Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. Unit has arrested 37-year-old Anthone Lorenzo Banks of Lithonia. Banks was charged with felony aggravated assault strangulation, misdemeanor family violence battery and misdemeanor child cruelty third degree in an incident that took place at his residence on June 18, 2019. According to warrants, Banks allegedly assaulted Marquita Farmer by striking her in the face with a closed fist, placing her in a headlock and strangling her.  The warrants state that two minor children were present during the altercation in the residence Banks and Farmer have shared for five years. Sheriff’s investigators apprehended and arrested…

The DeKalb County Board of Health will host its third annual Men’s Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The location is the Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s conference center, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. The event is free and open to the public. The fair encourages men to access health care providers and resources to help them lead healthier lives. Free onsite screenings will be available for diabetes, HIV, high blood pressure, and dental and weight issues. Also, the fair will offer resources for employment, exercise, healthy eating, fatherhood and…

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is significantly expanding its operations in Georgia through three investment and job growth initiatives in the state. The initiatives include $43 million invested in the company’s Roper Corporation facility in Walker County, creating 100 new jobs; a $32 million investment to build a new Southern Logistics Center that will create 100 new jobs in Murray County; and a new $55 million smart warehouse, creating 100 new jobs in Jackson County. “Thanks to corporate partners like GE Appliances, we are seeing greater investment and job growth in every part of our state,” said Gov. Kemp.”These jobs…

Wayfair, one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home, will create 500 jobs and invest more than $8 million in a customer support facility in Athens. “Wayfair’s decision to locate their new customer support facility in Athens-Clarke County is a testament to the economic development assets available in Athens-Clarke County and this region,”said Gov. Brian P. Kemp.“Our world-class logistics network has become a magnet for e-commerce companies looking to grow and reach new markets, and we are thrilled that Wayfair chose Georgia.” Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Wayfair has operations throughout North America and…

Reptile Wrangler Ken Panse June 25, 2 to 3 p.m. Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest The Reptile Wrangler is bringing his wildest friends with him. If you have ever wanted to see or touch some wild critters, head to the Stonecrest Library. The program is open to the first 60 participants, ages 5 to 12.  Tickets for free admission will be available one hour prior to the start of the program. Supported by DeKalb Library Foundation. 770-482-3828. Hike at the Stonecrest Library June 29, 9 a.m. to noon Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road…

Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, June 25, 9 a.m. – Cancelled Voting Session: Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Summer BOC Meeting Recess, July 1-19 , No BOC meetings scheduled County Holidays: Thursday, July 4-5, County offices closed Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 23, 9 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Combined Work Session and Voting Session, Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers

The Stonecrest City Council’s June 24 meeting has been canceled. The mayor and Councilmembers are away attending the Georgia Municipal Association Conference.

DeKalb County officials will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for an amphitheater, walking trails, gardens and open meadows at Rainbow Park on Monday, July 1, at 10 a.m., 3171 Rainbow Park Drive, Decatur. The new amphitheater will seat up to 1,000 people and will be an open-air venue for DeKalb residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of live music performances, movies in the park and other county-sponsored events. David Manuel, executive director of the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in DeKalb County, said is excited about the new amphitheater as an addition to the arts in DeKalb. “This amphitheater is…

Tadia D. Whitner                                                   Jessica Simmons Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced two appointments, selecting Tadia D. Whitner to serve on the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit Superior Court and Jessica M. Simmons to serve as Deputy Commissioner at the Georgia Department of Revenue. Kemp said Whitner brings “invaluable leadership and legal expertise” to the bench having served as a prosecutor, private attorney, and judge for municipal and juvenile…

DeKalb County has scheduled the first of four open houses that will be held to gather public input about the future of the Memorial Drive corridor. The first open house is scheduled Tuesday, June 25, 6 to 8 p.m., at the DeKalb County Watershed Management Office, 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur. DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, District 4, is hosting the workshops. In 2018, Bradshaw allocated $140,000 of District 4 reserves for a study. That was augmented by a $34,500 allocation from the DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability Department, which, along with the POND consultant planning team, is developing strategies…