Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for seasonal summer employment opportunities such as food monitors, camp counselors, recreation assistants and bus drivers. The application deadline is March 29. Applicants must be 18 or older, unless applying for lifeguard or pool manager positions. Lifeguards and pool managers are required to be 16 or older. Proof of current certification from American Red Cross or other nationally-recognized aquatic training programs is required for all aquatic positions. All applicants selected will be required to successfully complete a drug and alcohol screening and criminal background check prior to employment. The…

The family of Robert A. Sewell III and Rockdale County Fire Rescue (RCFR) honored RCFR firefighter Robert Alexander Sewell III with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Feb. 27 A packed crowd attended the serviceat the Rockdale County Auditorium in Conyers. Sewell was killed on Feb. 21 after he lost control of his vehicle  during a downpour of rain on his way to work, county officials said. Sewell joined the fire department in 2016 and was a coordinator for new recruits within the department’s training division. Rockdale BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt said Sewell would be missed. “He was…

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary spoke to legislators and the public at the Georgia Capitol on Feb. 27 in support of legislation to expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses and level the playing field with state contractors. Under the House Bill 90, minority-owned business would receive a fair share of the $26 billion awarded to state contractors, according to State Rep. Winfred Dukes, one of the bill’s sponsors. State Rep. Billy Mitchell, who represents District 88 which includes Stone Mountain, along with four others co-sponsored the bill. If passed, the bill will provide for a feasibility study that would identify disparities in…

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has adopted CEO Michael Thurmond’s proposed $1.3 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2019 that includes a $112 million rainy-day fund and addresses unfunded pension fund liabilities. All planned expenditures are funded by FY2019 revenues. The final vote on Feb. 26 was 6-1 in favor of the amended budget proposal. “We continue to work to earn the public’s trust by being fiscally responsible, and by increasing efficiencies and customer service,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “The approved budget was developed in collaboration with the Board of Commissioners to continue improving the quality of life of citizens…

Attorney General Chris Carr is again warning the public about scam artists posing as law enforcement and elected officials in an attempt to swindle consumers. The schemes now incorporate a team approach and scare tactics to manipulate victims, Carr’ s office said in a news release. “No one is immune to these sophisticated schemes,” said Carr. “We encourage citizens to learn more about these scams and then tell their friends and loved ones about them so they know what to look out for.” Victims have reported receiving a call purporting to be from the local police, State Attorney General, Social…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit took Hussan Karim Chester into custody Feb. 26 after he was detained by Gwinnett County authorities on a warrant charging him with felony murder of shooting Erica Cruz, 21. The 34-year-old Atlanta man was attempting to re-register as a sex offender with the Gwinnett County Sex Offender’s Unit. According to the warrant issued in DeKalb County, Chester shot Cruz in the head on Feb. 22, 2019 at the Meadow Glen Village Lane apartment complex in Doraville, causing her death. A 911 caller who witnessed the shooting said that a man wearing a white…

Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers honored Elisabeth Williams-Omilami, CEO  of Hosea Helps, during the church’s Black History Month program on Feb. 24. Springfield presented Omilami with the Icon Award, which recognizes living legends who have made exceptional contributions toward African American excellence and advancement. Omilami was honored for her contribution in the area of Human Rights and Humanitarianism. Hosea Helps (formerly Hosea Feeds the Hungry and Homeless) was founded by her parents, civil rights icons the Rev. Hosea and Juanita T. Williams. Since 2000, the year her father passed, Williams-Omilami has operated Hosea Helps along with her husband, Afemo Omilami.…

DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department announces the recent hiring of Jonah McDonald as the county’s parks naturalist. McDonald will provide programming for the public, serve as a safety presence on the trails and assist with the maintenance of greenspace. Programming will be designed for all ages and will focus on environmental education, history, storytelling and physical fitness. McDonald has managed outdoors programs at several metro-area independent schools, founded Sure Foot Adventures and co-founded the Peacebuilders Camp. He is also a professional storyteller who has been featured on WABE 90.1 FM and has performed at elementary and middle schools across…

Notaries Public have long been relied upon to deter fraud. The Notary process dates back to ancient Rome and continues to be a staple of personal, government and business transactions as a means to certify that the signatures are valid. Notarized documents are required for a wide range of legal filings and financial transactions. The proper performance of notarial duties is essential to the effective operations of government and commerce. As a Notary, you are exercising the sovereign authority delegated to you by the State of Georgia. Why do we need Notaries? To deter document fraud To ensure the integrity…

  Transforming Faith Church will host a child abuse prevention workshop on Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Southwest DeKalb High School, 2863 Kelly Chapel Road(Performing Arts Building) The workshop is being held in light of the most heightened conversation around the topic of child sexual abuse. Transforming Faith Church is hosting an interactive and practical training focused on helping parents, educators, ministry leaders and anyone who loves children learn the strategies to prevent and respond to abuse in our community. “We don’t want to simply respond to the needs of our children after the abuse, we…