Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson announces extended hours at the property tax office located at 4380 Memorial Drive Sept. 23–30 until 6 p.m. “Each year ,we see an influx of walk-in customers as the payment deadline approaches. Many are unaware of alternative payment systems we have in place to save time and resources,” said Johnson. “I highly encourage taxpayers to review their options and consider online payment, pay-by-phone and secure drop box options to avoid long lines and wait times.” Acceptable forms of payment include credit or debit card, check, money order, or e-check. There is…

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will reopen long-term parking decks at Lenox, Lindbergh Center, Dunwoody, and Medical Center Stations in October after the installation of new parking payment systems. The payment system upgrades include new entry and exit gates, ticket dispensers, payment machines, and license plate recognition cameras, offering a more streamlined and secure process for customers. Beginning Oct. 7,  drivers will take a ticket as they enter the long-term parking decks at Lenox, Lindbergh Center, Dunwoody, or Medical Center rail stations. Customers should take that ticket with them and upon their return, use it to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Christopher Devonta Griggs, 29, of Stone Mountain, has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of 56-year-old Marita Harrell, a local pastor who was trying to counsel Griggs. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against Griggs, who attempted to cover up the crime by setting her van on fire and partially burning her body. Jurors found Griggs guilty on Friday, Sept. 13, on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Felony, Concealing the Death of Another,…

ROCKDALE COUNTY GA—The Rockdale County Board of Elections will hold a public hearing on Sept. 25 to determine if Kathy Harvey can run as a write-in candidate for Probate Judge in the Nov. 5, 2024 election. Harvey has unsuccessfully run for probate judge twice—in 2016 as a write-in candidate, and in 2020, after paying her qualifying fee to enter the race. She also ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Conyers in 2009. On Common Ground News was unable to reach Harvey for comment about her latest bid for office. A message was left with a woman who answered the phone and…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A Gwinnett County man was sentenced to 10 years for allowing his wife to continue a pattern of alleged abuse that resulted in the death of his 8-year-old daughter. A Gwinnett County jury on Monday convicted Cledir Barros, 38, of second-degree cruelty to children in connection with the murder of Sayra Barros. “We extend our condolences to the three young girls who tragically lost their sister,” said Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “This beautiful girl needed her father to protect her. He failed to do that.” On the day of the incident, the stepmother got angry with…

ATLANTA – In observance of National Voter Registration Day 2024, Tuesday, Sept. 17, MARTA will host non-partisan voter registration events at Five Points, College Park, H.E. Holmes, Lindbergh Center, Doraville, Kensington, and North Springs Stations, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. National Voter Registration Day is the nation’s largest non-partisan civic holiday dedicated to helping eligible citizens register to vote. MARTA has partnered with community organizations to raise widespread awareness and promote voter registration and active participation in elections. To register to vote during the event, attendees must present a state identification card or state- issued driver’s license or be…

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department is hosting a free Community Outreach & Safety Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Big Lots parking lot, located at 3358 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta. During the event, residents will receive free goodies as well as access to many useful resources. There will also be hosting games and playing music for the community to enjoy. “We want to take this opportunity to bring needed resources into the community and are asking anyone who needs a gun safe to please come out and get one free of charge,” said…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its Regular Public Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677. Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493.  Agenda Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda III. Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of August 15, 2024 Board of Ethics’ Committees Ethics Officer’s Monthly Report Preliminary Cases 2024-10: Denise “Shawn” Alexander v. Pat D. Spencer 2024-11: Jessica Carr v. Tracy Mohammed Public Comments Comments from the Board of Ethics VII. Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation and Personnel Issues Motion to Convene an Executive Session Motion to Adjourn an…