Author: On Common Ground News

A judge denied bond to a DeKalb County barber accused of fatally shooting one of ex-girlfriend’s sons and critically injuring another. The same suspect is accused of robbing a convenience store then leading police on a high-speed chase into Atlanta where he wrecked a police car and a civilian vehicle. Carlester Gilbert is charged with murder, multiple counts of aggravated assault, and armed robbery for the June 11 crime spree. That Saturday afternoon, police were called to the Holly Hedge Road home where Rashad  Williams was found dead and his brother, Detavious Kwakye, was found with a gunshot wound to…

Neel Patel, MD is a Vascular and Interventional Radiologist who practices in Decatur at Minimally Invasive Center of Atlanta. He specializes in new advanced minimally invasive techniques to treat conditions such as poor leg circulation and women’s uterine fibroids. He has grown up in the Stone Mountain area since childhood and enjoys serving the local community. POOR LEG CIRCULATION People who have diabetes and/or smokers for some time are particularly at risk for having blockages in the arteries in their legs. This is termed Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Symptoms can include leg cramping when walking that improves after resting for…

  LITHONIA, GA–The Lithonia Housing Authority hosted a high tea on June 28 for seniors and other volunteers who have supported the housing authority. Martha Calloway, the housing authority’s executive director, said the tea was a way to show her appreciation to those who have given back to the community. The event, themed “High Tea In Paris,” was held at the Stone Manor Event Facility in Lithonia. Guests enjoyed tea service with select teas and a luncheon. They also received gift bags with tea bags and other items. Latarsha Williams, manager of DeKalb County’s Office of Senior Affairs,…

The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce will host its Third Wednesday Luncheon on July 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the This Is It Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. The Chamber will present a discussion, “Taking a Look at the Behavioral Health System.” Chamber members attend the luncheon free with advanced registration or pay $10 at the door without registration. Guests may attend for $20 with advanced registration or pay $25 at the door. To register, visit www. greaterlithoniachamber.com.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution endorsing and supporting Explore Gwinnett’s revised master plan for the Infinite Energy Center complex. Concepts in the overall plan include an expansion of the exhibit hall, new outdoor gathering spaces, new parking lots and decks, a headquarters hotel, new and improved access to the center from surrounding roadways and additional arena seating, plus a mixed-use district that offers entertainment, dining, retail and housing options. Progress has already been made toward some of these goals, including the County’s acquisition of land adjacent to Meadow Church Road that will eventually become additional access…

By Erica Hubbard OCG News Intern Across metro Atlanta, a host of events have been planned to celebrate the Fourth of July, America’s birthday. The events range from small town celebrations like the golf cart parade on the Covington square in Newton County to the large scale bash at Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead, touted as the largest fireworks show in the Southeast. It’s time to make your plans where you’ll celebrate the big day and we’ve compiled a listing of some of the most popular free events in On Common Ground News’ coverage areas to help you. We will…

Do you want your child to succeed in school? Do you want him or her to be a leader? Join motivational speaker and chess champion Orrin Hudson to learn how to make the right moves. Hudson and the DeKalb County Police East Precinct are hosting a free workshop, open to youths in grades K-12, on July 2, 10 a.m. to noon, in the Community Activity Center at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Lithonia. Hudson, founder of Be Someone, will teach kids strategies to winning not only on the chessboard, but in life. Come out and learn what…

By Valerie J. Morgan Demanding that Republicans take a vote on two gun control bills, Georgia Congressman John Lewis and fellow Democrats held a sit-in on Capitol Hill that spurred national attention. Lewis led more than 200 Democrats, including Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District, as they demanded a vote on measures to expand background checks and block gun purchases by some suspected terrorists in the aftermath of the recent massacre in Orlando, Florida where 49 people were shot to death in a gay nightclub. Lewis and his colleagues—both, men and women dressed in their business suits—sat…

Rockdale County expects to have at least one person to throw their name in the hat when qualifying for Independent candidates is held June 27, 9 a.m., through July 1, noon: Courtney Dillard, who who filed his declaration of candidacy earlier this election season to run for Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman. Dillard, a real estate developer and founder of The Leadership Team, an organization that connects residents with community resources, said he’s all set to file his notice of candidacy. Dillard must pay $3,205.06 to qualify—the same fee as Democratic and Republican candidates seeking the BOC Chairman’s seat,…