Author: On Common Ground News

Stonecrest City Councilman George Turner today urged the community to pitch in and help Salem Middle School’s Symphonic Band to cover expenses for their trip to Carnegie Hall this month. Turner said the band is excited about representing the new city of Stonecrest and urged the community to rally around the band by giving a donation. Coordinator Sandra Harris said the band still needs about $15,000 to cover 8 to 10 scholarships for students and road tolls that must be for the trip to New York City. The band will perform on March 26. “We have about 50 students…

After consulting with local government and health officials, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will reopen on Thursday, March 8. “We have been in constant dialogue with our partners at DeKalb County and the DeKalb County Board of Health. Following that consultation, we will reopen our campuses while taking great care to ensure we have a healthy learning environment,” said Superintendent/CEO R. Stephen Green. “We have a good plan that covers sanitation, food service and other aspects of our operations impacted by the water event today. We’ll be ready for our students.” “As importantly, we ask each of our…

Qualifying for the 2018 elections began on Monday, March 5, and ends on Friday, March 9, at noon. Here is a look at how some of the key local races are shaping up so far on the third day of qualifying:   DeKalb County Board of Commissioners District 2 Jeff Rader, Democrat, Incumbent District 3 Felton Wright, Democrat Larry Johnson, Incumbent District 7 Gregory Adams, Democrat, Incumbent State Court Judges Johnny Panos (I) Alvin T. Wong (I) Board of Education, District 2 Candice D. McKinley Marshall Orson (I) Board of Education, District 4 Allyson…

Water pressure has returned to all DeKalb County fire stations after a massive water main break that occurred early this morning (March 7).  The break created havoc, causing traffic jams, the closure of schools and businesses and water shortages throughout the county. Officials said a break in a 48-inch transmission main at 5718 Buford Highway, N.E., between Longmire and McElroy Roads in Doraville was responsible. Eight tankers were being brought into the county to supply water for fire protection and supply chillers at hospitals. The county’s water department is working with other agencies to address low water pressure. DeKalb…

Vending opportunities have closed for the ever popular Parade of Hats Fashion Show and Luncheon. The annual event will be held on March 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. Paul AME Church, 1704 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia. If you have not purchased your ticket, you will need to do so this week. Tickets are $20 per person and include the fashion show, luncheon and special entertainment by the Beulah Boys, Larry Clay and Bridgette Maynor. State Rep. Billy Mitchell will be the special guest speaker and there will be an array of vendors offering unique clothing, hats, accessories,…

  Is your business registered for the Black Business Showcase, which will be held on March 13 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center? Your registration includes several benefits: Recognition on stage during the program; On-site pre-certification for DeKalb County; Participation in the Business Exchange Networking Reception; Information on the County’s Small Business Loan Program; Business expansion through SPLOST; Documented in a preferred list of Black Businesses. Additional Benefits: DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson has invited Ashley Bell, Regional Administrator, for the Small Business Administration, Region 4, to meet and greet              the Black Business owners during…

Qualifying for the 2018 elections began on Monday, March 5 and ends on Friday, March 9 at noon. Here is a look at how some of the key local races are shaping up so far:   DeKalb County Board of Commissioners District 2, Jeff Rader, Incumbent District 3, Felton Wright District 7, Gregory Adams, Incumbent State Court Judges Johnny Panos (I) Alvin T. Wong (I) Board of Education, District 2 Marshall Orson (I) Board of Education, District 4 Allyson Gevertz Board of Education, District 6 Dijon “Twin” Dacasta Soil & Water Commission Carol Hayes …

Chief Judge David B. Irwin has qualified to run for re-election as a Superior Court Judge for the Rockdale Judicial Circuit. Judge Irwin was first elected in 1998 and has served as a Superior Court Judge since Jan. 1, 1999. Prior to serving on the bench, Judge Irwin was a trial lawyer for 17 years, a former Public Defender for the Rockdale Judicial Circuit and he served as a Member of the Georgia House of Representatives. Judge Irwin is married to Lisa Irwin, a retired Rockdale County public school teacher. They have two adult children, who were educated in the…

Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Amy Carter will serve as Deputy Commissioner for Rural Georgia at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). At GDEcD, Carter will lead state efforts to help rural Georgia communities become more competitive for economic development projects and identify new strategies for attracting jobs and investment outside the Metro Atlanta region. This change will take effect on March 15. “Promoting the growth and success of rural Georgia is essential to securing a more prosperous state for generations to come,” said Deal. “Amy’s experience working with students and her time in public service have given her an understanding…

Work Session Agenda 03072018 FINAL VERFSION 030618 CITY OF STONECREST, GEORGIA Honorable Mayor Jason Lary, Sr. Council Member Jimmy Clanton, Jr. — District 1                                           Council Member Rob Turner- District 2 Council Member Jazzmin Cobble — District 3                                         Council Member George Turner- District 4 Council Member Diane Adoma — District 5 WORK SESSION AGENDA March 7, 2018 10:00 A.M. Stonecrest City Hall 3120 Stonecrest Blvd. Stonecrest, Georgia CALL TO ORDER: Mayor, Jason Lary ROLL CALL: City Clerk OPENING REMARKS: Mayor Jason Lary AGENDA ITEMS EXECUTIVE SESSION: WHEN AN EXECUTIVE SESSION IS REQUIRED, ONE WILL BE CALLED FOR THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: 1)…