Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—An Atlanta woman who used a rental car to intentionally hit and run over and kill a woman after arguing with the victim’s daughter has received a life sentence for the incident, the DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston announced. Talisha Moore-Real, 35, was sentenced on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to Life with the possibility of Parole plus 10 years. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie, who presided over the trial, handed down the sentence.  A jury found Moore-Real guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, three counts of Aggravated Assault, and Cruelty to Children in the First Degree in…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Black Caucus is condemning the U.S. Navy’s proposal to rename a future aircraft carrier for President Trump that was designated to honor a black World War II hero.   In 2020, the Navy named the future USS Doris “Dorie” Miller to honor a Black World War II hero and Navy cook who helped carry wounded sailors to safety during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Miller also then shot down one plane, despite not having any prior  gunnery training, according to Navy records. Miller received the Navy Cross for his bravery in 1942 and was killed in action in 1943 when…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7, and will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Online and kiosk services are available daily, including weekends and holidays when the office is closed. “Our central office on Memorial Drive is busier than usual the week before and the week after a holiday. To avoid delays, I encourage taxpayers to consider kiosk and online services,” said Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden. “For walk-in service, appointments can be made ahead of time, or join the virtual waitlist for same-day service for any of the three…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Jennifer Fehribach as the County Director of Transit. Fehribach brings more than 16 years of executive leadership and experience in public transit, long-range planning, capital investment, federal funding strategy, multimodal operations, and transportation innovation. As Director of Transit, Fehribach will lead the development and execution of DeKalb County’s long-range transit strategy. She will serve as a principal advisor to CEO Cochran-Johnson, the Board of Commissioners and executive leadership on transit policy, system performance, capital investment and regional mobility. “Transit is more than moving people from one place to another. It connects…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue Tuesday, Sept. 8, with the restart of the West College Avenue Water Main Replacement Project.  Prior to the World Cup Moratorium, crews replaced  approximately 5,500 linear feet of ductile iron water pipe between South Candler Street and East College Avenue. Crews will replace approximately 1,240 linear feet of ductile iron water pipe between Lakeshore Drive and Emeril Drive.  This water improvement project is expected to last approximately four months (September 2026 to December 2026), barring any weather delays.  Construction hours will be from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – In observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7, garbage, recyclable materials, and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will run one day late as follows: Monday, Sept. 7 – Labor Day observed. No solid waste collection. Tuesday, Sept. 8– Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Sept. 7, will be serviced on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Sept. 8, will be serviced on Wednesday, Sept.9. Thursday, Sept. 10 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Sept. 9, will be serviced on Thursday, Sept. 10. Friday, Sept. 11 – Residential…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A Loganville man will serve a life sentence for sexually assaulting a teen. A jury found Johnel Elisse Welch, 43, guilty of aggravated sexual battery for the 2021 incident involving a 17-year-old. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years, with the possibility of parole. “We will always hold those who commit crimes like these accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. According to the investigation,  on Dec. 27, 2021, the defendant had unwelcomed sexual intercourse with the teen. In court, the teen testified that the defendant threw up after…

COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has appointed Terry G. Phillips as DeKalb County Attorney. His appointment has been confirmed by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. As County Attorney, Phillips will lead the Law Department in representing DeKalb County and provide legal advice and counsel to the County’s governing authority, other elected and appointed officials, departments, boards and employees. “Terry Phillips brings more than three decades of legal experience, institutional knowledge and an unwavering commitment to public service,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated sound judgment, integrity and a deep understanding of the complex…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County Public Schools reported that an investigation is underway concerning a fight over the weekend that that took place during the pre-game warmups at the  Heritage High School vs. Rockdale County High football game. The Aug. 28 game was cancelled after the  altercation occurred on the field. Rockdale County Public Schools issued the following statement from Superintendent Stephanie Johnson:  “Rockdale County Public Schools is committed to providing safe, positive, and respectful environments for our students, staff, families, and community members. Unfortunately, due to an altercation that occurred on the field during pregame warmups, the decision was made…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is asking families and community members to share their perspectives on student screen time during the instructional day.  As technology continues to play an important role in teaching and learning, DCSD is committed to ensuring that district-issued devices are used in ways that are balanced, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate for students. For this survey, screen time refers specifically to the amount of time students spend using district-issued electronic devices—including Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets—for instructional purposes during the school day. This can include accessing digital instructional resources, completing assignments, practicing skills, conducting research,…