Author: On Common Ground News

Four percent across-the-board raise valued at $7.1 million Today, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond recommended to the county Board of Commissioners a four-percent public safety salary increase, effective the first pay period in November 2018. The total value of the proposed compensation increase is $7.1 million.  “DeKalb County is committed to ensuring that our community is safe,” said CEO Thurmond. “The county is taking a holistic approach to increase compensation for the men and women that play a critical role in protecting and serving DeKalb.”   The increase will apply to approximately 2,100 employees including police officers, firefighters, E-911 employees, medical…

Developer Vaughn Irons: Project still on track  Developer Vaughn Irons. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan Atlanta Sports Connection, Inc. has defaulted on its $2.25 million loan for the former Kohl’s building, located at 8010 Mall Parkway, but developer Vaughn Irons said the project is still moving forward.  The Atlanta Sports City Complex at the Mall at Stonecrest, known as “Tournament Central,” was scheduled to be sold on the DeKalb County courthouse steps on Oct. 2, according to a notice of sale under power, which was announced in the county’s legal organ. The owners of the building could not be reached…

By Valerie J. Morgan The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners gave its approval on Oct. 9 to grant a Special Use Permit (SUP) to Joe Eifred, paving the way for his nonprofit, the Rockdale Art Farm (RAF), to take root. RAF plans to offer a wide range of art programs on a former dairy farm located at 4420 Flat Bridge Road in south Rockdale near Union Church Road. While proponents had expressed their excitement about having a place to enjoy arts education while connecting with nature, critics said they believed the project would bring noise and traffic, and dramatically change…

As Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced that Georgia has shattered its all-time voter registration record with more than 6,915,000 voters on the rolls, several civil rights groups have united to demand his resignation.  The groups say Kemp’s office reportedly purged more half a million legitimate voters from the rolls over a two-year period. They have joined investigative journalist Greg Palast, who said he discovered through an open records request that Kemp’s office used a  racially-biased methodology for removing as many as 700,000 legitimate voters from the state’s voter rolls since 2017.  Palast said Kemp’s office used a “Crosscheck Program,”…

“I am somebody. Respect me. Protect me. Don’t neglect me. Keep hope alive.” These words echoed through the halls and classrooms of Cedar Grove High School as civil rights icon Jesse Jackson spoke to students during an assembly at the school on Oct. 10.  Jackson spoke to students about the importance of having one’s voice heard. Specifically, Jackson challenged students to use their voices at the polls come November 2018. “An African-American woman is running for governor for the first time in Georgia,” Jackson said. “Not long ago, when Dr. King was alive, we didn’t have the right to vote.…

Nearly 100 people attended the Beyond Dreaming Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar, which was held Oct. 8-9 at the Atlanta Evergreen Conference Resort in Stone Mountain. Businessman and philanthropist Gregory B. Levett, Sr. shared how he turned a second mortgage into a multi-million dollar business during the two-day event.  Levett, his family and others strategists discussed team building, how to create success and wealth, marketing and other tips. Levett said he presented the conference to inspire others who have dreams of starting or growing their business. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan 

The Stonecrest Citizens Coalition has received a grant from United Way of Greater Atlanta to combat littering in the city of Stonecrest.  The coalition plans to use the $500 grant to create anti-littering educational materials and lawn signs advocating for a clean, litter-free community. In addition, through the Adopt-a-Road program, the coalition has adopted a section of Mall Parkway (between Evans Mill and Klondike Roads) and will host a cleanup day on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 9:30 a.m.  Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot of Dudley’s Sports Bar on Evans Mill Road. Refreshments for volunteers will be…

Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund for an “Innovation Station” mobile makerspace.  The mobile makerspace, which will be created by Manufacturing Career Pathway and Construction Career Pathway students at RCA, will provide opportunities for students in all grades, K-12, to understand and implement design thinking, project-based learning, problem-solving and 21st century skills that will help to prepare students for life outside of the classroom. This space will introduce students to STEM concepts and provide opportunities for collaboration and creativity.  “Students need to graduate with the skills of creativity and innovation,” said…

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host a household hazardous waste recycling event Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur. The event offers county residents an opportunity to properly dispose of dangerous household items that are no longer in use.  Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, paint, paint-related products and artist supplies will be accepted. Agricultural waste, ammunition, radioactive materials, pharmaceuticals, and biohazardous and biomedical waste will not be accepted. Paint will be limited to 10 gallons per…

  State Rep., Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) recently launched a 21-day veggie challenge to encourage citizens to eat healthier by eating more vegetables. “I am excited to launch this 21-day challenge to promote healthy eating within our communities,” said Rep. Carter. “This challenge is also important to bring more awareness to food insecurities in my district.” During the 21-day challenge, participants are encouraged to go 100 percent vegan for 21 days, go 100 percent vegetarian for 21 days or eat more vegetables during lunch or dinner for 21 days. For more information about the initiative, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/21-day-veggie-challenge-tickets-50856113003