Author: On Common Ground News

Recently, David Manuel posted a picture of himself on Facebook sporting a dapper striped jacket and checked dress shirt, announcing proudly: “Today is National Donate Life Blue & Green Day! I am wearing my colors!!” Manuel, Recreational and Cultural Arts Manager, received nearly 100 “likes” on the photo from friends cheering him on with thumbs up and hearts on his social media page. Those who are close to Manuel know that he has come a long way. Three and a half years ago, his future was bleak. He didn’t know if he would live. He says God granted him grace…

The Rotary Club of South DeKalb honored its “Laws of Life” essay winners on April 18 at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson, who served as the keynote speaker, encouraged the students to immerse themselves in literacy, sharing that effective communication is a necessary tool that would help them in their career paths. Johnson told the students that her love for literacy helped her to find “her voice” and led her to the career path that she enjoys today. She said she learned persuasive communication through reading—tools  that she needed…

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is proud to announce, celebrate and honor the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2017-2018 school year. Each year, at every DCSD high school, the senior student with the highest cumulative grade point average is named as the class valedictorian. The student with the second-highest grade point average is named the salutatorian. In rare cases, when students’ grade point averages are tied, the students are named co-valedictorians or co-salutatorians. “It is with great pride that I congratulate the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2018,” said Superintendent/CEO Dr. R. Stephen Green, adding the students…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) school social workers named Katy King, art teacher at Gen. Ray Davis Middle School, and the Bible Church of God—Atlanta in Conyers, led by Pastor William L. Robinson and First Lady Victoria Robinson, as the 2018 Laura Barnes Honorary Social Workers. This is the 11th year of the award, which recognizes one person or organization in the community and one person in the school system for exemplifying the traits of a social worker in their tireless efforts to help the families of Rockdale County. The award is named in memory of beloved RCPS social worker,…

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, Department of Watershed Management and the City of Clarkston leaders restocked Crystal Pond in Clarkston with more than 1,600 fish today (April 18). Thurmond committed to fully restocking the pond after a Feb. 18 sewer spill, caused by a blockage of grease, disposable diapers and wipes, resulted in fish loss. Immediately after the incident, the county began a 28-day restoration project that included cleaning nearby sewer mains, removing debris and water testing. The county will continue proactive efforts in this location to prevent future spills, including routine sewer main cleanings every three months and thorough…

On April 12, a raccoon was captured in the 400 block of North Hairston Road in Stone Mountain and later tested positive for rabies. This year, there have been seven positive raccoon rabies incidents in the county including Dunwoody, Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Avondale Estates and Lithonia.  Georgia is a rabies endemic state and the virus is present all year long. It is not unusual for the county to report several rabies cases this time of year. Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations.  Anyone who has been bitten…

Dr. Benjamin Gaither, senior pastor of Stronghold Christian Church in Lithonia, will be the keynote speaker at the Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards Second Annual Prayer Breakfast. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon, at Revolutionary Grace Church, 6631 Highway 42, Rex, Georgia. Pastor Gaither will be speaking on the theme:“Radical Faith for Radical Times.” “When you trust and have faith in the power of God’s Word, then you can rest in His ability to respond to your faith,” said Pastor Gaither. Pastor Gaither has received numerous accolades for his dedication through servant leadership.…

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Daniel Coursey presided over the trial. Tracy Renee Mitchell, 47, will serve 15 years in prison for the vehicular homicide in connection of a friend that she drove over after a night of drinking. Mitchell was convicted of Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree, Hit and Run, and Reckless Driving for the death of Emily Cameron, 33. The fatal incident happened on Nov. 11, 2015 following a night of dinner and drinks between the two friends. Though appearing to be visibly intoxicated, Mitchell refused a restaurant manager’s offer of a ride-sharing service and instead…

The Stonecrest City Council may have set a record for holding its longest council meeting yet—7 hours. The council meeting started at 6 p.m. on Monday and ended a little past 1 a.m. today. The council deadlocked 3 to 3 on several issues, including: Rezoning a 16.79-acre tract at 1882 Coffee Road from M (light industrial) to heavy industrial (M-2). Several questions were raised by the public as to whether the proposed site would be used for industry that might create environmental waste and pollutants after Attorney Bernard Knight said his clients did not yet know how the…

Former DeKalb County School Board member and business owner Jesse “Jay“ Cunningham is being remembered by family and friends as a dedicated servant who deeply cared about his community. Mr. Cunningham died of a heart attack on April 6. He was 58. “One of Georgia’s tallest pines has fallen,” said State Rep. Vernon Jones. “He will be missed.” Evelyn Cunningham said her husband had continued to work and serve the community, despite health issues. She said he had suffered a heart attack last year and recently, he had a stroke.  He had complained of feeling tired a couple of…