Author: On Common Ground News

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…

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.…