Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA Speaker series highlights local leading art and science experts Phi Beta Kappa Arts & Sciences invites the public to hear local experts speak for five minutes each at (En)Lightning Talks Atlanta on Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. (En)Lightning Talks Atlanta is a series of electrifying five-minute public talks by local experts in the arts and sciences.  Holly Frey and Tracy Wilson of the Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast will host the event. For more information, visit www.pbk.org/atlanta. Agnes Scott to host 46th Annual Writers’ Festival The 46th Annual…

Due to plumbing issues that will require extensive repairs, the DeKalb County Code Enforcement Division has temporarily relocated from its office at 1807 Candler Road, Decatur. Administrative staff will continue receiving complaints by phone at 404-687-3700 and email codeenforce@dekalbcountyga.gov. Code violation inspections will continue, though response times may be delayed.

If fines and fees on overdue, lost and damaged materials are keeping you from enjoying the great resources at DeKalb County Public Library there is a solution. In advance of its move to a new and improved catalog, the Library is offering a Fine Forgiveness program throughout the month of April. The amnesty initiative will provide an opportunity for residents to clear library records and for the Library to recover overdue materials. The Library Board of Trustees approved the Fine Forgiveness program to be held April 3-23. Library Director Alison Weissinger urges patrons to take advantage of the opportunity. “Don’t…

After 68 years of serving the Atlanta area, the Junior League of Atlanta’s (JLA) Nearly New Thrift Shop, located in the Toco Hills Shopping Center at 2927 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, will close on April 30. Since opening its doors in 1949, Nearly New has served thousands of customers and raised millions of dollars to help support JLA’s charitable programs and activities. Named “Best Thrift Store” in 2013 and 2014 and “Best Vintage Clothing” in 2014 by INsite Magazine, the shop, run by JLA members, offers gently-used merchandise, including designer clothing, children’s clothing, household items, toys, books, jewelry and furniture.…

An internationally-known jewel thief has admitted to stealing a high-priced necklace from a Dunwoody department store. During court proceedings March 29, 86-year-old Doris Payne pleaded guilty to a felony count of theft by shoplifting. She was sentenced to three years’ probation to serve 30 days in custody, which was reduced to time-served. Payne was also ordered to serve 120 days on house arrest by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Linda Hunter, who presided over the case. The shoplifting incident occurred on Dec. 3, 2016 at the Von Maur Department store at Perimeter Mall.  Payne was captured on surveillance video placing…

Parents and guardians are reminded that DeKalb County authorities will enforce the curfew for juveniles during Spring Break. Juveniles who live in DeKalb County must be home between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. The curfew ordinance was approved by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners on Sept. 24, 2013. District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson in conjunction with former Safety Director Cedric Alexander proposed the ordinance as a means to prevent juvenile crime, reduce juvenile victimization, promote parental supervision and provide for the wellbeing of the general public. “DeKalb did not have a juvenile curfew ordinance and had been utilizing…

By Ceasar Gaiters President of the South DeKalb Rotary Club JOHNS CREEK—More than 100 people attended the March 30 dedication for “The Wall that Heals,” a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located in Washington, D.C. The dedication in Fulton County was held a day after the observance of Vietnam Veterans Day in Georgia. As president of the South DeKalb Rotary Club, I had the opportunity to join several Rotarians from around the state, the Johns Creek Veterans Association, elected officials and veterans from all branches of service at the…

Former State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler honored several state lawmakers and community leaders on Monday with Presidential community service awards. The nominees for the President Barack Obama awards included State Representatives Pam Stephenson, Howard Mosby, Billy Mitchell, State Senators Gloria Butler and Lester Jackson. Glenn and Valerie Morgan, publishers of On Common Ground News and the Trinity Girls Network also were recognized with Presidential pins and certificates. The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) honored Dawkins Haigler for 10 years of service as a state legislator and her tenure as president of the GLBC.

Jason Lary arose the day after the election, on his birthday, with the best present ever: Voters elected him as the first mayor of the new city of Stonecrest, giving him 52.20 percent of the vote (2,200). Lary, who turned 55 on March 22, galloped to victory in a three-way race, defeating Charles Hill and Doug Favors. Hill placed second, earning 39.4 percent (1,664 votes) while Favors came in third with 8.10 percent (342). Lary thanked his wife, Debra, for standing by him “through all of the sleepless nights.” He also thanked supporters for their dedication and hard work.…

DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann announced that a recent three-day attack on crime in the county has resulted in 106 arrests. Operation Safe DeKalb 2017 is the sixth such initiative by the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office Field Services Division that focuses on serving warrants and making arrests for felonies and misdemeanors with the assistance of other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. “To date, we have arrested 31 felony suspects and 98 misdemeanor suspects,” said Mann. “Among the felony arrests are two for murder, two for rape, and eight for aggravated assault. There were 13 arrests for violation of…