Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County’s pools will open Memorial Day weekend starting on Saturday, May 26. The official season runs May 26 through July 27. Select pools will remain open on weekends through Labor Day, Sept. 3. Residents can splash into summer by visiting a neighborhood pool. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs also offers various programs including swim lessons, water aerobics and more. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks or contact (770) 414-2113. Pool locations and hours of operation *Browns Mill Aquatic Facility 4929 Browns Mill Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 1…

Library officials say parents can let their children can check out all the books and materials they want this summer without the worry of fines. The Library Board of Trustees has approved a Fine-Free Summer for materials in the children’s and teen’s collections beginning June 1 and running through Aug. 31.  Library Director Alison Weissinger wants parents and caregivers to encourage their children to read and enjoy library resources all summer.  “We know children lose ground in academics over the summer break. We want to take away any barrier to children and teens having books to read and enjoy over…

By Valerie J. Morgan DeKalb County voters overwhelmingly re-elected District 3 Board of Commissioner Larry Johnson and Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson to offices on May 22. The two incumbents, who are unrelated, commanded landslide victories in their races, early results showed.     Johnson, who has served 16 years on the Board of Commissioners, received 80.53% (16,704 votes) as he celebrated turning 50 on election night.  Challenger Felton Wright, a retired AT&T communications employee running for the first time, received 19.47% (4,039 votes).  Judge Johnson earned a third term with 64.67% (55,028 votes).  Challenger Attorney Genet Hopewell garnered 35.14…

Rockdale County voters on Tuesday defeated a $140 million bond referendum for the construction of a new courthouse, while the city of Conyers approved a $13 million bond referendum for a new City Hall and upgrades to the Police Department. Voters rejected the county’s proposal by 69.66 percent (8,943 votes). The measure received 3,895 yes votes. Mounting opposition killed the county’s bond referendum, despite a campaign that included a blitz of printed fliers, mailers, videos, community meetings and tours of the existing Rockdale courthouse. Opponents spoke out at public meetings, complaining they were against the bond because of the costs…

  “Dinner and a show” will take on a new meaning tonight (May 23) as more than 500 Atlanta Public Schools high school students prepare to see the award-winning Broadway musical “Hamilton” at the Fox Theater in downtown Atlanta The play has come to Atlanta this week as part of a 19-city tour. With help from The Coca-Cola Foundation, Flocabulary, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgia Power and the Kendeda Fund, a total of 1,700 APS students over two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner and then see the hit show that has become a world-wide sensation.…

Roden Meadows, the 22-year-old suspect wanted for the murder of Jason Williams, 24, has been arrested. Meadows was apprehended Tuesday afternoon by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit. He was charged with murder for allegedly shooting and killing Williams on May 15 at a Citgo gas station on Columbia Drive in Decatur. Surveillance video showed the victim and suspect together sitting inside a vehicle at the Citgo gas station. An altercation occurred inside the vehicle. The victim was shot, exited the vehicle and collapsed in the parking lot.

City Manager Michael Harris announced that City Hall will be temporarily closed until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23. Harris said the city’s staff will be participating in a  customer service training.

By Valerie J. Morgan    The Stonecrest City Council voted 4-2 to continue contract negotiations for the city’s SPLOST program management with Grice Consulting Group. The company has been in limbo with the city since last fall when city staff members questioned the “high” costs and scope of services that Grice billed the city for pre-SPLOST work.       City Councilwoman Diane Adoma, who made the motion at the April 21 City Council meeting to renew negotiations with Grice, said council members wanted to act in good faith in honoring the contract. The council approved the motion after a heated,…

DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson’s Victory Celebration  DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson will host her victory celebration at the Taiyo inside the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in downtown Decatur, 7:30 p.m., 130 Clairemont, Ave. Attorney Genet Hopewell to host Election Night Watch Party  Attorney Genet Hopewell, candidate for DeKalb Superior Court Judge, is inviting supporter to her Election Night Watch Party, which will be held at 7:30 p.m., at Jesse’s Restaurant & Lounge, 2440 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. DeKalb Commissioner Gregory Adams to…

Today is the last day to vote for the general primary election. Local election precincts will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Voters must report to their assigned polling precinct and present a valid form of  ID and/or  a voter’s registration card.