Author: On Common Ground News

Ninety-four physicians on the DeKalb Medical staff were named “Top Doctors” in the July issue of Atlanta magazine. Dawn Mandeville, MD of Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology in Decatur, was featured on one of the magazine’s four covers. “I feel very fortunate to be recognized for doing something that I love,” said Mandeville, pictured left with Catherine Bonk, MD, also from Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Our medical staff has been well- represented on this list in the past,” said Bob Wilson, President and CEO, DeKalb Medical, “but this year, we have 94 doctors recognized by other doctors, here and around the…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Jabari Simama was honored recently by the Atlanta Business League (ABL) as one of Atlanta’s Men of Influence for 2017. For many years, the ABL has recognized business owners, professionals, community and civic leaders throughout the entire Metropolitan Atlanta area for their accomplishments. The official introduction of the 2017 Men of Influence and announcement ceremony was held July 11 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Simama was selected for the honor because of his work in education, government, leadership, technology and community development,said Leona Barr-Davenport, ABL’s president and CEO. “Dr. Simama never met a problem that…

There will be a Special Called Meeting of the City of Stonecrest, Monday, July 24, at 6 p.m. in the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Georgia for the following: Review and Approval of the Tax Anticipation Note Proposals Amendment to the Hotel, Motel Tax Ordinance Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control Ordinance- First Read Discussion on the Role of City Council Members

The beating of a homeless woman by a DeKalb police officer has prompted law enforcement officials in metro Atlanta/Fulton County and faith leaders to come to the table and talk. A luncheon meeting is planned for Thursday, July 20, at noon at the historic Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, in Buckhead to discuss ways to improve relations fighting crime and preventing a negative encounters between officers and citizens, the Rev. Markel Hutchinson said in a press release. Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson, Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields and the police chiefs of each of the other 13…

DECATUR—The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit, in cooperation with the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshal’s Office, have arrested 26-year-old Samuel M. Alexander of East Point as a suspect in a shooting death on July 7, 2017. Warrants were issued on July 8, 2017 alleging that Alexander fatally shot Adrian Anderson while in a physical struggle that took place during commission of an armed robbery on Covington Highway in Decatur. Alexander is charged with murder and armed robbery. Alexander was arrested at a residence in East Point and transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident.

As the county experiences a rise in temperatures during the summer, DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) offers advice to stay cool throughout the season. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1999 and 2009, an average of 658 people died each year due to heat in the United States. Older adults, the very young and people with mental illnesses or chronic diseases are at highest risk. Below are some tips to stay safe in the heat this summer: Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Residents without air conditioning should go to…

In case you haven’t heard, this entire week, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) and law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Georgia are teaming up with their counterparts in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee in “Operation Southern Shield,” a week-long speed prevention and enforcement initiative in each of their respective states on interstates, major highways and local roads. If you’re speeding over the limit, you could face fines under the Super Speeder law. Georgia’s “Super Speeder Law” defines a Super Speeder as a driver convicted of speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane…

The Georgia Department of Education released income guidelines for free and reduced price meals for the 2017-18 school year. The Georgia Department of Education has announced its guidelines for free and reduced-price meals for the 2017-18 school year. The free and reduced-price meal option is available for families who are financially unable to consistently pay a full price for lunch for their children. Application forms have been sent to homes with a letter to parents and guardians detailing the requirements to qualify for the programs. To apply, households should fill out the applications and return them to the school. For…

State Representatives Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) and Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) will host their “Back to School Zone” on Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia. The event will feature a teen job fair, NFL helmet safety clinic, free sports physicals and music by DJ Black. Ian Holmes, Southeast regional manager of USA Football NFL Foundation, will speak to parents and coaches at 10 a.m. regarding helmet and equipment safety for young football players. There will be a guest appearance by former Atlanta Falcon Dewey McClain. The…

Creative Currents Artist Collaborative is calling for a radio ban on singer R. Kelly’s music and his upcoming Aug. 25 performance at Wolf Creek Amphitheater in Atlanta. Ms. Oronike Odeleye, managing director of Creative Currents Artist Collaborative, started a petition on July 18 after reading the recent Buzzfeed article (http://bzfd.it/2tedbB1) about new “sex cult” allegations against the singer, which state R. Kelly is mentally and sexually abusive of six women who live in his properties in Chicago and Atlanta, and that he dictates what they eat, how they dress, when they bathe, when they sleep, and how they engage in…