Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County crews will begin work in July on a $20 million project that will replace seven miles of 60-to-100-year-old water pipes in the Briarcliff and North Decatur areas. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said replacing the old infrastructure would resolve reported low water pressure issues in the areas. “Resolving water pressure issues in the Briarcliff and North Decatur area is a top priority for DeKalb County government,” Thurmond said. “DeKalb County is committed to fixing these longstanding problems and has directed significant resources to get the job done.” The project will include the installation of more than one mile…

Join Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District, for a Twitter Town Hall on Friday, June 14, 2 p.m., on twitter.com. The virtual town hall meeting will allow community stakeholders an opportunity to tweet in their concerns regarding a variety of issues ranging from healthcare to student loans. Tune into the town hall discussion by following @RepHankJohnson and tweet your questions to #AskHank.

  Atlanta Gas Light has filed a request with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) seeking a $96.1 million adjustment to base rates. The proposed hike represents a $3.80 monthly increase rate for the typical residential customer. Hearings on the proposal will be held at the PSC office Sept. 10-12. A decision is expected in December. Any new rate adjustments likely would go into effect Jan. 1, 2020. If approved, the request would fund critical system improvements over approximately a three-year period.  The adjustment would allow Atlanta Gas Light to make its system safer, comply with new regulations, respond faster…

DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw will host a community meeting on the proposed District 4 senior center on Monday, June 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at Antioch AME Church, 765 S. Hairston Road Stone Mountain. The public is encouraged to attend and provide feedback about the design of the building and programming services. The senior center will be located on a 2.7-acre, county-owned parcel at 4875 Elam Road, Stone Mountain. Wood Inc., the architect of record, will be present to discuss initial design ideas, get feedback and answer questions. “This new senior center, with the added amenity of a swimming…

The city of Stonecrest’s new welcome video gives a brief overview of the city’s amenities and growth. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/ud5TzCUknvI

DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL) is waiving overdue fines for materials in the children’s and teens’ collections during “Fine-Free Summer.” The initiative runs June 1 to Aug. 31 and is designed to encourage reading and remove any barriers so children will read more during the summer months. The DCPL Board of Trustees approved Fine-Free Summer for the second year after a successful summer in 2018. Fees will still be assessed on lost or damaged items and normal checkout periods will still apply.

Calvin Smith, 20 years old, is currently wanted by Conyers Police for armed robbery in Briar Creek Apartments on May 24, 2019. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspect may result in a cash reward of up to $2,000. Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information. Call 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org

  Rockdale County rolled out the red carpet for pooches. Officials celebrated the opening of its first dog park on Saturday, June 1, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. and a red carpet event at the new Richardson Park. Following the ceremony, dogs and their owners enjoyed a canine etiquette session, raffle drawings, and plenty of doggie treats.   “I am extremely pleased to be opening the first official dog park in Rockdale County that allows our residents to have an open space for their dogs to socialize and exercise,” say Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr.  “Adding a dog park to the…

ATLANTA– Today, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that he will appoint Markette Baker to the Superior Court of the Coweta Judicial Circuit, Jeffery O. Monroe to the Superior Court of the Macon Judicial Circuit, Shondeana C. Morris to the Superior Court of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, and Jeffrey A. Watkins to the Superior Court of the Cherokee Judicial Circuit. “Shondeana Morris’ impressive legal career and public service make her the right choice for the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court. Given her experience on the DeKalb County State Court and successful track record as a Fulton County prosecutor, I…

The DeKalb County Marshal’s Office (DKMO) has begun fully implementing its body camera program after extensive research and field testing. DKMO took lessons learned from other law enforcement agencies to tailor a body camera program specific to its operations using the latest technology. Each deputy is assigned a camera which is usually worn in an outer ballistic vest carrier specially equipped to accommodate the camera. When responding to calls for service, or upon deputy contact with the public, cameras will be activated. Other technology allows for the cameras to be turned on automatically depending on the nature of the event.…