Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has moved another step closer toward redeveloping the Park Place community and Stone Mountain Tennis Center, a key gateway to the county. Commissioners on Tuesday, Aug. 20, awarded a $217,000 contract to Sizemore Group, LLC for the development of a masterplan that will guide the area’s future. The comprehensive master plan will assess existing conditions and involve community feedback to develop specific land use, transportation, and open space recommendations. Priorities include transit-oriented development, housing diversity and strategic redevelopment. The master plan will be funded by proceeds from the sale of the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston is warning the community to beware of a warrant scam from someone claiming to be an investigator at the DA’s Office. According to those who have reported the calls, the “investigator” advises the person they’ve called that they have a warrant out for their arrest.  The caller claims that they can take care of the warrant if they pay them a large sum of money, generally $1,000 or more.  The “investigator” also warns the would-be victim that they have sent deputies to their house to take them into custody, unless they pay…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement is joining shelters and rescues across the nation for the Clear the Shelters adoption drive. As part of this annual campaign to place shelter pets in loving homes, Gwinnett Animal Welfare is offering free pet adoptions and will host a Clear the Shelters celebration on Saturday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center. During the event, attendees can enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, music, local vendors, face painting and more. All adoptable animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, and most pets can go home the same…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) is urging voters to prepare to vote in the upcoming General Election. While advance voting begins in October, there are several important actions voters can take now to ensure they are ready to vote. Here aresome helpful tips for DeKalb County voters: 1. If you haven’t already, register to vote at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/. The voter registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 7.   2. Double-check your voter status to ensure you are “active”: www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do. While voters listed as “inactive” can still cast a ballot this election, it’s easy to update your status to “active” online or by contacting DeKalb VRE…

DECATUR, GA– In observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 2, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised schedule as follows: Monday, Sept. 2 – Labor Day observed. No sanitation collection service. Tuesday, Sept. 3 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Sept. 2, will be serviced on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Wednesday, Sept. 4 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Sept. 3, will be serviced on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Thursday, Sept. 5 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Sept. 4, will be serviced on Thursday, Sept. 5. Friday,…

By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The second week of DeKalb County football action kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 21, as the Martin Luther King Jr. Lions host the Tri-Cities Bulldogs in one of six games scheduled for DeKalb stadiums this week. The Lions (0-1) are coming off a last minute 14-15 loss to Heritage (Conyers) last week as they look to bounce back against the Bulldogs (0-0) who are playing their season opener. Five games are set for DeKalb stadiums on Friday with three all-DeKalb matchups topped by a battle of undefeated teams in a neighborhood rivalry at Cobb (Avondale)…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– James Lee Griffin, Jr., 60, of Lithonia, has been sentenced to life plus 10 years for the murder of a Gwinnett County woman. Jurors found Griffin guilty of Felony Murder, Malice Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Concealing the Death of Another Person in the murder of Kathleen Bass, 39, on June 12, 2020, the DeKalb District Attorney’s Office stated. According to the investigation, Bass’ body was discovered over a month after she went missing. Officers with the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD and the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the intersection of Lithonia Industrial Boulevard and Hillandale Drive on…

ATLANTA – Rep. Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and the DeKalb House and Senate Constituent Services Offices, in collaboration with Rep. Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) of the Fulton Delegation, will provide MARTA transit  passes for those facing transportation challenges to Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones’ DeKalb and Fulton Constituent Services Day.  The event will be held  on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) in Atlanta. “We understand that transportation can be a barrier for many constituents, and we are committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access the services they need,” said Rep. Davis. “Thanks…

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) and Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) have announced the launch of Reach Home Safely, a safe driving app to improve road safety and prevent crashes. To incentivize safe driving, drivers have the opportunity to participate in a contest to compete for the title of safest driver, ensuring they “Drive Alert Arrive Alive.” Georgia DOT has partnered with the Atlanta Braves for promotion and prizes to support the initiative. Distracted driving is one of the most urgent road safety crises facing Georgia and the United States today. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that…