Author: On Common Ground News

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the City of Stonecrest by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).  The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. In conjunction with the GFOA award, Mayor Jason Lary and City Manager Michael Harris presented an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement to City Accounts Manager Audrey Mays at last night’s City…

MARTA officials say they plan to file a court injunction in Fulton County Superior Court on Wednesday to end the work slow-down with ATU Local 732. Today, 73 employees staged a sick-out, despite a collective agreement signed over the weekend between the union and MARTA. About 80 workers staged a sick on Monday. Employees are protesting wages and benefits for bus and rail operators, mechanics and other skilled technicians. MARTA officials said they are working to inform customers of the impacts through social media channels, our website, and the customer care center. MARTA has notified the union leadership that it…

DeKalb County is referring homeless individuals and families in need of overnight shelter to the following facilities: Salvation Army Red Shield, 400 Luckie St. NW Atlanta, GA 30313. For a referral, contact 770-905-2396 by 5 p.m. First Tucker United Methodist Church, 4315 Church Street, Tucker. The shelter will be open Tuesday through Thursday. Call 678-325-4041 or 404-291-3429 to confirm opening.        Additionally, a limited number of complimentary round-trip MARTA cards will be available for transport to warming stations or cold weather shelters. The cards can be picked up at 6 p.m. at A Home for Everyone in DeKalb, 105…

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…