Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA–Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced today, Aug. 20, that FreshRealm, Inc., a national leader in fresh meal delivery, will expand its footprint in Montezuma, GA. The expansion will create more than 300 new jobs through an investment of $6.3 million in Macon County. “Georgia is proud to offer opportunities for innovative companies like FreshRealm to thrive in our state’s No. 1 industry – agriculture,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “Food and fiber production contributed $83.6 billion and 323,300 jobs to our economy this past year, and we’re thankful for the 300 new positions that will join that growing number of opportunities, thanks…

CONYERS, GA—Conyers residents who are eager to learn more about their city government and community are encouraged to register for Conyers University, a free, six-week program designed to educate and personalize local government for citizens.  Participants will attend six weeks of Monday sessions beginning Monday, Sept. 30, 6 to 8 p.m. All sessions, with the exception of the public safety session, will take place at Conyers City Hall, 901 O’Kelly St. Classes will be led by city staff and officials on a variety of topics and departments relevant to citizens living and working in Conyers. Each session will include an…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist DEKALAB COUNTY, GA—The Druid Hills Red Devils defense came up big following a 1 ½ hour lightning delay to spur a big 21-6 comeback win over the Miller Grove Wolverines to open the season at Adams Stadium on Friday night. Miller Grove was leading 6-0 on a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter by Nashuan Porter when the game was halted due to lightning in the area with 5:43 to play in the third quarter. The game resumed with the Red Devils (1-0) facing a second and 15 on their own 26-yard line.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A self-proclaimed “patriot” was convicted of shooting a man in the back of the head because the victim envied his U.S. citizenship. A Gwinnett County jury found Jorge Alberto Ramirez, 35, guilty of three counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in the April 14, 2021 shooting death of 23-year-old Pedro Lopez-Belloso. Ramirez was sentenced to life in prison plus five years.  “This was a cruel and violent way to die,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “We grieve with Mr. Lopez-Belloso’s family and loved ones.…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Help is on the way for DeKalb County residents struggling to pay rent and utilities amid metro Atlanta’s housing crisis. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s $21 million plan to assist residents was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 13. “The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled a housing affordability crisis in our county,” CEO Thurmond said. “This multimillion-dollar investment will prevent and protect families from evictions from their rental homes and apartments.” The DeKalb County Community Care Initiative will distribute $13 million to 11 nonprofit organizations to provide rental and utility assistance, employment assistance, training, mental health…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–District 3  Commissioner Jasper Watkins III has been nominated to the Health Steering Committee of the National Association of Counties. NACo president James Gore confirmed Watkins’ nomination in a congratulatory letter, county officials announced today, Aug. 15. Watkins, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, was elected in 2020 to represent Gwinnett County’s District 3, which includes Dacula, Grayson, Loganville, Snellville, and parts of Lawrenceville. A nuclear pharmacist, Watkins received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Florida A&M University and a Master of Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University. He was the Deputy Pharmacy Consultant to the Army Surgeon General, completed an Army…

ATLANTA In June 2023, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has awarded a total of 13 projects valued at approximately $104,342,160.94. The largest single investment, worth approximately $78 million, is a reconstruction project that will widen and reconstruct the existing diamond interchange on US 278/I-20/SR 402 at SR 20 in Rockdale County. This contract represents 82 percent of the awarded funds. Six projects were awarded funding for bridge construction and roundabouts in various parts of the state. The largest of these projects, valued at approximately $4.8 million, involves the construction of 0.422 miles of a bridge and approaches on Honey Creek Road over…

 Victims were “too young to tell anyone” DEKALB COUNTY, GA- Three former daycare workers pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Aug. 14, in connection to the abuse of 13 children at the Appletree Learning Center in Stone Mountain. “The defendants in this case victimized some of DeKalb County’s most precious residents, many of whom were too young to tell anyone about the abuse they endured,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.  “I am proud of the hard work of my team to hold these defendants accountable for their reprehensible actions.  However, we are stunned by the injustice of the sentence for…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – A man who led a Georgia State Trooper on a high-speed chase that ultimately ended in the lawman’s death will serve 17 years in prison.   Gerson Danilo Ayala-Rodriguez, 21, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, pled guilty to first-degree vehicular homicide in connection with the death of Trooper Jimmy Cenescar. In addition to the felony charge, Ayala-Rodriguez also was convicted on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, speeding, two counts each of driving without a license, operating a vehicle without insurance, and operating an unregistered vehicle. Ayala-Rodriguez will serve 17 years in prison as part of the negotiated plea.  “We tragically…