Author: On Common Ground News

The MARTA Police Department is cracking down on fare evaders. Police said they made 538 arrests during a recent six-week effort in which plainclothes officers closely monitored fare gates across MARTA’s 38 rail stations. In addition to the arrests, the effort led to hundreds of suspensions from the MARTA system. “Our fare evasion task force has worked around the clock to focus our attention to those seeking to avoid paying fare at our stations,” said MPD Chief Wanda Dunham. “We have watched riders piggyback behind a person when the fare gates open and some even attempt to go over…

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 AWARE, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Flat Rock Archives,…

Pastor Steven N. Dial, Sr. of Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur and seven members of his congregation are in East Africa on a mission trip, July 31-Aug. 8. The church members took new school clothes, supplies and donations to help children in Uganda prepare for school and to help their families. Pastor Dial said in a cell phone text message that the first days of the trip to benefit Good Shepherd’s Touch Ministries, Inc., Rainbow Park’s missions partner, have been life-changing for him personally. Dial said he was glad the church didn’t just send money but instead traveled to…

The historic Crawfordville Baptist Church, 2300 Lake Rockaway Road, Conyers celebrated its Family Friends Day Weekend July 29-30. Children enjoyed pony rides, face painting and other activities, while adults fellowshipped and made sure the young ones enjoyed themselves. The Saturday family fun day included a Southern barbecue lunch with all grilled burgers, hotdogs, ribs, baked beans, cole slaw and homemade ice creamed churned in the church’s kitchen. Crawfordville Baptist Church was founded 135 years ago. Pastor Andrew Doyle became pastor of the church in January 2016. Before coming to Crawfordville, he served on the ministerial staff and as minister of…

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…