Author: On Common Ground News

Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Nisshinbo Automotive Manufacturing, Inc. (NAMI), a leading manufacturer and supplier of environmentally friendly brake pads, will create 100 jobs and invest $72 million in an expansion of its Covington facility. New jobs at the facility will include positions in production and administration. “Georgia provides the business climate, skilled workforce and thriving automotive sector necessary for manufacturers like NAMI to enjoy long-term growth,” said Deal. “With this facility expansion in Newton County, NAMI will continue to benefit from close proximity to top vehicle manufacturers while also reaching customers across the nation and around the world…

State Sen. Gloria Butler (D – Stone Mountain), along with Marsy’s Law for Georgia, will host a community resource fair on Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on resources that can help victims of crimes. The resource fair will be held at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. SB 127 and SR 146, collectively known as Marsy’s Law, would provide victims with the right to request the court dates and release dates of the criminal, so that victims would be made aware of any rulings in the case and the right to be included or excluded…

The Rockdale Democratic Party will hold a special election to pick a chair and 1st vice chair to finish out the 2018 term. All post holders who are interested in running for either of the seats are invited to the Party’s meeting on Sept. 22, 9 a.m. at the Rockdale headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers. The elections will be held Oct. 1.

By Adrion Bell Since taking office on May 1, 2017, Mayor Jason Lary has led the efforts to put the new city of Stonecrest on the map.  He worked to secure a location for the first city hall, hosting a grand opening on Nov. 11, 2017. Staff members moved from a temporary office in Tucker and city meetings were moved from the Stonecrest Library to the city’s beautiful new offices located at 3120 Stonecrest Blvd.   Shortly after securing a city hall, Mayor Lary made good on his promise to get a Stonecrest mailing address for its residents.  In May…

  President Donald Trump has announced his plans to nominate DeKalb County Superior Court Judge J.P. Boulee to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta. Trump made the announcement on Aug.  27. Boulee has received praise for the nomination to the lifetime appointment from colleagues and others in the community who say he is compassionate, fair and a man of integrity. Both of Georgia’s Republican senators, Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, have applauded Boulee’s nomination. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Boulee would replace Bill Duffey, who retired as a federal…

What’s in a name? A lot, if you’re willing to pay for it. Philips Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, will now be known as State Farm Arena. In a recent announcement, the insurance company agreed to a 20-year naming rights deal with the Hawks for $175 million. “This decision symbolizes our pledge to making a difference in communities, building our brand locally and nationally, and ultimately growing State Farm,” said State Farm Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Tipsord in a release. “The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club is well known for giving back in this community. Along with our Neighborhood…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan  The DeKalb History Center, in conjunction with the Flat Rock Archives, hosted a reception to announce the forthcoming installation of an exhibit dedicated to telling the story of the historic Flat Rock community – one of the oldest African-American communities in DeKalb County. The Aug. 24 event held at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Decatur offered guests the opportunity to mix and mingle over wine and hors d’oeuvres in celebration of the newest exhibit entitled “Deep Roots in DeKalb: The Flat Rock Story of Resilience.”  The program featured a video presentation on the history of the…

By Valerie J. Morgan  God’s people—the Face of Victory Church and Voices of Faith Ministries—tore down a wall of pain and built a bridge of love on Aug. 26. Ripped apart by the divorce of their beloved pastors in 2011, members of the two congregations came together, rejoiced and worshipped at the Face of Victory Church, located in Decatur.   The celebration marked the 7th anniversary of the Face of Victory Church, founded by Pastor Debbie E. Hawkins.  Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., joined by his new wife, First Lady Pamela Hawkins and their 4-year-old son, Garrison, was the guest speaker…

Those interested in uniting school communities while increasing student achievement and performance are invited to participate in DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Principal Advisory Councils. Principal Advisory Councils are coalitions of parents, guardians and teachers who serve their school communities at 112 DCSD schools. Councils act as a link between the school and the community, encouraging engagement with stakeholders, increasing transparency, monitoring progress, and participating in the selection of a school’s principal. Those interested in joining a 2018-2019 Principal Advisory Council can declare their candidacy now until August 31. Applicants are required to complete a candidate declaration form, which…

Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra is hosting a free open house on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to noon, at the First Congregational Church Commons, 125 Ellis Street, Atlanta. String students of all ages and expertise are invited to join the Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra for a free class reading and playing classics by the late icon Aretha Franklin including “Respect,” “Until You Come Back to Me” and “How I Got Over.” Guests will enjoy a free interactive class, refreshments, door prizes and music. For more information, visit www.sinfo-nia.com.