Author: On Common Ground News

Whether you’re in need of something to wear for a night out on the town, a cosmopolitan daytime event or accessories to liven up that outfit you already have in your closet, you’ll find it at Phoebe’s Boutique outside The Mall At Stonecrest. Owner Marcia Lopez-Watson specializes in carrying “statement” clothing in designs that run from small to 2X and accessories that make outfits “say something.” “Phoebe’s is for the customer who is trying to pull together that unique ensemble. When she enters the room, her outfit is sure to start a conversation. She’s elegant, sophisticated, she looks as if…

WorkSource DeKalb’s Mobile Career Center will be stationed at locations throughout DeKalb County to help put residents who are seeking jobs. The mobile unit brings job assistance to DeKalb residents by conveniently traveling all over the county. Residents have access to services such as job search assistance, workshops, training, resume writing and interviewing tips. Businesses may also use the mobile unit for interviewing, training, pre-employment screenings or recruiting. The Mobile Career Center is also aiding residents interested in applying for the DeKalb year-round internship program. The program provides short-term internship opportunities for low-income young adults, ages 16-24, who are…

The Rockdale Board of Elections will meet on Thursday, Aug. 10, 4 p.m., at the Rockdale Board of Elections Office, 1400 Parker Road, Lobby C, Conyers. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call 770-278-7333.

Several metro Atlanta schools systems have announced extended hours on Aug. 21 due to the solar eclipse expected. School officials are planning to delay dismissal as millions around the country witness the rare, wondrous spectacle. According to the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), the solar eclipse will occur across North America around 1:02 p.m. and end at 4 p.m. The peak time—where the moon blocks all direct sunlight turning the day into darkness—is expected to occur around 2:32 p.m. and end at 2:39 p.m. in the Atlanta area. A total eclipse of the sun has not occurred since 1918,…

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond has approved the release of approximately 5,000 water and sewer bills that have been held for months due to “unverified billing data.” The bills will be mailed beginning Aug. 14. The July/August 2017 monthly or bi-monthly bills are based on actual meter readings. “We are making significant progress as we continue to work to restore trust and integrity to the water billing system by reducing the number of held bills,” Thurmond said in release this morning (Aug. 1). The upcoming mailing brings the total release of held bills to 13,000 since April 2017, when 8,000 customers…

Katie McCrary, the 38-year-old mentally ill woman who was beaten with a baton by DeKalb Police Officer P.J. Larscheid, now has some high profile legal help. Former DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James, now in private practice, said he is representing McCrary in the criminal case in which she was charged with felony obstruction of a police officer during her June 4 arrest at a Chevron convenience store in Decatur. Glenda Hatchett, who is part of The Hatchett Firm and is known for her syndicated television show, “Judge Hatchett,” is representing McCrary civilly. The incident made national headline news…

District 2 Council member Rob Turner will host a town hall meeting on Thursday, Aug. 10, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. There will be special guest speakers and updates provided on the new city. Turner invites stakeholders to ask questions and share resources. For more information, contact 470-381-8555.

Residents of The Parks of Stonecrest celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 1 with a poolside barbecue, which was held at the community’s clubhouse. Stonecrest City Council member Jimmy Clanton, who lives in the community, and organizers of the event welcomed Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary to their celebration. Like many other National Night Out events that were held throughout DeKalb County and the metro Atlanta area, residents in the Stonecrest community and law enforcement officials had a chance to meet up and learn about available resources. National Night Out was first established in 1984 and is held the first Tuesday…

The court case involving former DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson is getting under way. Watson waived arraignment and pleaded not guilty on Aug. 1 to a charge of theft by conversion for allegedly receiving advance checks from the county of over $3,000 for government travel he did not take. Robert James, who is representing Watson and is the former district attorney for DeKalb County, said his client has reimbursed the county but could not discuss the case any further at this time because he hasn’t yet seen the evidence. “We’re ramping up and reviewing evidence. That is really all that…

Three new Ford Fusions, one Ford 150 and a Ford Transit Connect are the initial vehicles in the city’s fleet. The vehicles will be used for code enforcement, building inspection, and administrative duties. The city also announced additional staff who have been hired. Lillian Lowe and Leah Rodriguez joined the Stonecrest staff as administrative assistants. Josh Roth is the city’s new building official and William Kirkland is the city’s first code enforcement officer.