Author: On Common Ground News

Sasha McCalop, 40, will spend life in prison. McCalop was convicted on murder charges in the stabbing death of 47-year-old Michael Martin, her boyfriend. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said jurors returned guilty verdicts on March 11 against McCalop on charges of murder, felony murder and aggravated assault for the stabbing death of Michael Martin, which took place on Jan. 17, 2018. Shortly before the deadly incident, the victim called police to have McCalop removed from his Welland Avenue home in southeast Atlanta following an argument between the couple. While he was on the phone with police, McCalop stabbed…

The DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division is offering an amnesty program for those with delinquent traffic citations. “The goal of our citation amnesty program is to provide individuals with open or delinquent citations an opportunity to efficiently resolve their matters and restore their driving records,” said Presiding Judge Shondeana Morris. Individuals who previously failed to appear in court, resulting in delinquent traffic tickets, will have their failure to appear fees waived if they dispose of their cases through this program. The registration period for this program ends on May 17, 2019, and is available to any individual with delinquent citations…

The Rockdale Board of Elections & Voter Registration Office has moved to its new location at 1261 Commercial Drive, S.W., Suite B, Conyers. The 14,500-square-foot building, located in the Parker Professional Center, opened on March 14. The Board of Elections & Voter Registration Office, which will be located on the top level, is sharing the building with the Rockdale Cooperative Extension/4-H, which is located on the ground level.  Both moved because their former location at Parker Road has been leased to Restoration Storehouse, a nonprofit organization that will provide social services to citizens in need. Elections Supervisor Cynthia Willingham invites…

Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will hold the following meetings this month: Work Session: Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m. – Hightower Trail Elementary School, 2510 Highway 138 NE, Conyers  Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, March 26, 9 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers  Voting Session: Tuesday, March 26, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers To watch the meetings live on Rockdale 23, visit  www.rockdalecountyga.gov (scroll down and click  “Watch Live 23,” located on the right side of the screen).

There is still time for Korean War veterans from DeKalb County and the surrounding area to sign up for the Korean War Veteran Honor Ceremony, which will be held on Friday, April 12, 10 a.m., at the Pete Wheeler Auditorium, located in the VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur. Registration has been extended until Tuesday, April 2. Korean War veterans who have not signed up but are still interested in attending the ceremony to be personally recognized can contact the GDVS Central Office via email at bzeringue@vs.state.ga.us or fax their DD Form 214 with their contact information (phone number…

Staff from the Veterans’ Administration will be on site to assist with benefits and claims adjustments on Monday, March 25, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur. Justice for Veterans is hosting the free event. For more information, call 678-698-8753.

The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce is hosting its monthly business luncheon on Wednesday, March 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at This Is It! Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The meeting will focus on the economy’s impact on small businesses in Southeast DeKalb. Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner will present the Stonecrest Film and Entertainment Commission and its economic impact on the local community. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. Registration is $20 for nonmembers. To register for the luncheon, go to www.greaterlithoniachamber.com or for more information, contact Kendra Price at 770-482-1808.

The Gwinnett County Tax Office has opened four more self-service kiosks where residents can renew tags and walk away with a decal in hand. This brings the total number of kiosks in the county to six. “Kiosks are a popular and convenient way for drivers to renew their tags,” Tax Commissioner Richard Steele said. “We’re excited to expand access to kiosks in these Kroger stores.” Following is a list of the Kroger stores with new kiosks, and their hours of operation: STONE MOUNTAIN: 1227 Rockbridge Rd. S.W.; 6 a.m. – 1 a.m. DULUTH: 3093 Steve Reynolds Blvd.;  24 hours SUWANEE:…

Voices of Faith Ministries Toastmasters Club is hosting an open house for those who are interested in learning to be a better speaker and hone communications skills to be better equipped in a professional environment. The open house will be held on Monday, Marc 25, 6:45 to 8 p.m., at the church’s 2500 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain campus. “Voices of Faith Stone Mountain Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills,” said Lance Hammonds, Club President. Toastmasters Voices of Faith Stone Mountain meets each 2nd and 4th Monday at…

The arrival of spring means the community is invited to the 38th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival presented by High Priority Plumbing on March 23-24 at the Georgia International Horse Park.   This year’s theme is “Tickled Pink.” The annual festival  attracts thousands of attendees who come for live entertainment, cultural performances, hundreds of unique art and craft exhibits, multiple food courts, and a children’s area that will be filled with moonwalks, rock walls, obstacle courses, and the return of Puppet Master Peter Hart. Main attractions for 2019 include the Lady Houdini Escape Artist, the Ultimate Air Dog Show, and…