Author: On Common Ground News

By Sarita Mason For On Common Ground News Customers who have recently eaten at a Gwinnett County Wendy’s are being warned to get checked for signs of Hepatitis A, after an employee tested positive for the infection. A food handler at the Wendy’s located at 165 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, may have been able to spread the virus to customers who ate at the restaurant between June 13-29. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection, that can cause diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite and yellow eyes and skin. The virus can be contracted from contaminated food or…

Today, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved CEO Michael Thurmond’s Fiscal Year 2019 midyear budget. “This rare unanimous vote proves the CEO has built common ground with the Board of Commissioners to provide the necessary services and improve the quality of life for the residents of DeKalb,” Commissioner Larry Johnson said. DeKalb County’s Fiscal Year 2019 midyear operating budget is $1.3 billion and projects an end-of-year tax fund balance, or rainy-day fund, of $110 million. This amount will cover county operations for 2.02 months. “I would like to thank the Board of Commissioners for working…

Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 23, 9 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Combined Work Session and Voting Session: Tuesday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – (or following the public hearing) Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 23, 6 p.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 30, 6:30 p.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Called Meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 6,…

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) has identified the victim who was fatally shot on the Fourth of July at 3508 Tiffany Drive, Conyers as Aaron Huff, 19, of Conyers. A second victim was shot during the incident and is currently hospitalized, Deputy Lee Thomas said in a statement today. Deputies responded to a call about the shooting on July 4 at 3:32 p.m. after neighbors reported hearing gunshots and people scrambling away from the house. Investigators were able to identify persons of interest and are asking the public’s help with any information regarding the shooting. The RCSO can be reached…

WorkSource DeKalb announces its Mobile Career Center schedule for July. The center will be stationed at locations throughout DeKalb County to help put DeKalb County citizens back to work. The mobile unit brings job assistance to residents of DeKalb by conveniently traveling all over the county. Residents have access to services like job search assistance, workshops, training and resume writing and interviewing tips. Businesses may also use the mobile unit for interviewing, training, pre-employment screenings or recruiting. The Mobile Career Center is also aiding residents interested in applying for the DeKalb year-round internship program.  The program provides short-term internship opportunities…

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors recently adopted the Authority’s fiscal year 2020 Operating and Capital Budget. The nearly $1.1 billion budget includes $523.9 million in operating funds and $579.7 million for capital programming, with a projected reserve balance of $203.5 million. MARTA’s FY 20 budget aligns with aintaining current levels bus, rail, and paratransit service, while providing for capital projects aimed at transit expansion, enhancing connectivity and spurring economic growth, officials said. “Our budget reflects MARTA’s priorities and its commitment to its customers, employees and fiscal responsibility,” said MARTA General Manager & CEO Jeffrey Parker.…

Xpress passengers on all 27 routes across 12 metro counties will begin seeing the new logo of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (ATL) on Xpress commuter coaches this week. Offiials say the addition of the ATL logo will help to identify and promote a more connected network of mobility options across the region. Xpress – operated by the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) – joins MARTA as the second transit provider in the region to incorporate the ATL logo. The new logo will appear on buses and at park-and-ride lots. Xpress and ATL co-branding will heighten visibility and awareness…

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) DeKalb, Inc. is hosting a Multicultural Mental Health Fair in recognition of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which will be held Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Milam Park in Clarkston. NAMI DeKalb President Cynthia Moorer is encouraging the public to attend. “Our fair is open to the public and welcomes diverse populations, including specific refugee and minority communities in DeKalb County,” Moorer said. NAMI is working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues and spread more awareness to diverse populations. The event includes guest speakers and mental health community…

District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson                Patrina King DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will host the second installment in her Books & More Women’s Empowerment Club Series  on Saturday, July 20, noon to 2 p.m., at the Smoke Rise Country Club, 4900 Chedworth Drive,Stone Mountain. The Women’s Empowerment Book Club will feature seasoned golfer and founder of Golf Women Mean Business, Patrina King, who will share her advice on what it takes to be successful in business from the teachings in her book, “9 Holes 9 Goals,…

Pictured left to right: GMA President, and Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger, City of Stonecrest Councilwoman Diane Adoma, and Mara O. Shaw, leadership development program manager. Stonecrest Councilmember Diane Adoma received the Certificate of Achievement from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute during the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Convention in Savannah on June 21. Adoma is the first member of the Stonecrest City Council to receive the prestigious certificate of achievement, GMA stated in a news release. The Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute, a cooperative effort of GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provides a nationally recognized series of training opportunities for city officials. To…