Author: On Common Ground News

  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…

The DeKalb Board of Education will hold the following meetings on Monday, February 4, 2019: 1:00 p.m.    Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a student appeal, personnel & legal matters Board Office Conference Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Stone Mountain, GA 30083 2:00 p.m.    Work Session & Committee of the Whole Cabinet Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Stone Mountain, GA 30083 5:45 p.m.       Community Input Session J. David Williamson Board Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Stone Mountain, GA 30083 7:00 p.m.         Business…

State Representative Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) is encouraging citizens to “Go Red for Women” by wearing red on Friday, February 7, 2020. “Go Red for Women” Day is celebrated by the American Heart Association (AHA) and is designated to increase women’s awareness and research about cardiovascular health.  Rep. Carter will also host a “Go Red for Women” rally on Friday, Feb. 7, 11:45 a.m., at the South Wing Steps of the State Capitol. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American and white women in the U.S., and the CDC has reported that one in every five…

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the City of Stonecrest by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).  The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. In conjunction with the GFOA award, Mayor Jason Lary and City Manager Michael Harris presented an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement to City Accounts Manager Audrey Mays at last night’s City…

MARTA officials say they plan to file a court injunction in Fulton County Superior Court on Wednesday to end the work slow-down with ATU Local 732. Today, 73 employees staged a sick-out, despite a collective agreement signed over the weekend between the union and MARTA. About 80 workers staged a sick on Monday. Employees are protesting wages and benefits for bus and rail operators, mechanics and other skilled technicians. MARTA officials said they are working to inform customers of the impacts through social media channels, our website, and the customer care center. MARTA has notified the union leadership that it…

DeKalb County is referring homeless individuals and families in need of overnight shelter to the following facilities: Salvation Army Red Shield, 400 Luckie St. NW Atlanta, GA 30313. For a referral, contact 770-905-2396 by 5 p.m. First Tucker United Methodist Church, 4315 Church Street, Tucker. The shelter will be open Tuesday through Thursday. Call 678-325-4041 or 404-291-3429 to confirm opening.        Additionally, a limited number of complimentary round-trip MARTA cards will be available for transport to warming stations or cold weather shelters. The cards can be picked up at 6 p.m. at A Home for Everyone in DeKalb, 105…