Author: On Common Ground News

The Rockdale County High School (RCHS) Debate Team competed and returned home with medals – including top speaker for the entire tournament  at the Atlanta Urban Debate League (AUDL) Tournament. The event hosted more than 350 middle and high school students from Atlanta metro area school districts including Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Calhoun, Cobb, Decatur City, Douglas County, Drew Charter, and more. The RCHS Debate Team placed 6th, 7th, 10th, and 12th place in team competitions. RCHS individual winners include: Tyla Harris 1st Place Speaker (over the entire tournament), Jackie Gomez Villa 5th Place Speaker, Aaron Gill 11th Place…

If De’onte Brown could’ve somehow seen into the future on his first day of class at Georgia State University in 2017, he would’ve been very surprised by his transformation. In what felt that day like a fast-paced new world has become a place that feeds his creativity. “Once you get used to campus and used to the teachers, then you start to do better,” De’onte said. He is a student of film and video production in Georgia State University’s Inclusive Digital Expression and Literary program, known as IDEAL. The post-secondary education course of study is for students with intellectual disabilities,…

ATLANTA, GA – The Office of Attorney General Chris Carr filed a lawsuit on Jan. 3 in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County against opioid manufacturers and distributors* to seek justice for their alleged role in fueling the opioid crisis and its catastrophic effects on Georgia citizens. “No Georgia community is a stranger to the devastating effects of the opioid crisis,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “We are bringing this lawsuit quite simply to seek justice for the citizens of Georgia. It is imperative that we recover for the widespread damage that has been caused by this epidemic.” The lawsuit…

A packed crowd attended the annual community holiday dinner celebration hosted by the George W. Levett Sr. and Sons Funeral Home, 1299 Milstead Ave. N.E., Conyers, on Dec. 23. The program featured musical selections by the Rock Temple Men’s Choir, Temekia Levett, the Rev. Adrian Sawyer and Co., Men of Summer, and a performance by dancer Danielle Foster. In addition to the free delicious holiday meal with all of the trimmings, several prizes were given away to raffle winners. Rockdale BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. and Judge Nancy Bills were among the dignitaries who attended this…

The Stonecrest City Council recently passed a resolution to establish the Stonecrest Film and Advisory Committee.  The seven-member committee will include Councilman Rob Turner, the city manager or his designee and five residents representing each of the city’s council districts. Stonecrest has become a preferred destination for film and entertainment production.  The city hosted movies such as Shaftand is home for television series productions such as Black Lightning, MacGyver,Greenleaf, and Star. The film advisory committee hosted a panel discussion at City Hall to answer questions from residents regarding listing their property for movie set locations and getting into various aspects…

Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt is hosting The Pastor’s Table, an event where local clergymen and clergywomen in Rockdale County can network and speak with the Chairman and other religious leaders, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about opportunities to serve the community. Nesbitt said senior-level ministry leaders whose churches are located in Rockdale  are strongly encouraged to attend. Space is limited to only one senior level leader or associate leader per house of prayer. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The topics will include, but will not be limited to: how local government and church leaders can collaborate…

Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) has hired Katie Sanders to serve as Program Manager for North Georgia. Katie has a Biological Science degree from the University of Georgia and most recently served as District Program Assistant for Rockdale and Walton County Conservation Districts. Katie resides in Athens, GA. “With Katie already working one on one with Conservation Districts, she brings an experienced skill set to our team and will enhance our progression as an organization,” said GACD Executive Director Katie Sponberger. “We look forward to working with Katie to advance our conservation goals across the State.” Sanders will be responsible…

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and MARTA General Manager/CEO Jeffrey Parker announced that $1.5 million dollars in capital improvements such as bus shelters, benches and bathroom upgrades are coming to the county. “DeKalb County has supported MARTA since its inception nearly 50 years ago,” said CEO Thurmond. “The county’s investment and partnership with MARTA has spurred economic development, affordable housing, greater mobility and access to jobs.” MARTA is also enhancing its partnership with Keep DeKalb Beautiful by increasing the annual maintenance contract from $75,000 to $150,000, to support shelter maintenance and county beautification efforts. Going forward, MARTA plans to install…

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the City of Atlanta will host the 30th Annual New Year’s Eve Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta on Dec. 31. This free and family-friendly event will include live musical performances by Jagged Edge, 112 “The Xperience,” and Better Than Ezra. The Peach Drop is an annual celebration on New Year’s Eve that began in 1989 at historic Underground Atlanta. Underground Atlanta will open its doors at 6 p.m. and the entertainment will start at 7 p.m. Admission is free. No weapons are allowed on the event premises and personal items such as handbags…