Author: On Common Ground News

Opponents urged the Stonecrest City Council to vote no on a proposed millage increase, saying it would unfairly tax owners of commercial and rental properties. No one spoke in favor of the increase at two public hearings held today. About 10 people made comments. Attorney Bernard Knight, who represents several businesses and landowners in the city, said the proposed increase of up to 1 mill goes against promises made during the formation of the city. “This is inconsistent with the vision that was crafted by the folks who created Stonecrest and inconsistent with the promises that were made. The promises…

The Rockdale Board of Commissioners today approved the execution of the agreement and final documents to finalize the purchase of the historic Costley Mill Park. Officials said they were prepared to sign the documents following the meeting. Rockdale is spending $4 million to buy and renovate the 77-acre property on Costley Mill Road, which is located off Georgia Highway 138. The park, owned by the Bowman family, has been in Rockdale since the 1800s. It has been used for films, weddings and other special events including the Rubber Ducky race, which is held annually to raise money to assist senior…

The DeKalb Pastors Alliance is partnering with energy companies and financial institutions to get the word out to homeowners the R-22 refrigerant commonly known as Freon will be phased out across the country beginning in 2019. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require energy efficient air-conditioning systems in homes. Freon will be replaced by the environmentally-friendly Puron. “There will be no more Freon. We’re trying to be proactive to let homeowners know. The bible says we perish for lack of knowledge and we want to make sure everyone is educated about the changes,” said Pastor Steven Dial, executive director of…

Morris Williams, former DeKalb County Deputy Chief Operating Officer, and businessman Douglas Cotter have pleaded guilty to a check reimbursement scheme to defraud DeKalb County. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction by guilty plea after court proceedings on June 22. Williams, 52, entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor obstruction charge for his role in the scheme. Cotter, 54, entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of theft by taking and was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution immediately. The charges against Cotter and Williams date back to 2011 when Williams served as Chief of Staff…

MARTA passengers soon will be able to enjoy the visual arts and performances at the public transit’s stations throughout the year. MARTA kicked off the initiative, Artbound, with an event on June 19. Performances by Moving in the Spirit Dance Company and cellist Jenn Cornell accompanied by Emrah Kotan highlighted some artistic elements MARTA’s Artbound initiative will bring to customers beginning this year. In addition to the performing arts, officials announced upcoming restorations project at the Decatur MARTA station and a new art installation piece slated for H.E. Holmes MARTA station. “From mosaics to murals, we are redefining the ridership…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) recently held the 11th Annual Student Athletic Aide Camps to train students in the basics of sports medicine to prepare them to become athletic aides with school sports teams. The camps also expose students to sports medicine and athletic training career fields. The camps – conducted by RCPS Athletic Coordinator Kechia Rowles at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels – teach students about concussion recognition, stabilizing and supporting sprains and fractures, recognizing signs of injury and illness, human anatomy and physiology, as well as emergency first aid such as CPR, defibrillator application, and the…

Stonecrest Council member Jimmy Clanton, Jr., District 1, held a town hall meeting on June 20 at Stonecrest Library to share updates on the new city. Dozens of constituents came out in the stormy weather to hear from Clanton, county officials, Stonecrest City Manager Michael Harris and Mayor Jason Lary. Officials fielded questions concerning code enforcement, public safety, business licenses and other issues. An overview was presented on DeKalb County’s homestead exemption and millage rate by the property tax assessor. Clanton said more information would follow at homeowner group meetings and that he would announce those meetings once dates have…

Featured Event   Fresh On DeK Mobile Market brings fresh produce to the community The DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market will be held on Thursday, June 29, 12 – 2 p.m. at the Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Road, Lithonia. The mobile market provides access to healthy, affordable food for communities where access to fresh regionally-grown fruits and vegetables is limited. The Mobile Market accepts EBT (SNAP benefits), credit cards, checks and cash. The DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market is a program of DeKalb County Extension Services. For more information, call 770-482-3821.   ATLANTA Grab a bite to eat at Food…

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will detail progress made toward addressing the water billing crisis during his third update meeting on Thursday, June 29, 6:30 p.m., at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Before the meeting, DeKalb County water billing representatives will be available to assist customers with new water billing disputes and general water billing questions. Representatives also will be able to verify whether the customer is in dispute process. Customers also will be able to learn whether their bills are still being held for evaluation. DeKalb County water billing representatives will not be able to access the billing system,…

Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) have announced the formation of the Congressional Caucus for Advancement of Studio, Talent and Film Diversity. The new bi-partisan caucus aims to focus on increasing opportunities for minorities in the film and television industries. The three representatives, all serving as co-chairs, plan to add to its congressional membership in the coming weeks. “Last year, I challenged the Academy to be diverse and inclusive. This year, Oscar nominees were more diverse and that’s good, but the underlying problem has not gone away: Minorities are underrepresented in all key roles in…