Author: On Common Ground News

The Stonecrest City Council will take a final vote on its hotel/motel tax ordinance on Aug. 7. The ordinance will assess a 5 percent tax to Stonecrest’s 10 hotels and motels for fees charged to their guest for lodging. The tax is 3 percent lower than hotel operators have been paying to DeKalb County. On June 19,the council approved an 8 percent hotel/motel tax but later found they had to rescind the ordinance until city officials get the approval of the State Legislature to charge 8 percent. Once approved, the additional 3 percent will go toward promoting and marketing tourism,…

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division processed 550 tons of furniture, metals, appliances and construction and demolition materials during Amnesty Day, a free disposal opportunity for DeKalb County residents. This Operation Clean Sweep project was held on Saturday, July 29, at the county-owned Seminole Road Landfill located in Ellenwood. Among the items dropped off and processed were 323 tons of bagged garbage and bulky items, 87 tons of yard trimmings, 123 tons of construction and demolition materials and 156 tires. More than 1,100 county residents participated in the event, saving a total of $23,815 in disposal fees. “We were delighted…

Demolition of the former Centennial Olympic Tennis Stadium in Stone Mountain officially began Aug. 1. Officials from Gwinnett County, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association and Evermore Community Improvement District expressed their farewells and shared their excitement about a new life for the site, which has been sitting empty for years. Officials say demolition is expected to take about six months. A concrete stadium with about 7,200 seats, over a dozen outdoor tennis courts and a clubhouse were constructed to host the 1996 Games that catapulted Atlanta onto the world’s stage. Gwinnett County acquired ownership of the 24-acre tennis complex…

Notaries Public have long been relied upon to deter fraud. The Notary process dates back to ancient Rome and continues to be a staple of personal, government and business transactions as a means to certify that the signatures are valid. Notarized documents are required for a wide range of legal filings and financial transactions. The proper performance of notarial duties is essential to the effective operations of government and commerce. As a Notary, you are exercising the sovereign authority delegated to you by the State of Georgia. Why do we need notaries? To deter document fraud. To ensure the integrity…

State Sen. Gloria Butler is partnering with Overcomers House Inc. to host the 9th annual “Back to School Giveaway” for residents of Gwinnett and DeKalb 
counties on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Overcomers House, Inc., 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., 2100 Fountain Square, Suite C, Snellville. “It will be a great event partnering with Overcomers House,” said Butler. “We’re supporting the community and children with their school needs. Going back to school is a stressful time for students of all ages and the fear of a new experience should not be made any harder because they do not feel prepared to…

Watchdogs for Justice (WFJ), a nonprofit organization established for the purpose of “Keeping Kids out of Prison” will conduct a free seminar on Aug. 12, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. Attorneys Clara King, Alis Hughes, Dana Harrell and juvenile advocates Frank Conwell, Derek & Daisy Graham, Deborah Young, and Wallace Ward will discuss a variety of topics in their efforts to keep our young people out of the system. The seminar will consist of interactive skits based on actual court cases. Most of the kids can relate to the…

DEKALB  Join Arabia Mountain for Junior Ranger Day Help your children discover the great outdoors. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is hosting Junior Ranger Day on Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Panola Mountain  State Park Nature Center, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. Kids will participate in hands-on activities where they’ll explore landscapes filled with amazing plants and creatures; learn about nature and history; and work together to protect parks. ctivities are geared toward children ages 8-12, although the entire family is welcome to attend. All Junior Rangers will earn a badge, special prizes and precious memories. Friends from…

The National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), DeKalb Chapter 380, will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 1 p.m., at Piccadilly Restaurant, The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. All active and retired federal employees, their spouses, and surviving spouses who are not currently a member of NARFE are welcome to attend the meeting to learn more about the benefits of NARFE. For more information, visit www.ganarfe.org or contact Chapter President Calvin Stevens, 404-288-3604.

In an effort to provide greater accessibility, the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will have an evening meeting in south Rockdale at Lorraine Elementary School. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., in South Rockdale at Lorraine Elementary School, 3343 East Fairview Road, SW, Stockbridge. This meeting is open to the public, and the public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Jennifer Rutledge, director of Legislative Affairs and County Clerk, at jennifer.rutledge@rockdalecountyga.gov.

The DeKalb County Youth Commission is accepting applications. Members of the Youth Commission discuss pressing youth issues with elected officials and community leaders and serve as spokespersons for youth in the community. The DeKalb County Youth Commission meets twice per month. Applicants must: Be a resident of the DeKalb County Be between 16-18 years of age in the 2017 -2018 academic year; Submit a completed application to the DeKalb County Office of Youth Services; Submit a Personal Statement to include hobbies, social and/or civic affiliations and extra-curricular activities Submit a Recommendation Letter from a Teacher, Counselor, Principal, Pastor/Religious Leader,…