Author: On Common Ground News

The Stonecrest Citizens’ Coalition (SCC) will host DeKalb County’s newly-elected Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson for its monthly meeting. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. Cochran-Johnson will share with her 2019 plans for DeKalb County. The meeting is open to the public.  

System is first of its kind in Georgia DeKalb Peachtree Airport has installed a new system to quickly stop planes in their tracks during emergency landings. The Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) is the first in Georgia. EMAS technology uses a series of crushable blocks to decelerate the speed of an aircraft during an emergency overrun. The EMAS technology is placed 200 feet off the end of a runway to prevent an aircraft from running off the runway. EMAS is used in cases where there is limited land, such as PDK’s 6,100-foot primary runway for corporate tenants. The EMAS technology…

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Decatur-DeKalb Chapter, Inc. hosted its “Healthy Eating and Fitness Day” on Jan. 31 at Samson Fitness Center, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest.    The free event, open to the public, offered healthy snacks, nutrition education and on-site exercise. One of the organization’s main health initiatives is to prevent adult and childhood obesity.  

State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) is alerting constituents that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a voluntary recall on valsartan, a drug commonly used to control blood pressure and prevent heart failure. The FDA has recalled valsartan due to the presence of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDEA), which has been classified as a probable human carcinogen. Carter said NDEA reportedly used in rocket fuel, softeners and lubricants. “I want to warn heart patients and consumers of the cancer-related risks that are associated with these medications. If you use valsartan, please consult your health care professional as soon as possible,” Carter…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, announced that he received a 100 percent from the Human Society of the United States(HSUS) and the Humane Society Legislative Fund for his voting record, co-sponsorship of legislation and leadership in helping prevent cruelty to animals. Johnson was the only member of the Georgia delegation to receive a 100% score from the Humane Society for his work during the 115th Congress. In 2012, he received the Humane Society’s Animal Welfare Leadership Award for his work protecting and advocating for animal rights. “How we treat animals as a society speaks…

  By Mark Brock DeKalb County School District Athletics Former Columbia High football player Gerald Everett persevered against the obstacles put in his path on the way to be playing tight end for the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII on Sunday in his hometown Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium. Everett transferred several miles across DeKalb County to Columbia High School from Martin Luther King Jr. High heading into his senior year in the summer of 2011. He had dreams of playing basketball for legendary Columbia coach Phillip McCrary (598 wins, 5 state championships). It was going to be hard…

ATLANTA– Attorney General Chris Carr is warning hotels that they need to honor existing reservations at the agreed-upon rates. “Consumers attending the Super Bowl or the surrounding events should be able to count on businesses to honor their contractual agreements,” said Carr. “Hotels and businesses that try to unfairly take advantage of consumers will be held accountable by our office.” If a hotel attempts to change the terms of an existing reservation, including charging a higher rate than the one established when the reservation was made, the Attorney General suggests that consumers first try to work with the business…

     ATLANTA—As Atlanta plays host to Super Bowl LIII, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is partnering with rideshare company Lyft and scooter rental company Lime to offer discounts to customers. “Ride sharing, as well as the emergence of scooter and bike rental companies, continue to play a significant role in helping our c ustomers address first- and last-mile connectivity challenges,” said MARTA General Manager & CEO Jeffrey Parker. “As we welcome thousands of visitors to our region, these discounts make it easier and more affordable to travel the city and enjoy all the Super Bowl activities.” Lyft is…

With crowds of more than 1 million expected this week for the Big Game, AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers are getting a big boost in cellular coverage and capacity throughout the Atlanta area.   AT&T officials said the company has been working for more than a year to boost its network through a series of permanent and temporary upgrades throughout the city to make sure that first responders have the support they need, as well as fans during Super Bowl LIII. The upgrades include faster and easier access from hotel rooms and conference centers to social media during the…

DeKalb County’s next “Workforce Wednesday” is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta. Workforce Wednesday is designed to connect DeKalb County residents to eligible training providers and employers in a centralized location.  DeKalb County residents have an opportunity to learn about Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act eligibility requirements, meet with eligible training providers and learn about high demand careers. The event will equip DeKalb County residents and employers with the knowledge and resources to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment, education and economic development. Interested candidates must register…