Author: On Common Ground News

The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce is hosting its monthly business luncheon on Wednesday, March 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at This Is It! Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The meeting will focus on the economy’s impact on small businesses in Southeast DeKalb. Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner will present the Stonecrest Film and Entertainment Commission and its economic impact on the local community. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. Registration is $20 for nonmembers. To register for the luncheon, go to www.greaterlithoniachamber.com or for more information, contact Kendra Price at 770-482-1808.

The Gwinnett County Tax Office has opened four more self-service kiosks where residents can renew tags and walk away with a decal in hand. This brings the total number of kiosks in the county to six. “Kiosks are a popular and convenient way for drivers to renew their tags,” Tax Commissioner Richard Steele said. “We’re excited to expand access to kiosks in these Kroger stores.” Following is a list of the Kroger stores with new kiosks, and their hours of operation: STONE MOUNTAIN: 1227 Rockbridge Rd. S.W.; 6 a.m. – 1 a.m. DULUTH: 3093 Steve Reynolds Blvd.;  24 hours SUWANEE:…

Voices of Faith Ministries Toastmasters Club is hosting an open house for those who are interested in learning to be a better speaker and hone communications skills to be better equipped in a professional environment. The open house will be held on Monday, Marc 25, 6:45 to 8 p.m., at the church’s 2500 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain campus. “Voices of Faith Stone Mountain Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills,” said Lance Hammonds, Club President. Toastmasters Voices of Faith Stone Mountain meets each 2nd and 4th Monday at…

The arrival of spring means the community is invited to the 38th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival presented by High Priority Plumbing on March 23-24 at the Georgia International Horse Park.   This year’s theme is “Tickled Pink.” The annual festival  attracts thousands of attendees who come for live entertainment, cultural performances, hundreds of unique art and craft exhibits, multiple food courts, and a children’s area that will be filled with moonwalks, rock walls, obstacle courses, and the return of Puppet Master Peter Hart. Main attractions for 2019 include the Lady Houdini Escape Artist, the Ultimate Air Dog Show, and…

Mayor Jason Lary attended an African American Churches Transforming Society (AACTS) conference on Wednesday at Salem Bible Church and presented a proclamation to the Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr., pastor emeritus and conference host. AACTS was founded by Williams in 2014 after the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson, Missouri.  The organization was founded to address the breakdown in the African American family, according to Williams, who told conference attendees, mostly clergy, that he intends to provide socio-economic and spiritual support to revive black families and restore their position in society. Williams referred to research indicating that more black men have been…

Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) re-introduced the bipartisan Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2019 – H.R. 1714 – that would place restrictions and transparency measures on the Department of Defense (DOD) Program that transfers excess military equipment to federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies. “Before another small town is transformed into a warzone with gifts of grenade launchers and high-caliber rifles, we must rein in this program and revisit our view of the future safety of American cities and towns,” said Johnson. Johnson said there is something fundamentally flawed with local law enforcement departments bypassing their local governing authority –…

Jordan Walton, a senior at DeKalb High School of Technology South and an audio/video technology and film student of Stacia Rhoades, is the winner of the Solicitor General’s 2019 Stop Teen Dating Violence PSA Contest. Walton was awarded a prom prize package, which included dinner for two, a gift certificate from Fit For a Queen and a custom tuxedo from the Bello Mo Group for attire for himself and a guest, and makeup services courtesy of Lynette Clove of Mary Kay. Solicitor General Donna Coleman-Stribling partnered with Fit For a Queen Boutique, Charlo Riney of The Bello Mo Group and…

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond today announced that the county has begun a national search to select an ambulance transport provider. “DeKalb County has worked with our stakeholders to create an ambulance transport request for proposal that will better serve the needs of DeKalb citizens and residents,’” said CEO Thurmond. “The new proposal will improve patient care and countywide ambulance response times. The RFP also gives municipal leaders within DeKalb County the flexibility to enhance levels of service by creating designated service areas within their jurisdictions.” The county hired a consultant to evaluate ambulance transport services and make recommendations for…

Attorney Dwight Thomas (far left) stands on the front row as the audience prepares for a prayer led by Pastor Lee May, former DeKalb By Valerie J. Morgan Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary moved for an executive session on Monday night after the City Council heard public comments that included several people who spoke in opposition to the cell tower that recently went up in Stonecrest. Larry called on three city staff members—City Auditor Joel Thibodeaux, Assistant City Manager Plez Joyner and Communications Director Adrion Bell—along with Attorney Dwight L. Thomas, who was sitting on the front row, to…

By Valerie J. Morgan The bickering among the Stonecrest City Council reached a new plateau on Monday night as council members voted 5-1 to authorize City Attorney Winston Denmark to draft a 60-day moratorium on the construction of cell phone towers in the city. Mayor Jason Lary made the motion after several residents voiced opposition to the 199-foot cell phone tower that Vertical Bridge recently constructed off of Evans Mill Road. Lary called city officials, the city attorney and Attorney Dwight Thomas. For every action, there is a reaction. Because I don’t want the same people to coe Councilwoman Diane…