Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host “Amnesty Day,” an opportunity for DeKalb County residents to dispose of items such as furniture and construction and demolition materials without charge. The free event will be held on Saturday, July 29, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood. During “Amnesty Day,” a part of the Operation Clean Sweep initiative, items such as tires, yard trimmings, bagged garbage and appliances can be disposed at the landfill. No hazardous materials will be accepted. The event is open to DeKalb County residents and proof of residency is required. For…

The DeKalb Parks Citizen Advisory Board Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, at 6 p.m., at the Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. The meeting will take place on the first floor in Room 111. Information will be provided on current park improvements and recreation projects. For more information, contact Carol Underwood, administrative coordinator at 404-371-2927 or cjunderw@dekalbcountyga.gov.

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC), in an effort to be more accessible to the community, will hold an evening meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., at Lorraine Elementary School, 3343 East Fairview Road, SW, Stockbridge. For more information, contact Jennifer Rutledge, County Clerk, at jennifer.rutledge@rockdalecountyga.gov.

The DeKalb County Police Narcotics Unit seized 230 pounds of marijuana and arrested two suspects on drug trafficking charges after obtaining a search warrant. Police responded to a call at 2952 North DeKalb Drive in reference to marijuana plants that were located in plain view on the apartment porch. After obtaining a search warrant and making contact with the occupants, detectives located 230 pounds of marijuana as well as smaller amounts of cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, and an undetermined amount of money. Meigui Wang, 52, was charged with Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA), trafficking marijuana, possession of cocaine…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) continued his small business initiative on July 19 with another informational roundtable, which was held at the (e) station in Olde Town Conyers. The meeting was the second installment of the Advancement of the Small Business Community initiative, which launched in June with DeKalb County small business owners at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston. The roundtable in Conyers, conducted by Betty Mason from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Terri Denison of the Small Business Administration (SBA), offered information on federal and state resources available to assist small businesses. During the meeting, participants had…

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has elected DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, MD, M.B.A., to its 2017-2018 Board of Directors. NACCHO is governed by a 24-member board that comprises local and tribal health officials who are elected by their peers. The Board also includes ex-officio members who represent the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Ford’s 2-year term as an at-large member began on July 1. As the governing body, the Board of Directors establishes NACCHO’s strategic direction and initiatives, sets the annual legislative agenda, approves official statements…

Ninety-four physicians on the DeKalb Medical staff were named “Top Doctors” in the July issue of Atlanta magazine. Dawn Mandeville, MD of Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology in Decatur, was featured on one of the magazine’s four covers. “I feel very fortunate to be recognized for doing something that I love,” said Mandeville, pictured left with Catherine Bonk, MD, also from Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Our medical staff has been well- represented on this list in the past,” said Bob Wilson, President and CEO, DeKalb Medical, “but this year, we have 94 doctors recognized by other doctors, here and around the…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Jabari Simama was honored recently by the Atlanta Business League (ABL) as one of Atlanta’s Men of Influence for 2017. For many years, the ABL has recognized business owners, professionals, community and civic leaders throughout the entire Metropolitan Atlanta area for their accomplishments. The official introduction of the 2017 Men of Influence and announcement ceremony was held July 11 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Simama was selected for the honor because of his work in education, government, leadership, technology and community development,said Leona Barr-Davenport, ABL’s president and CEO. “Dr. Simama never met a problem that…

There will be a Special Called Meeting of the City of Stonecrest, Monday, July 24, at 6 p.m. in the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Georgia for the following: Review and Approval of the Tax Anticipation Note Proposals Amendment to the Hotel, Motel Tax Ordinance Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control Ordinance- First Read Discussion on the Role of City Council Members

The beating of a homeless woman by a DeKalb police officer has prompted law enforcement officials in metro Atlanta/Fulton County and faith leaders to come to the table and talk. A luncheon meeting is planned for Thursday, July 20, at noon at the historic Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, in Buckhead to discuss ways to improve relations fighting crime and preventing a negative encounters between officers and citizens, the Rev. Markel Hutchinson said in a press release. Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson, Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields and the police chiefs of each of the other 13…