Author: On Common Ground News

Two Conyers employees were recognized for their work ethic, leadership and positive attitudes at the city’s annual employee breakfast held on Jan. 9 at Cherokee Run Golf Club. For 20 years, the city has been presenting the Dee Buggay Award of Excellence, or the Employee of the Year award, at the Mayor’s State of the City Address. But in recent years, the award has been presented at the employee breakfast so employees are recognized in front of their peers. The recipient of the 2018 Dee Buggay Award of Excellence is Elizabeth Kimbrell, office manager in the Public…

All tech savvy students throughout DeKalb County School District are invited to the 2019 DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Technology Fair on Saturday, Jan. 26. The 2019 Tech Fair will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Elizabeth Andrews High School, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard in Stone Mountain. This year’s theme is “Digital Dreamers Shine.” Since 2001, the DCSD Tech Fair has served as an annual gathering of students who present projects involving 3D Modeling, Animation, Audio Production, Device Modification, Digital Game Design, Digital Photo Production, Graphic Design, Internet Applications, Mobile Applications, Multimedia Applications, Productivity Design, Project Programming,…

A Conyers husband is one of three men indicted in connection with an alleged drug trafficking scheme that claimed his newlywed wife’s life. Michael Dale Lavigne, 33, was indicted last Thursday by a DeKalb County Grand Jury on charges of Felony Murder (two counts), Conspiracy to Violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, in connection with the death of his wife, Alisha Stephens, age 35. Carlos Rodriquez, 19, and Juan Carlos Ortiz, 29,  alleged members of the Latin Kings criminal street gang,…

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Decatur- DeKalb Chapter, Inc. will host its “2019 Let’s Talk – Money Management & Real Estate Workshop & Networking” community event, on Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.to noon, at Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. There will be speakers presenting on Budgeting, Debt Management, Home buying, Selling, New Mortgage Programs and more. The event is free and open to the public.

The Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee’s meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 16, 6 p.m., at the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. The meeting will take place on the first floor in room 111. For more information, contact Carol Underwood, administrator coordinator, at 404-371-2927 orcjunderw@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Join Ranger Meredith at the Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve for an afternoon hike with your dog on Sunday, Jan. 13, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Bring water for you and your dog and dress appropriately for the weather. Guests will meet at the Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. To register, visithttp://arabiaalliance.org/events/or call 770-484-3060. The event is free.

Join Habitats for Bats to build your very own bat habitat house on Saturday, Jan. 19, at Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. Bats are an important part of the ecosystem, and you can help them out by putting a bat house in your backyard. Join the rangers at Panola Mountain State Park to make and take home your own bat habitat house. Workshop costs $10. Call 770-389-7801 to register. Registration required.

The Lithonia First UMC, Exousia Lighthouse International Christian Ministries and First St. Paul AME are sponsoring a food pantry on Saturday, Jan. 19, at Lithonia City Hall parking lot, 6920 Main Street, Lithonia. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the food will be given away 10 a.m. to noon Free food will be provided on a first-come first-served basis. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The community event is in partnership with First African CDC, Atlanta Community Food Bank and the City of Lithonia. For more information, call 770-482-8136.

(CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE) Beginning with this week’s print issue, Allen will share her work as an interior designer on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Allen offers a fresh and creative approach to design that we hope will inspire you as you re-create your living spaces for the New Year or new season in your life. Allen helps clients use their own objects to create beautiful living spaces that reflect personal style.

Major K.D. Johnson holds the Officer of the Year award for slain DeKalb County Police Officer Edgar Flores during the Jan. 9 DeKalb County Police Department South Precinct Officer and Community Appreciation Awards ceremony. The program was held at the south precinct headquarters in Decatur. Congressman Hank Johnson was unable to attend the ceremony, but presented Flores with a U.S. Citizen of Distinction honor. Members of Flores’ family were present to accept the honor. During the ceremony, night-watch Captain Bell shows a portrait of Flores that was done in his honor. At the end of the ceremony, members of…