Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County fire investigators are seeking a person of interest following a fire they said was intentionally set at the Ross Dress for Less, located in a plaza at the Mall at Stonecrest. The fire occurred on March 15 while shoppers were inside the store. No one was hurt. The 15 to 20 people were able to evacuate safely and orderly, said Captain Eric L. Jackson. When DeKalb County Fire Rescue arrived, there was heavy smoke coming from the inner-most part of the store, Jackson said. Firefighters were able to extinguish the merchandise that was on fire in under 20…

Members of the Chi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., which serves Rockdale and Newton counties, recently donated books to four local schools as part of the 2018 National African American Read-In. The sorority gave books to the media centers at CJ Hicks and Shoal Creek elementary schools in Rockdale County and Porterdale and Fairview Elementary Schools in Newton County on March 8. Volunteers also presented certificates to the teachers and students who participated in the Read-In event, which was conducted on Feb. 5 during Black History Month. The book donations and certificates officially closed out the…

All parents, students, teachers, staff and community stakeholders are invited to receive an update on the progress of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) from Superintendent/CEO R. Stephen Green at the annual State of the Schools Address on Tuesday, March 27, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and followed by the address and Q&A. The meeting will be held at the Robert R. Freeman Administration & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. The event, hosted by Parent Councils United, gives community members a chance to receive a mid-year update on DeKalb County schools and provides an opportunity…

Transforming Faith Church to drop 10,000 Easter eggs from helicopter Transforming Faith Church and Pastor Lee May will host an Easter Egg Helicopter Drop on Saturday March 31, 1 to  3 p.m., on the football field at Southwest DeKalb High School, 2863 Kelley Chapel Road, Decatur. “We are excited about hosting another big community event in DeKalb County” said Pastor Lee.  “The day will be filled with games, food, music and lots of fun. All the activities are free for the day and the ministry will also provide free food while supplies last. First Lady Robin May said, “This is…

For years, Joyce Reid has worked tirelessly in the DeKalb County community, whether helping with projects at St. Paul A.M.E Church in Stone Mountain, where she’s been a member for eight years, or volunteering with the Democratic Party to get out the vote, or the NAACP with its education initiatives. Concerned about DeKalb County’s public schools, Reid recently completed training to volunteer to help children in low-performing schools to succeed. “I’m just what you call a helper. I don’t have a fancy title or anything like that. I just help out wherever I can,” said Reid, who says her volunteer…

Georgia’s Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) has improved its free mobile app to help reduce waiting in line and make services more accessible to parents, officials announced. The new features allow customers to upload documents, securely change direct deposit information and request closure of their cases. The app also provides information on how to reinstate their driver’s licenses and outreach programs for parents who are struggling to pay their court-ordered amounts. “These new features essentially put an agent at our customers’ fingertips, empowering them to manage their cases anytime, anywhere and not have to wait in line,” said Georgia…

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is accepting reservations from the public for its Thailand Odyssey set for late this summer. The trip, open to anyone who wants to go, will transport visitors to some of Thailand’s most popular places offering a glimpse into the culture, history and lives of its people. The nine-day adventure, Sept. 11-19, will provide an abundance of sightseeing, shopping and sampling of authentic Thai cuisine. Highlights of the trip include exploration of the country’s capital, Bangkok, and a visit to the nearby province, Kanchanaburi, known for its role during World War II. The group will visit…

  The city of Stonecrest is getting national attention again. Mayor Jason Lary made his debut appearance March 13 on CNBC’s “Closing Bell,” where he was one of three featured guests who was asked to rate city prospects that are seeking Amazon’s H2Q headquarters.  The cities are being scored based on tax incentives they’re offering, city fundamentals and wow factors. Lary said he has been invited to do a six-week stint on “Closing Bell” for a segment called “Dash for Amazon.” In addition to the March 13 appearance, where he rated pitches by Chicago and Miami, Lary was scheduled…

Rockdale County officials have scheduled three informational sessions and three guided tours for the public to learn more about the proposed courthouse referendum. The first informational session will be held March 20, 6 to 7 p.m., at Hightower Trail Elementary, 2510 GA-138, Conyers, just before the 7 p.m. Board of Commissioners meeting. The sessions will give members of the public the chance to view visual displays about the proposed referendum, ask questions and share concerns. The informational sessions are as follows: Tuesday, March 20, 6 to 7 p.m. – Hightower Trail Elementary, 2510 GA-138, Conyers Tuesday, April 17, 6 to…

LifeLine Animal project presents its DeKalb County Animal Services Pet of the Week, Major.  This esteemed gentleman is very handsome, loyal and intelligent.  Major is looking for a home where he can perfect his wonderful tail wagging technique and give love to every family member.  This 4-year-old guy has a subtle wire-haired coat and gets along with other dogs. Come meet this friendly and polite boy today at LifeLine’s DeKalb County Animal Services shelter by dropping by 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, emailing adoptions@dekalbanimalservices.com or calling 404-294-2165.