Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – Attorney General Chris Carr is warning the public about a new scam where con artists pose as government officials in an attempt to add credibility to their schemes. Specifically, citizens are reporting that the names and titles of Attorney General Chris Carr and Chief Deputy Dennis Dunn are being used illegitimately. “We are hoping this alert serves as a warning that no one is immune from scammers who are now using intricate schemes in order to gain the confidence of their victims,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “The best way to fight back against them is to understand…

On Tuesday, August 14th, the RCDP will hold elections for Delegates who will represent us at the convention and we need every registered Democrat in Rockdale County to be present and vote. According to our Charter (C3.3.4), each county can elect up to twice as many delegates as the number of state committee members allowed and the county is allowed to elect the same number of alternates as state committee members. Thus, the RCDP will elect 4 Delegates and 2 Alternates. One half of these Delegates must be elected from among the Postholders and one half shall be elected by…

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has appointed a county attorney subject to confirmation by the county’s Board of Commissioners and has hired a new code enforcement director. Viviane H. Ernstes, the interim county attorney in the DeKalb County Law Department since January 2018, has been appointed by CEO Thurmond to serve as the county attorney, providing legal advice to the county’s elected officials, including the CEO and commissioners. Ernstes, who has practiced law for over 30 years, came to DeKalb as a staff attorney in the DeKalb County State Court in 1998. Prior to that she worked for the Office…

By Valerie J. Morgan Cori Renee Bostic, a Southwest DeKalb High School alumna (2016), has made history as the first female drum major in the 72-year legacy of Florida A&M University.  Bostic, a junior who is a broadcast journalism and honors major, was named among the three newest drum majors of the university’s world-renowned “Marching 100 Band.” FAMU Director of Bands Shelby Chipman, Ph.D., announced the other two new drum majors: Marquel Bowen, a public relations scholar, and Joshua Honore, a music education scholar, both of whom are from Miami Gardens, Florida.   “Our band leaders represent the diversity, dedication…

By Valerie J. Morgan Construction crews are clearing a 92-acre tract for a 1 million-square-foot technology park that will be built along Dogwood Drive on the northern side of I-20 in Rockdale County. Ackerman & Co. of Atlanta is developing the Rockdale Technology Park. The $50 million project will include four buildings that will be suitable for manufacturers, distribution/warehouse industries, administrative offices, recycling companies and others, said     Marty Jones, executive director of the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council. “This is an absolutely good fit for Rockdale County,” Jones said. “It is going to bring industries and jobs. Ackerman…

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed a landmark ordinance that prohibits forced arbitration clauses in agreements between prime and subcontractors doing business with DeKalb County.   Prior to the passage of the legislation, prime contractors were able to use their unequal bargaining power to force small businesses to sign away their right to pursue a claim in a court of law if a dispute arose. “This legislation levels the playing field between prime and subcontractors and helps ensure that small businesses doing business with DeKalb County are treated fairly. A small business should not be forced to give up…

State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), in partnership with the Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program, will host the Back-to-School Supply Drive in celebration of her 36th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 25, 3 to 5 p.m., at Canaan Land Church International, 3755 Centerville Highway, Snellville. Attendees are encouraged to donate school supplies or $36, and all school supplies and proceeds will benefit students at Partee Elementary School in Snellville. Snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy and other items will be available for purchase at the event. To download a list of needed school supplies or to register for the event, go to eventbrite…

The Jesse “Jay” Cunningham Foundation, in Partnership with Ark Of the Covenant Fellowship Center and Foresters Financial, will host a Back-to-School backpack giveaway on Aug. 18, 6 to 7 p.m., at the church, 568 Ladonna Drive, Decatur.  The foundation was set up in memory for  Jesse Jay Cunningham, who formerly served as a DeKalb County School Board member. Cunningham died on April 6 after health complications.  Organizers said backpacks will be given while supplies last.   

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs announces that most county pools will close on Aug. 5. From Aug. 11 through Sept. 3, the following select pools will be open on a modified schedule. Browns Mill Family Aquatic Facility, 4929 Browns Mill Rd., Lithonia, GA 30038 Hours: Saturday’s, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday’s, 1 to 7 p.m. Exchange Splash Pad, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 Hours:  Saturday’s, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday’s, noon to 7 p.m. Gresham Park, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 Hours: Saturday’s, noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday’s, 1 to 6 p.m. Lithonia Park,…

The Cultural Exchange Breakfast, hosted by Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vicki Turner, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m., at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (House of Hope), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur.   The meeting will feature newly-elected officials serving South DeKalb and nominees for the upcoming General Election. There also will be an update from DeKalb County Schools.  For more information, email:  thedekalbexchange@gmail.com.