Author: On Common Ground News

With crowds of more than 1 million expected this week for the Big Game, AT&T customers and FirstNet subscribers are getting a big boost in cellular coverage and capacity throughout the Atlanta area.   AT&T officials said the company has been working for more than a year to boost its network through a series of permanent and temporary upgrades throughout the city to make sure that first responders have the support they need, as well as fans during Super Bowl LIII. The upgrades include faster and easier access from hotel rooms and conference centers to social media during the…

DeKalb County’s next “Workforce Wednesday” is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta. Workforce Wednesday is designed to connect DeKalb County residents to eligible training providers and employers in a centralized location.  DeKalb County residents have an opportunity to learn about Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act eligibility requirements, meet with eligible training providers and learn about high demand careers. The event will equip DeKalb County residents and employers with the knowledge and resources to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment, education and economic development. Interested candidates must register…

The DeKalb Board of Education will hold the following meetings on Monday, February 4, 2019: 1:00 p.m.    Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a student appeal, personnel & legal matters Board Office Conference Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Stone Mountain, GA 30083 2:00 p.m.    Work Session & Committee of the Whole Cabinet Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Stone Mountain, GA 30083 5:45 p.m.       Community Input Session J. David Williamson Board Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard Stone Mountain, GA 30083 7:00 p.m.         Business…

State Representative Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) is encouraging citizens to “Go Red for Women” by wearing red on Friday, February 7, 2020. “Go Red for Women” Day is celebrated by the American Heart Association (AHA) and is designated to increase women’s awareness and research about cardiovascular health.  Rep. Carter will also host a “Go Red for Women” rally on Friday, Feb. 7, 11:45 a.m., at the South Wing Steps of the State Capitol. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American and white women in the U.S., and the CDC has reported that one in every five…

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the City of Stonecrest by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).  The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. In conjunction with the GFOA award, Mayor Jason Lary and City Manager Michael Harris presented an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement to City Accounts Manager Audrey Mays at last night’s City…

MARTA officials say they plan to file a court injunction in Fulton County Superior Court on Wednesday to end the work slow-down with ATU Local 732. Today, 73 employees staged a sick-out, despite a collective agreement signed over the weekend between the union and MARTA. About 80 workers staged a sick on Monday. Employees are protesting wages and benefits for bus and rail operators, mechanics and other skilled technicians. MARTA officials said they are working to inform customers of the impacts through social media channels, our website, and the customer care center. MARTA has notified the union leadership that it…

DeKalb County is referring homeless individuals and families in need of overnight shelter to the following facilities: Salvation Army Red Shield, 400 Luckie St. NW Atlanta, GA 30313. For a referral, contact 770-905-2396 by 5 p.m. First Tucker United Methodist Church, 4315 Church Street, Tucker. The shelter will be open Tuesday through Thursday. Call 678-325-4041 or 404-291-3429 to confirm opening.        Additionally, a limited number of complimentary round-trip MARTA cards will be available for transport to warming stations or cold weather shelters. The cards can be picked up at 6 p.m. at A Home for Everyone in DeKalb, 105…

DeKalb for Seniors, Inc. will host its 5th Annual Business and Community Expo on Feb. 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The deadline for vendors to reserve a place is Friday, Feb. 1. Space is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. DeKalb For Seniors, Inc. is the nonprofit that serves as the fundraising and advocacy arm for the Lou Walker Senior Center, which is an award winning multi-purpose facility for seniors 55 and older. The center serves more than 3,000 members throughout the year.…

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host its 66th South Atlantic Regional Conference (SARC) April 10–14, in Greenville, S.C. at the Greenville Convention Center. This year’s conference theme is  “Excellence Personified: From the Mountains to the Foothills.” Nearly 5,000 members from Georgia, Florida and South Carolina are expected to attend, delivering an economic impact of more than $2.6 million to the local community. During the SARC, members will focus on five key program target initiatives: Historically Black Colleges and Universities for Life: A Call to Action; Women’s Healthcare and Wellness; Building Economic Legacy; The Arts; and Global Impact. Members will…

After hearing several complaints from residents about potholes that are plaguing the city’s roads, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary has vowed to fix the problem. “It’s not just a matter of damage to automobiles, it’s a safety issue now,” Lary said. “It’s critical. I’m going to find a way to fix these roads as fast as we can and it won’t be some cat and scratch (repairs).  We have the money to fix it and I’m going to make sure that it gets done.” Resident Tammy Grimes, one of several residents who spoke at the mayor’s Jan. 22 “Straight Talk” town…