Author: On Common Ground News

Rockdale County voters on Tuesday defeated a $140 million bond referendum for the construction of a new courthouse, while the city of Conyers approved a $13 million bond referendum for a new City Hall and upgrades to the Police Department. Voters rejected the county’s proposal by 69.66 percent (8,943 votes). The measure received 3,895 yes votes. Mounting opposition killed the county’s bond referendum, despite a campaign that included a blitz of printed fliers, mailers, videos, community meetings and tours of the existing Rockdale courthouse. Opponents spoke out at public meetings, complaining they were against the bond because of the costs…

  “Dinner and a show” will take on a new meaning tonight (May 23) as more than 500 Atlanta Public Schools high school students prepare to see the award-winning Broadway musical “Hamilton” at the Fox Theater in downtown Atlanta The play has come to Atlanta this week as part of a 19-city tour. With help from The Coca-Cola Foundation, Flocabulary, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgia Power and the Kendeda Fund, a total of 1,700 APS students over two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner and then see the hit show that has become a world-wide sensation.…

Roden Meadows, the 22-year-old suspect wanted for the murder of Jason Williams, 24, has been arrested. Meadows was apprehended Tuesday afternoon by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit. He was charged with murder for allegedly shooting and killing Williams on May 15 at a Citgo gas station on Columbia Drive in Decatur. Surveillance video showed the victim and suspect together sitting inside a vehicle at the Citgo gas station. An altercation occurred inside the vehicle. The victim was shot, exited the vehicle and collapsed in the parking lot.

City Manager Michael Harris announced that City Hall will be temporarily closed until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23. Harris said the city’s staff will be participating in a  customer service training.

By Valerie J. Morgan    The Stonecrest City Council voted 4-2 to continue contract negotiations for the city’s SPLOST program management with Grice Consulting Group. The company has been in limbo with the city since last fall when city staff members questioned the “high” costs and scope of services that Grice billed the city for pre-SPLOST work.       City Councilwoman Diane Adoma, who made the motion at the April 21 City Council meeting to renew negotiations with Grice, said council members wanted to act in good faith in honoring the contract. The council approved the motion after a heated,…

DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson’s Victory Celebration  DeKalb Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson will host her victory celebration at the Taiyo inside the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in downtown Decatur, 7:30 p.m., 130 Clairemont, Ave. Attorney Genet Hopewell to host Election Night Watch Party  Attorney Genet Hopewell, candidate for DeKalb Superior Court Judge, is inviting supporter to her Election Night Watch Party, which will be held at 7:30 p.m., at Jesse’s Restaurant & Lounge, 2440 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. DeKalb Commissioner Gregory Adams to…

Today is the last day to vote for the general primary election. Local election precincts will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Voters must report to their assigned polling precinct and present a valid form of  ID and/or  a voter’s registration card.

Joel Thibodeaux, who is running for State Senator, District 43, will host his Election Night Watch Party on Tuesday at Arizona’s restaurant, 7:30 p.m. Supporters are invited to join him.

DeKalb County Exchange Park Intergenerational Center will celebrate its third annual “Do It BIG Community Day, Saturday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2771 Columbia Drive in Decatur. “Do It BIG Community Day” is a free event with information booths from local businesses, face painting, raffles, music, food and games. The event aims to unify and educate the community on improving health while having fun. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about parks and natural resources that are available in their community. For more information on “Do It BIG Community Day,” contact LaShanda Davis, public relations…

On Tuesday, May 22, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) will begin single lane closures near 2021 Glendale Drive, Decatur, GA. Closures will remain in effect for several weeks until Phase 1 of the Glendale Water Main Replacement Project is completed.  Signs will be placed in the area advising motorists about construction work and local traffic restrictions. Flaggers will also be present to direct motorists safely through the construction work zone. For more information, visit the DWM website at www.dekalbwatershed.com, call the DWM Project Information Line at 800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.