Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent R. Stephen Green set the tone for the upcoming school year with “Every Little Step,” a message about embracing the actions needed to raise student achievement, at Convocation 2017 on Aug. 4. Triscilla Weaver, regional superintendent for Region 4, leads her schools through coordinated cheers during roll call at the convocation, which was held at the Infinite Energy Center Arena in Gwinnett. Officials said the event was held in Gwinnett because DeKalb has no facility large enough to accommodate the school district’s more than 13,000 employees.

The city of Tucker officials are preparing for an overflow crowd anticipated for the City Council’s special called meeting later this month to vote on The Rise, an 88-acre mixed-use development proposed for the former Sears distribution center site. The property is located near the corner of Hugh Howell Road and Mountain Industrial Boulevard of Highway 78. While proponents say the project would boost economic development, opponents fear it will bring more traffic and congestion to the area. A crowd packed City Hall at the July 28 Planning Commission’s meeting, where plans were introduced. The Rise would be similar to…

The Rockdale Board of Commissioners on Aug. 8 awarded contracts to Sunbelt Builders, Inc. for the construction of two new fire stations that will replace antiquated facilities. The 2011 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) will fund the projects. Officials said $1,787,043 is allocated for Fire Station #2, which will be built at 778 Bell Road S.E. in South Rockdale. The new station is being moved from Troup Street Road. Fire Station #3 will be torn down and rebuilt at its current location on Old Salem Road in the central part of the county at a cost of $1,795,122,…

Dale Holmes, who retired in 2015 as assistant police chief of DeKalb County, has traded in the carefree life for a top job with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. Holmes was sworn in as the new deputy chief of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 7. A veteran law enforcement officer, Holmes is bringing more than 30 years of experience to the county. Holmes began his law enforcement career with the DeKalb. Police Department, rising through the ranks. He served with distinction, earning P.O.S.T. supervisory and management certifications, overseeing hundreds of sworn and non-sworn personnel, managing narcotics seizures and…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) concluded his small business roundtable series on Aug. 9 at the Walton EMC Conference Center in Snellville. The session was the third installment of the Advancement of the Small Business Community Initiative, which launched in June with DeKalb County small-business owners at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston, and continued in July with participation from the Rockdale County small business community. “The importance of the small-business community in today’s economy is indisputable,” Johnson said. “Small businesses are a vital part of today’s economy and account for half of the private workforce’s employment. The purpose of…

DeKalb County was recently awarded a Bronze designation from SOLSMART for the Planning and Sustainability Department’s outstanding efforts to encourage homes and businesses to covert to solar energy use. The introduction of quick and user-friendly permit processes for residents, solar workshops, and a comprehensive website helped the County earn a SOLSMART’s Bronze Designation. DeKalb County Commissioners Kathie Gannon, Jeff Rader and Environmental Energy Manager Billy Malone were presented this award during the National Association of County’s Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio in July. “I am proud of DeKalb’s track record in sustainability and excited that we are continuing to…

The Decatur-DeKalb Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. will host a membership information session for interested professional women on Friday, Aug. 18, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Medical Center at Hillandale, 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia. Those who attend will have an opportunity to learn more about the Decatur-DeKalb Chapter and how their talents can be used for service in the organization. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women is a non-profit volunteer organization whose members address common issues in their communities, families and personal lives, promoting gender and racial equity. Please email any…

The DeKalb County School District will host a Family Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 19, noon to 4 p.m. at Wade walker YMCA, 5605 Rockbridge Road S.W., Stone Mountain.  The community is invited.

Single, teen or military veteran moms who earn less than $12 per hour are invited to the “Fresh Start Careers for Mothers” workshop on Aug. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. The Resource Center will provide tips on resumes, interviewing and free business clothing. The program is open to the first 12 participants. To register: 470-294-0034.

Dogs and their pet humans are invited to enjoy an afternoon together on the Gwinnett County Courthouse lawn. The Downtown Dog Day will be held on Aug. 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,  at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. There will be a flea market, games, contests, demonstrations, doggie-bags, photos, and more. The event is free. For more information, call 770-822-5450.