Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has nominated three county residents to serve on the MARTA board of directors. “DeKalb’s nominees are dedicated civic and community leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the county,” said CEO Thurmond. “The addition of these three members will be a tremendous asset in helping the county strongly advocate for continuous transit and ridership improvements.” Roderick Frierson is president of the Hidden Hills Civic Association, one of the county’s largest communities representing 1,683 homes. Frierson is also a business development consultant with nearly 30 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, distribution and warehouse management.…

The City of Stonecrest is seeking a qualified Contractor/Vendor to provide Park and Facilities Maintenance Services to the City.  The successful respondent will enter into a contract with the City of Stonecrest for the provision of services related to Landscaping, Sports Field Maintenance, Trail and Trailhead maintenance, and Janitorial services. Complete scope and other relevant information for RPF 2019-009, Parks & Recreation Landscaping, Maintenance, and Janitorial Services is available for download on the City of Stonecrest website at http://stonecrestga.gov to send request via email to procurement@stonecrestga.gov.

Real Women Atlanta Magazineand myEcon, Inc. will present “Still We Rise,” a black tie/red carpet eventhonoring 11 local black women who have given tirelessly to help their communities. The event, which commemorates the 1619 National Celebration of Black Women and celebrates Women’s History Month, willbe held on Saturday, March 9, 6 to 9 p.m., 173 14thSt. N.E., Atlanta. Hosted by V103’sAmanda Cooper and Joaquin Thompson, Daily Breadradio show. The event will be a night of music, poetry, comedy and more in celebration of the beauty and strength of the Black woman. This year marks the 400th-year commemoration of the…

City Manager Michael Harris says goodbye to J.W. Eady, who regularly attends the Stonecrest City Council meetings. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com By Valerie J. Morgan Michael Harris, who has served as the inaugural city manager for the city of Stonecrest, is leaving the city to return to Henry County government where he worked previously. Harris has been appointed to serve as the county’s deputy tax commissioner. His last day with the city of Stonecrest is March 8. He said he would begin his new position sometime in March. Mayor Jason Lary commended Harris for his work with…

The DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for seasonal summer employment opportunities such as food monitors, camp counselors, recreation assistants and bus drivers. The application deadline is March 29. Applicants must be 18 or older, unless applying for lifeguard or pool manager positions. Lifeguards and pool managers are required to be 16 or older. Proof of current certification from American Red Cross or other nationally-recognized aquatic training programs is required for all aquatic positions. All applicants selected will be required to successfully complete a drug and alcohol screening and criminal background check prior to employment. The…

The family of Robert A. Sewell III and Rockdale County Fire Rescue (RCFR) honored RCFR firefighter Robert Alexander Sewell III with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Feb. 27 A packed crowd attended the serviceat the Rockdale County Auditorium in Conyers. Sewell was killed on Feb. 21 after he lost control of his vehicle  during a downpour of rain on his way to work, county officials said. Sewell joined the fire department in 2016 and was a coordinator for new recruits within the department’s training division. Rockdale BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt said Sewell would be missed. “He was…

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary spoke to legislators and the public at the Georgia Capitol on Feb. 27 in support of legislation to expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses and level the playing field with state contractors. Under the House Bill 90, minority-owned business would receive a fair share of the $26 billion awarded to state contractors, according to State Rep. Winfred Dukes, one of the bill’s sponsors. State Rep. Billy Mitchell, who represents District 88 which includes Stone Mountain, along with four others co-sponsored the bill. If passed, the bill will provide for a feasibility study that would identify disparities in…

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has adopted CEO Michael Thurmond’s proposed $1.3 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2019 that includes a $112 million rainy-day fund and addresses unfunded pension fund liabilities. All planned expenditures are funded by FY2019 revenues. The final vote on Feb. 26 was 6-1 in favor of the amended budget proposal. “We continue to work to earn the public’s trust by being fiscally responsible, and by increasing efficiencies and customer service,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “The approved budget was developed in collaboration with the Board of Commissioners to continue improving the quality of life of citizens…

Attorney General Chris Carr is again warning the public about scam artists posing as law enforcement and elected officials in an attempt to swindle consumers. The schemes now incorporate a team approach and scare tactics to manipulate victims, Carr’ s office said in a news release. “No one is immune to these sophisticated schemes,” said Carr. “We encourage citizens to learn more about these scams and then tell their friends and loved ones about them so they know what to look out for.” Victims have reported receiving a call purporting to be from the local police, State Attorney General, Social…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit took Hussan Karim Chester into custody Feb. 26 after he was detained by Gwinnett County authorities on a warrant charging him with felony murder of shooting Erica Cruz, 21. The 34-year-old Atlanta man was attempting to re-register as a sex offender with the Gwinnett County Sex Offender’s Unit. According to the warrant issued in DeKalb County, Chester shot Cruz in the head on Feb. 22, 2019 at the Meadow Glen Village Lane apartment complex in Doraville, causing her death. A 911 caller who witnessed the shooting said that a man wearing a white…