Author: On Common Ground News

Fifteen participants recently graduated from WorkSource DeKalb Youth Program’s inaugural job readiness and life skills training class on Nov. 2. The three-week program provided formal curriculum-based job readiness and life skills training to eligible Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act-funded program participants, who were taught how to obtain and maintain long-term employment. The program serves age 16 – 24. The program included formal financial literacy training, career exploration, mock interviewing, motivational speaking, dress for success guidance, and employer engagement/interviewing. Upon completion, participants then transition into their approved paid work experience with an employer partner, or in some cases a participant may…

The Orchids, a friendship and service organization focused on active involvement in the educational, civic and cultural advancements in East Metro Atlanta, recently kicked off its 2018-19 program year with hopes to exceed last year’s service. Led by President Dee Dawkins-Haigler, the Orchids donated more than $2,500 to three organizations to support their efforts nationally and internationally. The Orchids donated $1,132 to purchase Princess D menstrual cups that will be given to women in Africa; $1,016 to Jake’s Diapers, a non-profit organization that provides diapers to needy infants, elderly and those with special needs around the world; and $500 to…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan    Long-time Georgia legislator Howard Mosby is relinquishing his position as chair of the DeKalb House Delegation to State Rep. Karla Drenner, who will serve as interim chair until the delegation holds elections in January. Drenner moved up from vice chair. Mosby passed the torch during a meeting with the Delegation at the Capitol on Nov. 15. Mosby is wrapping up his duties as state representative, a position he held for 14 years, as Becky Evans prepares for the seat. Evans will be sworn into office and officially begin her duties as State Representative, District 83,…

Conyers Police are asking the public’s help in locating the thief who stole a pressure washer and other items from the Walmart on Dogwood Drive. The theft occurred on Sunday, Nov. 4, at approximately 2:15 a.m. at the Dogwood Drive superstore.  The black male suspect was captured on surveillance camera while exiting near the garden center. He was wearing a black skull cap, gray hoodie and gray T-shirt at the time of the incident. The suspect was in a silver Dodge Charger.  Any information leading to the arrest of the suspect may result in a cash reward of up to…

https://youtu.be/61K5W67zBmk Rockdale County Board of Commissioners are still seeking turkey donations to help seniors in need this holiday season. The turkeys will be distributed on Saturday, Nov. 18, 3 p.m. at the Olivia Haydel Senior Center on Dogwood Drive.

DCSD will be celebrating Parent & Family Engagement Month with several events throughout November. On Nov. 15, DCSD will honor Parent & Family Engagement Day at all schools. On Nov. 26, the district will host a Taste of DeKalb event at Tucker High School at 5:30 p.m. On Nov. 28, DCSD will celebrate Family Matters: Game Night at the Robert R. Freeman Administrative & Instructional Complex at 5 p.m.

On Friday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m., Austin Elementary will host a ceremony celebrating its recent Blue Ribbon honor. Festivities will include participants reading the National Blue Ribbon School recognition letter, presentation of a Austin time capsule, a presentation from community partner Blue Bell Creameries, and the presentation of the 2018 National Blue Ribbon plaque.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Tyisha Fernandes discusses public safety with City of Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary amidst news reports of a deadly shooting outside the Blue Room Nightclub in Stonecrest on Oct. 6. The interview airs at 4:30 and 6:20 p.m. today.

City of Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, businessman Bill Allen of the AEI StartUP Factory in Stonecrest and Dr. Carroll Braddy of Now Faith Apostolic Ministries were among the invited guests who kicked off today’s special legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly. Dr. Braddy gave the invocation. Gov. Nathan Deal issued the call to convene a special legislative session to amend the budget to provide emergency funding to state agencies and local governments impacted by Hurricane Michael. “Many of Georgia’s communities were severely impacted by Hurricane Michael as families, businesses and farmers sustained significant financial losses,” said Deal. “In response,…

  ATLANTA – The Georgia House Republican Caucus met today and elected its key leaders. The Majority Caucus nominated House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) and House Speaker Pro-Tempore Jan Jones (R-Milton) as the caucus nominees for their current positions. The Majority Caucus re-elected the following positions: State Rep. Jon Burns (R-Newington), House Majority Leader; State Rep. Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin), House Majority Caucus Chairman; State Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), House Majority Caucus Secretary and Treasurer. The Majority Caucus also elected State Rep. Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) as the new House Majority Whip and State Rep. Micah Gravley (R-Douglasville) as the new House…