Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond is addressing what he calls the county’s most important critical issues for the remainder of fiscal year 2017: deficit spending and an inadequate fund balance. “Our number one priority is to reduce the deficit so that we can propose a balanced budget in fiscal year 2018,” CEO Thurmond said. “We are able to redirect existing funds to address two other priorities including salary adjustments for public safety personnel and continuing our fight against blight.” CEO Thurmond’s proposed midyear budget adjustment, which was delivered to the Board of Commissioners on June 12, sets aside approximately $54.6 million,…

Captain Ruth Stringer has been appointed to serve as DeKalb County’s interim sheriff while Jeffrey Mann serves a 40-day suspension mandated by Gov. Nathan Deal. The governor appointed a special panel to investigate Mann who was charged on May 6 with public indecency and obstruction (running from police) after allegedly exposing himself in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. Mann, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, goes to trial on July 7. DeKalb Superior Court Chief Judge Courtney Johnson appointed Stringer, a 27-year veteran of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Stringer was sworn in and began her new assignment on…

The City of Covington and Newton County are partnering with the Georgia Institute of Technology to provide a pilot program to help spur growth in the field of logistics. Residents of Newton, Rockdale, Walton, Jasper, DeKalb and Morgan counties are invited to register for the Logistics Education And Pathways (LEAP) program. Tuition is free for the first 100 participants. “The Georgia Tech Supply Chain & Logistics Institute (SCL) is pleased to partner with the City of Covington, Newton County and the surrounding counties to bring the LEAP online courses in a pilot program to those who are eager to increase…

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved spending up to $500,000 for the preliminary design-build phase of an amphitheater at Rainbow Park on Rainbow Drive in South DeKalb. The outdoor facility will complement the existing Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Center and auditorium, also located on Rainbow Drive. The site was formerly part of the historic Mathis Dairy farm, which was well known for providing dairy tours to school children who milked Rosebud, the cow, during their visit. The farm was eventually sold in 1995 and residential subdivisions were built on most of the land. “This is an…

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit located and arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a murder in Aiken, South Carolina. Tobias Thomas, 20, was arrested on June 15. Warrants issued on May 26 by the City of Aiken allege that Thomas shot Kalief C. Bey with a handgun on Brandt Court in Aiken, causing his death. DeKalb Sheriff’s investigators found Thomas in a residence near Decatur, Georgia and arrested him without incident.  He is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime. Thomas is being held at the DeKalb County Jail awaiting extradition…

The Decatur Arts Alliance seeks sculptures to be placed in five locations within walking distance of downtown Decatur as part of the ongoing Decatur Artway celebration of public art.  The sculptures are on view for two years and easily accessible to hundreds of people each month who come to Decatur to shop, dine, work, or attend the year-round calendar of events and festivals. In addition, the art and artists are featured on the Otocast App.  Selected artists will receive an honorarium of $2,000, and in addition, the artwork may be available for sale. All submissions should be professionally constructed of durable materials that will withstand the elements.  All durable outdoor media…

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs youth fall soccer registration is now open. Geared for youths ages 5-14, the soccer program focuses on skill development, fitness and team training drills. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Now” button or register in person at any recreation center. Registration is open until Aug. 5 and a birth certificate is required to complete registration. For more information, call the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Athletics Office at 770-414-2111. DeKalb County Recreation Centers Browns Mill Recreation Center: 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, GA 30038, (770) 492-5453 Exchange Recreation…

Rockdale County government’s Human Resources Department officially has a new name: the Department of Talent Management. The Board of Commissioners (BOC) unanimously approved an ordinance to rename the department at the June 13 board meeting. BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt said the new name represents “a fresh new approach” to taking care of the county’s employees. Nesbitt said the name change better reflects the county’s mission to not only recruit “world class” talent for job openings, but to provide training and career track guidance to those who desire to move up into other positions with the county. Toni Holmes, who was…

 FEATURED ITEM: “Thrilling Thursday” summer series at Conyers library offers kids big fun The next Nancy Guinn Memorial Library’s “Thrilling Thursday” summer series will feature “My Reptile Guys and their Fun Reptile Adventures” on June 22, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., in the lower level of the library, 864 Green St., Conyers. Take the kids to experience the thrill of a wild safari. Get up close and personal with exotic and beautiful reptiles during this adventure at the library. The program is free and requires no registration. Also, mark your calendar for the Thrilling Thursday events that will be held…

Hundreds of people showed up for the Monastery of the Holy Spirit’s eighth annual 5K in Conyers. This year, the monastery added an 8-mile endurance race to celebrate its eighth year hosting the race. Before the race, many attendees joined the monks for a 7 a.m. prayer and mass at Abbey Church, located on the monastery’s campus. Runners and walkers trekked through woodlands while enjoying the serene and peaceful landscape of the monastery. After the race, participants were greeted with free, hot pancakes. Runners and walkers came in all shapes, athletic capabilities, and sizes but Xavier Francis Ly was…