Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb for Seniors, Inc. will host its 5th Annual Business and Community Expo on Feb. 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The deadline for vendors to reserve a place is Friday, Feb. 1. Space is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. DeKalb For Seniors, Inc. is the nonprofit that serves as the fundraising and advocacy arm for the Lou Walker Senior Center, which is an award winning multi-purpose facility for seniors 55 and older. The center serves more than 3,000 members throughout the year.…

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host its 66th South Atlantic Regional Conference (SARC) April 10–14, in Greenville, S.C. at the Greenville Convention Center. This year’s conference theme is  “Excellence Personified: From the Mountains to the Foothills.” Nearly 5,000 members from Georgia, Florida and South Carolina are expected to attend, delivering an economic impact of more than $2.6 million to the local community. During the SARC, members will focus on five key program target initiatives: Historically Black Colleges and Universities for Life: A Call to Action; Women’s Healthcare and Wellness; Building Economic Legacy; The Arts; and Global Impact. Members will…

After hearing several complaints from residents about potholes that are plaguing the city’s roads, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary has vowed to fix the problem. “It’s not just a matter of damage to automobiles, it’s a safety issue now,” Lary said. “It’s critical. I’m going to find a way to fix these roads as fast as we can and it won’t be some cat and scratch (repairs).  We have the money to fix it and I’m going to make sure that it gets done.” Resident Tammy Grimes, one of several residents who spoke at the mayor’s Jan. 22 “Straight Talk” town…

Four crews are paving the first 100 miles of the worst roads in DeKalb County, using funds from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax(SPLOST) program. The roads currently under construction include Indian Manor Drive, Brafferton Court, Fox Valley Lane and Hairston Place. Since paving began in late September 2018, crews have completed almost seven miles of resurfacing. Road resurfacing is heavily weather-dependent and may pause due to cold or rainy weather. The county kicked off the first round of SPLOST repaving projects in September 2018 by initiating the paving of 25 miles of roads utilizing Georgia Department of…

Sharkweek 2018 at DeKalb County Public LibraryDeKalb County’s Public Library (DCPL) system will receive double honors as Georgia’s Public Library of the Year. DCPL is being recognized for offering public programming that embraces the county’s diverse community. The Georgia Public Library Service will present an award to DCPL on Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m., at the Decatur Library’s auditorium, the main branch, located a 215 Sycamore St.     DCPL also will be honored during the Georgia Council for Public Libraries’ annual Public Library Day at the Georgia State Capital on Feb. 13. The ceremony is set for  2:30 p.m.       “We are pleased…

Xpress Commuter Service bus stops for routes 400 and 416 will be impacted on Friday, Feb. 1, due to road closures for the NFL Honor Ceremony, which will be held at the Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta. Riders during the afternoon trips should plan to board at the following temporary bus stops:  Peachtree Street & Renaissance Parkway at Emory Hospital (Northbound) at MARTA stop Linden Avenue before West Peachtree Street The stops listed above are replacing the following stops, which will not be serviced:  Peachtree Street at Linden Avenue Ponce De Leon Ave at West Peachtree Street Spring Street at Linden…

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you get your new year’s business resolutions off the ground at this year’s 2019 Entrepreneurial Academy. Starting on Monday, Feb. 11, the seven-week program offers individuals a deep dive into the essentials on starting and running a successful business. “The entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business owner in mind. If you have dreams of starting your own business or are already an established business owner seeking to expand, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, President/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who…

Rockdale Constitutional Corner By Sheriff Eric J. Levett Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office would like to take this time to remind drivers to winterize their vehicles and follow safe driving tips in preparation for inclement weather. Winter weather can catch all of us off guard, but you can reduce the risks of being involved in a crash by making sure your vehicle is ready for the season, adopting winter driving techniques and following general roadway safety tips. Last winter, there were 250 crashes on snow, ice or slush covered roads in Rockdale County. Speed-related factors were reported as a causative factor…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced on Jan. 23 that he was elected by his peers to lead the Judiciary Subcommittee – Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. “I am honored to be named chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet,” said Johnson. “Intellectual property laws that protect the rights of owners of patents, trademarks and copyrights help drive America’s competitiveness and export growth, create millions of jobs, and affect virtually every segment of the U.S. economy. Georgia is home to a burgeoning tech and creative sector. As we work to modernize and streamline our patent and…