Author: On Common Ground News

The City of Decatur announces its partnership with ClearGov, a municipal transparency and benchmarking platform, to launch a fiscal transparency portal.  The new tool will enable taxpayers to clearly see how Decatur is funded and how this funding is allocated to provide services to its residents. “Having an engaged community has always been important to Decatur as we believe an informed community is an engaged partner with government,” said Peggy Merriss, City Manager of Decatur.  “Providing open access to financial information is critical to building and keeping the public trust, encourages accountability, and improves the understanding of how tax money…

A DeKalb County grand jury recently indicted a Gwinnett County man for the murder of his ex-girlfriend’s son amidst a violent June 2016 crime spree. Carlester Gilbert is charged with malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery, four counts of aggravated assault and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. “A man this dangerous has no business on our streets,” DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James said. “We will make sure that Mr. Gilbert’s victims receive justice for what he’s done.” On June 11, Gilbert went to the home of his former girlfriend and boss…

New Bethel AME Church will host “Social Action – A Commitment to Our Community.” The voter education and registration event is set for Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m. 8350 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia. Local, state and community leaders will provide information, answer questions, and discuss the community’s concerns including important issues that will be on the ballot in November. President Barrack Obama recently said at a rally, “Don’t boo, vote.” If you don’t participate, you can’t complain about the outcome. Remember voting is a right not a chore. Please save the date!

The City of Lithonia lost two of its committed and dedicated citizens, Brenda Drucilla Woods and Kiman Woods, in a tragic car accident on July 27. Kiman Woods, Drucilla Woods’ nephew, was a gifted musician and played at First St. Paul AME Church. Drucilla Woods was a community activist and the sister of former Lithonia Mayor Marcia Glenn. On Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m., there will be a musical celebration at First St. Paul AME, 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia. There will be a joint funeral service on Saturday, Sept. 3, 1 p.m., at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock…

STONE MOUNTAIN –The DeKalb County Fire Rescue’s Fire Investigations Unit and Stone Mountain Police Department have charged a 16-year-old with first-degree arson in connection with a fire that destroyed the playground at Jim McCurdy Park, located at 5190 Poplar Springs Road in Stone Mountain. The teen, whose identity is being withheld because he is a juvenile, has been remanded to the custody of the DeKalb County Juvenile Detention Center pending further processing. The arrest is the result of information received from residents regarding the fire that destroyed the wood-framed playground structure on Aug. 26 after 8 p.m. Information received by…

Conyers Police Department is seeking the public’s help in capturing two suspects who burglarized the Sigman Bottle Shop on Monday, Aug. 29, just after midnight. The heavier male was armed with a handgun. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspects may result in a cash reward of up to $5,000.00. Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at: 404-577-TIPS (8477). Surveillance video: https://youtu.be/CULoqzyh7lo

ATLANTA—Sen. Vincent Fort (D – Atlanta) will be a panelist at the Atlanta Black Gay Pride “A More Perfect Union – The Need for Comprehensive Civil Rights” town hall at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta.  The center is located at 100 Ivan Allen Blvd., N.W., Atlanta. The town hall will examine how recent events have altered the LGBTQ movement for equality. Sen. Fort will be joined on the panel by civil rights advocates, public officials and faith and community leaders. Sen. Fort has long been an ally of the…

UPDATED LINEUP! Tables selling quickly! Purchase lawn or stadium seating or tables stage side or in the pavillion at http://bit.ly/2b7UCdW

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted a 2016 millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 4.09 percent. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 20.19 mills, an increase of 0.59 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 19.4 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $50.15 and the proposed tax increase for non‐homestead property with a fair market value of $300,000 is approximately $177.00. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §48-5-32 and due to a technical…

A DeKalb County jury has found an Ellenwood man guilty of killing his 6-month-old daughter by violently fracturing her skull multiple times. Reginald Demarcus Johnson, 36, was convicted Monday of felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children for the April 2015 death of Jordan Johnson. “This is a tragic and horrific death,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James. “It is our responsibility as parents to do everything in our power to protect our most precious commodities … our children. So to forcibly damage such a young child – then try to blame her twin brother – is repugnant and…