Author: On Common Ground News

Clarkston Police want to honor the “Good Samaritan” who chased a man who snatched a purse from an elderly woman at the Exxon gas station at 1051 Montreal Road. The purse snatcher slammed the woman to the ground and took off running. A man who witnessed the incident ran after him, got the purse back and returned it to the woman. The incident occurred on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m., Clarkston officials said. “I just want to shake his hand,” said Clarkston Police Detective J. McKinney. “This day and age no one puts themselves at risk to do anything…

The Gwinnett Department of Corrections is hosting a job fair on  Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Corrections Complex, 750 Hi Hope Road, Lawrenceville. The department is looking to fill several openings for Correctional Officer I and Correctional Officer II. Correctional Officer I pay starts at $32,623, and Correctional Officer II pay starts at $35,232. In addition, the department offers benefits, paid training, education incentives, tuition reimbursement and career advancement. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include human resources screenings, a tour of the facilities, an assessment consisting of job-related scenarios and interview boards. Candidates…

Attorney General Chris Carr is warning consumers to be on the lookout for scams and possible price gouging as Hurricane Michael approaches the Gulf Coast. Gov. Nathan Deal hA enacted a State of Emergency for 92 counties in Georgia. The State of Emergency shall be valid for a period of one week, beginning on Oct. 9, 2018 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2018. “With pending inclement weather, we want to remind Georgia consumers that our Consumer Protection Division is at work to protect them from scammers and price gougers,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “Under Georgia law,…

DeKalb County recorded 42.1 percent fewer major sewer spills when compared to the same time last year. In September 2018, DeKalb Watershed Management (DWM) reported 22 major sewer spills for the year compared to 38 reported spills during the same period last year. The overall volume of major sewer spills also declined by 72 percent (13.7 million gallons to 3.8 million gallons).  “The decline in major sewer spills shows that DeKalb County is moving in the right direction,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “DeKalb is committed to protecting the environment and quality of life and supporting economic development.” County…

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary will host “Straight Talk With the Mayor” on Oct. 8, 7 p.m., at City Hall. Lary said this month, his topic is entitled “Talkin’ Trash.” He will field questions from constituents and discuss steps the city is taking to crack down on illegal dumping and other code enforcement issues in the city.   Recently, more than 150 tires neatly stacked about three feet high were dumped on the shoulder of Evans Mill Road near Rock Springs Road, Lary said. “Unbelievable. Whoever did it must have come during the night,” said Lary. “We’re not going to put…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan DeKalb County District Health Director Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford is urging the public to take extra precaution while outdoors after health officials confirmed a West Nile virus-related death in the county on Oct. 4. The DeKalb woman was in her 90s and a resident of Dunwoody. According to health officials, this is DeKalb’s second West Nile case and first death from the virus.  “On behalf of the Board of Health, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time,” said Ford.  “Although it’s rare, in some cases, West Nile virus can…

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, will be available Nov. 1. The federally-funded program assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Beginning Nov. 1, residents aged 65 and older or those who are homebound can apply for assistance through LIHEAP. All other eligible residents may apply for assistance beginning Dec. 3.  Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. In 2018, the LIHEAP program spent over $48 million to assist…

Conyers Mayor Vince Evans presented Rockdale County Fire and Rescue officials a proclamation in honor of National Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial Day on Oct. 7.  Honor Guard members  from Rockdale County Fire and Rescue traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the national memorial weekend in which firefighters lost in the line of duty each year are remembered and honored.

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary announced the creation of  the Citizens’ Stonecrest SPLOST Oversight Committee.  The committee will consist of Stonecrest citizens from each of the city’s five districts and will represent the interests of the residents by assuring that the city is accountable for the funds generated by the 1% sales tax. The committee will also ensure that SPLOST projects are completed on time and within budget.   The SPLOST Oversight Committee will be comprised of 12 members.  Recommendations for appointees will come from each council member and the mayor.   The mayor said that priority preference will be given…

Stonecrest City Councilman Jimmy Clanton accepted to  Leadership DeKalb’s 2019 Class  Stonecrest City Councilman Jimmy Clanton, Jr. has been accepted to Leadership DeKalb’s class of 2019. Leadership DeKalb convenes current and emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds, informs them about vital issues for a thriving and forward-looking DeKalb County and engages them to lead in ways that improve quality of life for all who live and work in DeKalb. The 55-member class includes: Dr. Stephen Green, Superintendent/CEO DeKalb County School District; Ted Terry, Mayor of the  City of Clarkston; Craig Medlin, Major of DeKalb County Police Department; Andre Moorer, Senior Manager…