Author: On Common Ground News

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Rockdale County Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and June 15, 2017 has been labeled World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Because elder abuse occurs in neighborhoods around the world, regardless of race, ethnicity, social or financial status, it is important to know how to identify warning signs, respond, and protect our elders. Elder abuse is an intentional act, or failure to act by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to someone 65 years or older. Forms of elder abuse include:…

There will be a Special Called Meeting of the City of Stonecrest, Wednesday, June 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia for the consideration of entering a professional services agreement with CH2M for the conduct of administrative and management function of the city. CITY OF STONECREST, GEORGIA Honorable Mayor Jason Lary, Sr. Council Member Jimmy Clanton, Jr. – District 1         Council Member Rob Turner- District 2 Council Member Jazzmin Cobble – District 3          Council Member George Turner- District 4 Council Member Diane Adoma – District 5 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING AGENDA June 14, 2017 5:30…

Over 100 former Stephenson High School students showed up to their ten-year class reunion held at their old stomping ground. People drove and flew in for the event from cities including Los Angeles, Washington D.C., New York and Florida. “I was very pleased with the turnout. Everything worked out and everybody had positive vibes. It felt really good to see people looking good and to see people with their children,” said Jummy Obayanju who served on the planning committee. “I hope people understand that a reunion is a great time to see people and it’s also a great opportunity for…

Interim Morehouse College President William “Bill” Taggart has died of an aneurysm, officials announced. Taggart, who was 55, passed away suddenly at his home in Atlanta on June 8. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Bill Taggart, a beloved colleague, father and friend whom I’ve known for many years,” said Willie Woods, ’85, Chairman of the Morehouse College Board of Trustees. “Bill was a good friend and a beloved member of the Morehouse community. He was a strong leader who had a positive impact on Morehouse College, the greater Atlanta business community, and all those who knew him. Bill…

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond presented his vision to commissioners on June 6 for ending deficit spending and building the county’s fund balance. “With the support of the Board of Commissioners, we will end deficit-driven budgets, encourage transparency, strengthen accountability and build a sustainable fund balance,” CEO Thurmond said. “I am committed to proposing a fiscal year 2018 budget that will eliminate deficit spending in DeKalb County.” The vision was presented in Thurmond’s overview of the proposed 2017 mid-year budget adjustment to the Board of Commissioners. “Deficit budgeting and inadequate fund balances have severely undermined our ability to plan and…

A Stone Mountain teen accused of assaulting his foster sister surrendered to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office without incident and is now in custody at the DeKalb County Jail. Eighteen-year old Nathaniel Davonte Lopez is charged with three counts of felony aggravated assault and one count of felony battery in connection with an incident on June 6 at his mother’s home on Green Forest Drive in Stone Mountain. Warrants issued allege that Lopez argued with a female foster child who lived in the home and became involved in a physical confrontation that included assaulting her and shooting her twice with…

Nearly 20 individuals have been cited by the city of Conyers Police Marshal and are facing municipal hearings on July 12 for illegal dumping and abandoned junk vehicles in the city. Since early spring, the city’s Marshal has targeted cleanup efforts at the Conyers Exchange shopping center where dumping in the rear facing Old McDonough Highway has remained a problem. “Unfortunately, it is a problem that can begin with just one item tossed in the area then it seems an open invitation to dump more trash around it,” explained City Marshal Lieutenant Clay Ivey.  “We have been constantly monitoring the…

Volunteers from The Home Depot and Park Pride teamed up recently with the DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs to enhance Little Creek Horse Farm. More than 150 volunteers completed projects that included repairing fences, removing debris and vegetation, constructing picnic tables and repairing wheelchair accessible ramps. Little Creek Horse Farm is a DeKalb County facility, which through a partnership with Little Creek Farm Conservancy, offers community equine education and safety programs. “The county is extremely grateful for the support and engagement from volunteers such as The Home Depot and Park Pride,” said Marvin Billups Jr., interim…

Effective July 1, Georgia Commercial Driver’s License will be changing as follows: For renewal of an 8-year term CDL, the fee will increase from $20 currently to $32, which equates to $4 per year, and is consistent with the current fee charged for renewal of an 8-year term non-commercial driver’s license. For initial issuance of an 8-year term CDL that does not require a road test, the fee will increase from $20 to $32, which equates to $4 per year, and is consistent with the current fee charged for an 8-year term non-commercial driver’s license. For initial…