Author: On Common Ground News

The Georgia Department of Driver Services Motorcycle Safety Program encourages all motorcyclists and scooter riders to ride to work on Monday, June 17, for the 28th annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day.  The event demonstrates the practical benefits of motorcycles. “Riding a motorcycle to work is a great commute option for those whom are properly licensed and capable of safely handling a motorcycle,” said DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore.  “If you are not properly licensed, please consider a GMSP training class to ensure you are sharing the road safely.” “Motorcyclists already know how much…

Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson           Chief Deputy Clerk James Cabe Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson, who has served 10 years in office, has announced her retirement. She said she will not seek re-election next year and plans to retire from office on March 31, 2020.  Wilson’s term ends Dec. 31, 2020. “It has been my pleasure and distinct honor to serve the citizens of Rockdale County. While I will miss the opportunity and responsibility of serving the courts, the public and the legal community as well as my wonderful staff and colleagues,…

Following the swearing-in ceremony of Judge J.P. Boulee as the newest member of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Gov. Kemp announced his appointment of DeKalb County State Court Judge Stacey Hydrick to the DeKalb County Superior Court. “Judge Hydrick’s wealth of experience in private practice and public service makes her an ideally qualified candidate for the DeKalb County Superior Court,” Kemp said. “Given Stacey’s commitment to her community, I am confident that she will make DeKalb County proud of her service on the bench.” Hydrick was appointed to the DeKalb County State Court by Governor…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan Jeanette Everhart is not your average centenarian. The spry 104-year-old brought in her birthday laughing, singing and cutting up on the dance floor. The celebration took place on June 13 at the Traditions Health and Rehabilitation Center amidst an intimate circle of family, friends and well-wishers. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary attended the celebration and danced a little jig with Everhart. The mayor beamed as he presented a bouquet of flowers to potentially the oldest centenarian in the City of Stonecrest. “Happy birthday,” Lary told Everhart, who asked him to dance with her, drawing laughter…

A colorful memorial of balloons and flowers were placed on a bank outside of the Zaxby’s restaurant where 17-year-old Elyse Purefoy worked as a cashier in Stone Mountain. The rising senior at Arabia Mountain High School, who was a member of the school’s dance team, collapsed on June 10 during a summer training workout and was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Purefoy was a straight-A student who worked part-time at Zaxby’s. Kimberly Cuffie, one of Zaxby’s shift managers, said workers at the restaurant were shocked and saddened by Purefoy’s…

Two minorities made history in Georgia with appointments by Gov. Brian Kemp’s on June 12. Doraville Police Chief and Brigadier General John King was named Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner and Safety Fire Commissioner, the first Hispanic to serve in that capacity. Cobb Judicial Circuit’s Chief Magistrate Judge Joyette Holmes was named the incoming District Attorney. She is the first African-American and first female to serve as District Attorney in Cobb. Holmes succeeds Victor Reynolds, who was appointed in February as director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations by Kemp. “John King is a decorated soldier, passionate community advocate, and devoted…

Conyers Police captured armed robbery fugitive Calvin Smith on June 7. Police arrested Smith after he and another man, Trayvion Clark, ran from a vacant house. Police pursued the men on foot chasing them through Olde Town, Sgt. Kim Lucas said. Code Enforcement officers and a gang detective had observed fresh gang-related graffiti on a vacant residence. and were meeting with a homeowner in front of the house when the pair ran out of a back door. A foot chase ensued and a perimeter was quickly established to locate the pair. Cadet Shelton Ragland spotted Smith running out of the…

By Sarita Mason OCG News Intern DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner  is gearing up for the DeKalb 2020 Census. Johnson, who has been appointed chairman of the DeKalb 2020 Census Complete Count Committee by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners, says every effort will be made to educate citizens on the importance of the 2020 Census report. “We will knock on doors, visit churches, nursing homes, attend events and more to gain a 100 percent response rate for this upcoming report,” said Johnson.  “It is very important that the citizens are aware of the impact their response to the…

Free family fun is in store for Conyers residents with the popular return of the Olde Town Summer Film Series this summer. Free outdoor movies will be shown at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 S. Main Street, at the Randal S. Mills City Center Park on the following Saturdays: June 15 (“Ralph Wrecks the Internet 2”); July 20 (“Incredibles 2”); and Aug. 17 (“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”). The July 20 movie event also features a “Touch a Truck.” Public safety officials from the Conyers Police Department, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, Rockdale County Fire Department, and National…

Conyers First United Methodist Church will host a four-day Bible adventure and beach bash June 18-20 at the Olde Towne Pavilion from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be singing, dancing, games, snacks and Christ-based education. The event will culminate with a beach bash on Friday, June 21, on the front lawn of Conyers First United Methodist Church, 921 N. Main Street. Each night, parents are invited to stay or to drop off rising kindergarten to rising 6thgrade students.