s Chief Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson, Deputy Solicitor General Kenya Johnsonand substance abuse counselor Original Michael. The Davis Bozeman law firm honored community three leaders on Dec. 7 at its annual holiday affair, which was held at the Gathering Spot. Fox 5’s Portia Brunerserved as master of ceremonies for the Community Service Awards program. This year’s honorees included DeKalb’s Chief Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson, Deputy Solicitor General Kenya Johnsonand substance abuse counselor Original Michael. “As a socially conscious law firm, we are proud to honor individuals and organizations that help build our community. The three honorees this year for…