Author: On Common Ground News

Election results from key races in DeKalb and Rockdale Counties

With the menace of opioids ravaging communities across the country, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is hosting the second annual National Opioid Summit on July 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The event will be held in partnership with STAND Inc., Aetna, Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority, Emory Healthcare and DeKalb Community Service Board. The National Opioid Summit is expected to draw participants from all over the country with the primary focus of strengthening the local response to the opioid epidemic by providing a continuum of care through education, advocacy…

The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) today issued the following statement in response to the resignation of State Rep. Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine) from the Georgia House of Representatives effective July 31, 2018: “The leadership of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), the Georgia House Democratic Caucus and the Georgia Senate Democratic Caucus this morning agreed that it would be best to cancel the joint press conference that was previously scheduled for today at 11 a.m. This cancellation is due to Rep. Spencer’s resignation from the Georgia House of Representatives, which he sent to House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) via…

 Homeowners for Better Government invites the community to attend the Courthouse Committee meeting today, July 24, 6 p.m. at the JP Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St. S.W., Conyers. There will be a tailgate party at 5:30 p.m. before the meeting. Free food will be provided to those who arrive early. The meeting will be held for citizens to ask questions and provide input into this critically important structure for Rockdale County. Since the $140 million bond referendum for a new courthouse was overwhelmingly rejected by voters in May, residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the meeting tonight…

Two major credit agencies—Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings—both have revised DeKalb County’s financial outlook from stable to positive, county officials announced today (July 24).  Additionally, Moody’s assigned DeKalb County its highest rating for short-term municipal bonds. The agency gave its MIG 1 rating, the best assessment a county can get, to DeKalb’s $43.7 million general obligation tax anticipation notes. “The improved outlook shows that DeKalb is getting its fiscal house in order,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “Our efforts to eliminate deficit spending, rebuild cash revenues and reduce the burden on county taxpayers are important steps to support long-term…

Hundreds of backpacks will be distributed during a back-to-school supplies giveaway on Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,  at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College campus, Building SC, 3251 Panthersville Road, Decatur. The event, sponsored by State Farm, Georgia State LIFT, Creating our Future Inc. and Beverly Cunningham Outreach Group, is open to south DeKalb families with children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grades. In addition to 500 backpacks, supplies to be given away will include calculators, notebook paper, pens and pencils. Health screenings, financial literacy information and free food will be on tap, too.

Homegoing services are planned this weekend for retired Master Sgt. Eugene Daniels, brother of Stonecrest City Councilwoman Diane Daniels Adoma. The decorated U.S. Air Force veteran will be laid to rest on Saturday, July 28, 11 a.m., at Tabernacle Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was 76. Eugene Daniels was born in Climax, Georgia. He accepted Christ at the age of 12. He completed his elementary and secondary education in Albany, Georgia.  It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Melvenia Glynn-Daniels before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Daniels earned an Associate…

By Dr. Jabari Simama First they came for the President of Georgia Piedmont Technical College, but I did not speak. Then they came for the President’s Cabinet, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a member of the President’s Cabinet. Then they came for the GPTC South DeKalb Campus, but I did not speak out— Because I was not a student at the South DeKalb Campus. Then they shut down the South DeKalb Campus, gave the Newton Campus to Athens Tech, and merged Georgia Piedmont with another college— there was no one left to speak for DeKalb.…

  Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. will host the third “Shop Talk” forum on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Trim Starz Barber Shop, 1910 Highway 20 SE, Suite 230, Conyers. The event, the third in the series, will feature the following speakers to answer community residents’ questions and concerns: Probate Court Judge Clarence Cuthpert State Court Judge Nancy Bills Cynthia Welch, Board of Elections Director The Shop Talk series introduces elected officials to those who may not know who they are or what their roles, duties and responsibilities are. For more information, contact Jorge Diez at jorge.diez@rockdalecountyga.gov or 770-278-7056.

Georgia Lottery officials announced today that the jackpot for Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing has been raised from $493 million to $512 million, as a result of strong sales. Five Georgia Lottery players won $10,000 each in Friday’s Mega Millions drawing. The lucky tickets were purchased in Claxton, Kennesaw, Luthersville, Mableton and Macon. The Mega Millions jackpot has grown since May 8 and has rolled 22 times. Mega Millions offers two jackpot payment options: the $512 million annuity prize paid out as one immediate payment followed by 29 annual graduated payments; or the cash option, which is approximately $303 million. It…