Author: On Common Ground News

Calvin Smith, 20 years old, is currently wanted by Conyers Police for armed robbery in Briar Creek Apartments on May 24, 2019. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspect may result in a cash reward of up to $2,000. Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information. Call 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org

  Rockdale County rolled out the red carpet for pooches. Officials celebrated the opening of its first dog park on Saturday, June 1, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. and a red carpet event at the new Richardson Park. Following the ceremony, dogs and their owners enjoyed a canine etiquette session, raffle drawings, and plenty of doggie treats.   “I am extremely pleased to be opening the first official dog park in Rockdale County that allows our residents to have an open space for their dogs to socialize and exercise,” say Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr.  “Adding a dog park to the…

ATLANTA– Today, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that he will appoint Markette Baker to the Superior Court of the Coweta Judicial Circuit, Jeffery O. Monroe to the Superior Court of the Macon Judicial Circuit, Shondeana C. Morris to the Superior Court of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, and Jeffrey A. Watkins to the Superior Court of the Cherokee Judicial Circuit. “Shondeana Morris’ impressive legal career and public service make her the right choice for the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court. Given her experience on the DeKalb County State Court and successful track record as a Fulton County prosecutor, I…

The DeKalb County Marshal’s Office (DKMO) has begun fully implementing its body camera program after extensive research and field testing. DKMO took lessons learned from other law enforcement agencies to tailor a body camera program specific to its operations using the latest technology. Each deputy is assigned a camera which is usually worn in an outer ballistic vest carrier specially equipped to accommodate the camera. When responding to calls for service, or upon deputy contact with the public, cameras will be activated. Other technology allows for the cameras to be turned on automatically depending on the nature of the event.…

By Ruth A. Wilson | Rockdale Clerk of Courts The Rockdale Clerk of Courts Office Real Estate Division has a new state-of-the-art tool to make the job of land surveyors much easier. Now, surveyors can print previously illegible plats 16 times larger than in the past, thanks to the new large format printer / plotter. A “plat” is a plan, map, or chart of a piece of land with actual or proposed features (such as lots) and also the land represented, especially as used in construction site mapping.  A plat map includes a description of the land and everything…

The Rockdale County Stormwater Department announced that it has closed the following road segments listed due to stormwater infrastructure or projects. Ebenezer Road, between 2140 and 2240 Ebenezer Road SW Closed on May 6, 2019. Construction underway. Reopening September 2019. Goode Road, near 193 Goode Road SE Closed April 19, 2019. Reopening Spring 2020. Saxony Drive, near 1309 Saxony Drive SE Closed April 19, 2019. Reopening Fall 2019. Wendwood Road, near 5301 Wendwood Road SW Closed April 19, 2019. Under evaluation. Rolling Acres Drive, near 2450 Rolling Acres Drive SW Closed January 6, 2014. Reopening Winter 2020. Gwen Road, near…

Gabrielle Noel Huff (left), Southwest DeKalb High School Class of 2019 magnet valedictorian and sister, Hannah Ciara Huff, Southwest DeKalb High School class of 2016 valedictorian By Mackenzie N. Morgan Last week, Gabrielle Huff, 18, turned in her final high school assignment—the 2019 Valedictorian speech she will give at the Southwest DeKalb High School graduation on Sunday, June 2, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. “I plan to thank my parents and hope to inspire my classmates to work hard and remind them that nothing good comes easy,” said Huff, who earned magnet valedictorian with a…

The City of Stonecrest plans to continue repaving its roads, tackling three of the city’s major thoroughfares—Rockland, Salem and Thompson Mill roads, utilizing a portion of the city’s special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). In a 5-1 vote at its May 28 meeting, the City Council authorized city staff members to release an invitation for contractors to bid on the next round of road resurfacing projects. Councilwoman Diane Adoma cast the dissenting vote. “We don’t have a comprehensive process to continue to bid out work,” Adoma said in defending her vote. Mayor Jason Lary said he is confident the…

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Road, Stonecrest, is celebrating National Get Outdoors Day by hosting a Fun with Fireflies family hike on June 8, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Children of all ages can enjoy the family-friendly night hike. The goal of the day is to create a healthy, fun day of outdoor adventure aimed at reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting children to the outdoors. Bring a flashlight, refillable water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Dads and their children are invited to a “Fishing with Fathers” excursion on June 16, 8 to 11 a.m., at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Rd., Stonecrest. DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs welcomes children of all ages to participate in the fun-filled, relaxing morning of fishing in the park. Participants will learn the basics of freshwater fishing with their fathers at their sides. Light refreshments will be served prior to departure to the lake. Supplies are limited and may be rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear. For…