Author: On Common Ground News

  The Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) was recently honored as a 2018 Exemplary Board, the highest status in the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) Board Recognition Program. The Rockdale County BOE also earned Exemplary status in 2015 and 2016. The GSBA Board Recognition Program was paused and revised during 2017 to require an even higher level of commitment from school boards and individual members. “We are extremely proud that the Rockdale County Board of Education has again earned Exemplary status – the highest status conferred by the Georgia School Boards Association,” says RCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. “Not…

  City of Avondale among 19 governments In Georgia to receive grants, loans The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) has awarded approximately $18.1 million in funding for 19 transportation infrastructure projects across the state through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB). Gov. Nathan Deal said the awards would enhance mobility for local communities as well as tourists. “The innovative transportation initiatives receiving these funds will benefit local communities for years to come and reinforce Georgia’s reputation as a top destination for businesses and job creators,” Deal said. SRTA Executive Director Chris Tomlinson said the awards would provide critical funding towards…

Ever wanted a pet, but not the long-term commitment? Already have a pet, but could make room for another for a few weeks? Considering a pet, but not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge? LifeLine Animal Project is seeking temporary foster homes for 50 animals. The agency wants people willing to take in an animal for two weeks to help relieve shelters. LifeLine is currently caring for more than 1,000 animals at the DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services shelters they manage. LifeLine will supply all of the pet’s supplies and support.  You simply provide the love!  Whether…

The Stonecrest City Council work session will be held June 18, 6 p.m., at City Hall. The work session agenda can be found here. The Stonecrest City Council will meet on Monday, June 18, 7 p.m., at City Hall. The meeting agenda follows the work session agenda.

The Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office has received numerous inquiries and requests regarding the March 12, 2018 death of Shali Tilson, 22, and the May 27, 2018 death of Jamie Henry, 40. Both died at the Rockdale County Jail. In the interest of keeping the Rockdale community informed, the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office is providing this update. On June 13, 2018, the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office received the results of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations’ (GBI) examination into Shali Tilson’s death. Rockdale County District Attorney Alisha Adams Johnson is in the process of thoroughly reviewing the…

  When Samuel Dixon faced the cold hard fact that both his sons were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he had a choice to make.  He could accept the illness and do the best he could as a parent or he could look Autism in the eye and say, “We’re bigger than you, and you are in for a fight.” Luckily, he chose the latter option. Dixon established Tomorrow’s Not Yesterday Foundation as a nonprofit for children and families who suffer from Autism. The young father of two boys explains his motivation began with his son, Malachi, who was first…

A crowd of about 200 protestors called for the resignation of Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett and other county leaders as they rallied for justice for Shali Tilson and Jamie Henry.  Tilson, a 22-year-old Conyers resident, died on March 12 from severe dehydration after a 9-day stay at the Rockdale County Jail on misdemeanor charges. Henry, a 40-year-old Douglasville mother who was being held for Fulton County on a warrant, died on May 26 after being locked up for about 12 hours. Attorney Mawuli Davis, who is representing the families of the deceased, said the deaths are a result of “criminal neglect.” …

DeKalb County government’s mid-year finances are positive and its “rainy day” fund has grown to $89 million—enough to cover county operations for 1.75 months.  CEO Michael Thurmond said the county, which has a $1.2 billion annual operating budget, is close to meeting his year-end goal of having a full two months of funds in reserves to finance county operations.    Thurmond made the announcement on June 13 after presenting the FY2018 midyear budget amendments to the Board of Commissioners.  With the support of the Board of Commissioners, the county balanced the budget and projects a FY2018 midyear general fund balance…

StoneFest 2018 was held on June 9 at Atlanta Sports City (the former Kohl’s location). Organized by Patricia Willis of Six Degrees of Synergy, Inc., the festival featured live musical acts, new technology discussion panels, robotics demonstrations, local authors, and a variety of food and retail vendors. Willis said the goal of  StoneFest was to bring greater awareness of new technologies and STEM career opportunities. Photos by Travis Hudgons.

By Mackenzie N. Morgan DeKalb County police have been busy working two deadly shootings that occurred in broad daylight at plaza gas stations within a 24-hour period. Community activist Ed Williams said he was alarmed when he heard about the recent violence and implored DeKalb County officials to take action immediately. “The amount of crime in DeKalb County is unacceptable. We need more police on the streets and to also look into the root cause of such high levels of crime,” said Williams.  “We need police to work with schools to help decrease bullying, gangs, drugs, and increase student graduation…