Author: On Common Ground News

The Rockdale Youth Leadership (RYL) program is now accepting applications until Sept. 6 from high school sophomores aspiring to leadership with a passion for serving the community. The eight-month program, a collaboration of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and Rockdale County Public Schools, provides leadership development and community awareness training for 10th grade students in Rockdale County. For applications, go to www.rockdaleschools.org/ryl Aspiring youth leaders will have the opportunity during the program to interact with community leaders, local elected officials, and school administrators to enhance their awareness of community needs and resources. Through interactive workshops, special tours, and community…

The DeKalb History Center and the Flat Rock Archives will host an evening reception on Aug. 24, 7 – 8:30 p.m., at the DeKalb Historic Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur, to announce the opening of an exhibit dedicated to the historic Flat Rock Community – one of the oldest African American communities in DeKalb County. The Flat Rock exhibit will replace “Tears and Curses: a Human Look at the Civil War” and will officially launch in February 2019. The Flat Rock Archives was co-founded in 2006 by Johnny Waits, the late Rev. T.A. Bryant, Jr., and Vera Whitaker and…

State Sen. Gloria Butler (D – Stone Mountain) is partnering with Overcomers House Inc., 2100 Fountain Square, Suite C, Snellville,  to host the 10th annual ‘Back to School Giveaway’ on Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. Children must be present to receive the giveaway items, which include back packs, school supplies and food. “It’s important to give back to the community and welcoming students back to school with the supplies they need is my favorite way to do so,” said Butler. “Teachers oftentimes spend much of their hard earned paychecks on supplies, so this event is a small way to help…

DeKalb County Marshal’s Office deputies are now equipped with life-saving antidotes for opiate overdose victims.  In a fast-growing response to the resurgence of prescription drug and heroine abuse, the use of Narcan often is the critical difference of survival for the overdose victim.   Narcan kits contain nasal syringes prefilled with naloxone, which blocks or reverses the effects of opioids.  DeKalb Marshal’s Office deputies are now trained to recognize and administer the drug into the nasal passages of the patient when overdose is suspected. The drug’s action immediately begins to reverse the effects of an opiate overdose. “By having our deputies equipped…

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is now accepting reservations for its “2019 Memorials of World War II European Tour.” The public is invited to join the Chamber on this unforgettable 10-day trip, which includes tours of London, England and Paris, France on the 75th anniversary of D-Day when Allied forces invaded northern France bringing World War II to an end. After landing in London, travelers will explore one of the cities that served as the backdrop to World War II while discovering the city’s rich cultural and historical legacy. There will be expert guides and front-row seats to some of…

By Sheriff Eric J. Levett   Gangs are morphing, multiplying, migrating and entrenching themselves in our Rockdale County communities. They are selling drugs to our kids, shooting up our neighborhoods, invading our homes, robbing our banks and stores, stealing our identities, our money, and instilling fear and violence everywhere they go. Parents, I challenge you to get more involved with your children and be a positive role model and set the right example. Take a firm stand against illegal activity. Spend quality time with your child. Let him or her know that you care. Try to really listen to your…

By Viola Davis I recently forced my mother to seek medical help due to her allergic reaction to a source we could not identify.  My mother approached me with an ice pack on her face and lip claiming that she had either bit her lip and/or had an insect bite.  I noticed that she had massive swelling of her lip and knew that something was wrong.  However, within 24 hours, the swelling had spread to include her lower face.  By this time, I refused any further excuses and demanded we go to the doctor and I’m glad we did. The doctor took one look at…

  The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is convening a meeting of the Rockdale Coalition of Homeowners and Civic Association on Thursday, Aug. 2, 6 p.m. at J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. Officials from several county departments will discuss updates, new initiatives and other information . The next meeting of the series will be Nov. 8 at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jeannettia Owens at 770-278-7058 or jeannettia.owens@rockdalecountyga.gov.

All DeKalb County School District (DCSD) schools will open their doors to students and parents for open house events on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. The events serve as an opportunity for students and parents to get to know their school campuses, teachers, and administrators. Wednesday, Aug. 1  2:00-4:00 PM   Elementary Schools  4:30-6:30 PM   Middle Schools Thursday, Aug. 2  2:00-4:00 PM     High Schools (9th Graders and New Students)  4:30-6:30 PM     High Schools (Returning Students) For information on a specific school within DCSD, please visit a school’s specific website…

A Lithonia man is awaiting extradition to the DeKalb County Jail following his arrest on July 27 in Tallahassee, Florida on a warrant for felony murder, the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office said today. Rondriques Brundage, 32, is charged with the shooting death of Rodrell Matthews on July 9.  The warrant alleges that Brundage shot Matthews at the front door of 6676 Chupp Road in Lithonia, causing his death. Caroline Alicia Davis, 23, of Decatur also was arrested in connection with Matthews’ death. Davis was charged with concealing a death and tampering with evidence. The warrants alleged that on the day of…