Author: On Common Ground News

In preparation for President Trump’s visit to Atlanta and the College Football Playoff National Championship, state and local governments have announced early closures for Monday, Jan. 8. The City of Atlanta will close at 2:30 p.m. Fulton County and state government will close at 3 p.m. Gov. Nathan Deal’s office said agencies are also encouraged to allow employees with the ability to telecommute to do so. Employees and visitors are also encouraged to use MARTA to travel on Monday. Finally, state and local governments will continue monitoring weather and will send additional guidance to employees as necessary

The Avondale school community is working to assist seven Avondale Elementary School families who were displaced by a massive fire that occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Pine Tree Circle Apartments. “Our social worker and counselor are working directly with the families to determine their needs, and the school community, which includes the PTA and the Avondale Elementary School Education Foundation, is committed to meeting those needs so families can get back on their feet,” said Patti Ghezzi, who is helping coordinate the effort. The PTA is collecting clothes and other necessities, as well as gift cards. A Go…

By Valerie J. Morgan Thousands of trees are being cleared off of Woodrow Road near the Evans Mill Road entrance to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to make way for a new road. The new road, however, has sparked an outcry from some residents and created friction between Stonecrest City Councilwoman Diane Adoma and DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who both represent residents in the district where the project is underway. Adoma says residents should have been notified about the road and held a news conference on Jan. 4 to demand answers. Johnson, however, said the press conference…

  Diversity and cooperation will be the themes of DeKalb County’s 34th annual birthday celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program, “Together We Win: A Conversation on Cultural Diversity in DeKalb,” will be held on Friday, Jan. 12, at 11:30 a.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. “Dr. King’s revolutionary message that envisioned a Beloved Community based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of all human beings is the cornerstone of our 2018 MLK celebration,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “This event will recognize and celebrate DeKalb’s diverse populations, cultures and unique perspectives.” Special…

By Valerie J. Morgan The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 3 announced the arrest of Wendall Heath Tolbert, 51, of Coweta County in connection with the theft and vandalism of the Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial at Black Shoals Park. Tolbert was charged with felony theft and interference with government property, also a felony. Investigators said Tolbert is part of a team who stole two heavy, bronze statues and military emblems from the park, which is located at 3001 Black Shoals Road N.E. in Rockdale. Authorities said they believe the heist took place over the weekend of Dec. 15.…

Former Lithonia City Councilwoman Barbara Woods Lester celebrated her 82nd birthday on Jan. 2. Lester hails from a family of city leaders. In 1972, her late mother, Maggie Woods, became Lithonia’s first black councilwoman. In 1981, her brother, Jerome Woods, was named the city’s police chief, a position he held for 19 years.  In 1995, her sister, Marcia Glenn Hunter, was elected mayor of Lithonia. Lester served on the City Council in the early 2000s. Lester is the eldest of eight children and a lifelong resident of Lithonia. The Woods family’s roots can be traced back to Samuel Wood,…

DeKalb State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey coordinated the second annual “Angel Wings” initiative for homeless students before they left for the winter break. The initiative provided $50 gift cards for 50 homeless students and their families. McDonald’s franchise owners John and Shiroleen Hurt answered the call again and provided the gift cards. The Hurts, who own 15 McDonald’s in DeKalb, supported the same effort last year, providing gift cards to 25 homeless students. Ramsey said he hopes the effort will continue to grow each year and is very grateful to the Hurts who share his heart for the community. As…

  As St. Thomas continues to recover from hurricanes Irma and Maria, which hit the Virgin Islands last September, three Rockdale County leaders are doing their part to help medical evacuees now in the Atlanta area. That help has come in the form of Iffat Walker, who is from St. Thomas and is executive director of Community Action Now, along with Cheryl Miles Board, who also is from St. Thomas and is executive director of The Non-Profit Consortium, and Josie Dean, executive director of the Rockdale County Think Tank. Together, the three women have donated clothes and other necessities through…

Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has opened in Conyers. The franchise owners will hold a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from Wednesday, Jan. 10, to Sunday, Jan. 14, to support Heritage High School’s football team. The new restaurant, located at 1550 Highway 138 East, is circulating 7,500 coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $2 contribution to Heritage High School Football. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible. The Jakes’ Family Franchise Group share Jersey Mike’s commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service, and are dedicated to giving back to the local community. Since 2010, Jersey…

The DeKalb County Board of Health is conducting a month-long toiletry drive benefitting human trafficking victims. The initiative is being held as a part of the board’s continuing efforts to address the significant human trafficking problem in metro Atlanta, and in observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Toiletry donations, including soap, shampoos and lotions, can be deposited in dedicated collections bins Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 5p.m., excluding holidays recognized by the State of Georgia, at the following health center locations: Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur East DeKalb Health Center, 2277…