Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– In response to National Weather Service forecasts of heat index exceeding 100 degrees, DeKalb County is opening cooling centers on Friday, June 28, through Monday, July 1. Atlanta hit a scorching 100 degrees on Wednesday, June 26, becoming Georgia’s first 100-degree day since Aug. 13, 2019, meteorologists reported. For a list of  available cooling centers in DeKalb County, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/weather. DeKalb recreation centers and libraries will be available as cooling centers, during the locations’ normal business hours. Recreation centers will be open on Sunday. Libraries are closed on Sundays. Water fountains will be accessible at parks and libraries. A room in each…

Dearest DeKalb, I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude to you for your support in the runoff election. With your support, I received 60% of the votes cast and I will go on the November General Election ballot without Republican opposition. In the recent Runoff Election, you held true to your desire to raise the bar in government and for a new direction. With your support, I carried a majority vote at 174 out of 191 precincts, only yielding 20 precincts to my opponent with 1 precinct tied. We have accomplished what many did not think possible. With your…

Loganville man identified with DNA evidence  DECATUR, GA.- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces the indictment of a Loganville man accused of raping a woman and stabbing her and her brother in 1990 in the Stone Mountain apartment the victims shared. On Tuesday, a DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Kenneth Perry, 55, on two counts of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Rape, four counts of Aggravated Assault, two counts of Aggravated Battery, two counts of Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Felony, and Theft by Taking, all in connection with the rape and murder…

ATLANTA—Congressman Hank Johnson’s Office is offering a convenient way for constituents of the Fourth Congressional District to renew or apply for a passport directly with the Department of State. The “Congressman Hank Johnson’s District Passport Day” event will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Latin American Association, 2750 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA. Register for the event HERE. All appointments must be confirmed. No walk-in appointments will be permitted. There will be no same-day books printed at this event. All applications will be processed in accordance with the national processing times for Passport Services. For information…

STONECREST, GA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is remembering Lecester “Bill” Allen, founder of the New Black Wall Street Market, as “a powerful catalyst for progress.” Mr. Allen passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024. “It is with heavy hearts that New Birth Missionary Baptist Church announces the transition from labor to award of Mr. Lecester “Bill” Allen, a member of the New Birth Board of Directors. Founder of the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, Mr. Allen blazed trails as a successful educator and entrepreneur for the past 50+ years. A self-made man from rural Arkansas, Mr. Allen leaves an amazing legacy of…

CONYERS, GA— Made to Order Holdings LLC officially opened the doors to Whataburger’s first restaurant in Conyers on Monday, June 24, at 11 a.m., following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with the Rockdale-Conyers Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to be open in Conyers and have more locations planned for the Peach State,” MTOH Vice President of Operations Scott Jordan-Wheeler said. “Georgians have shown they are hungry for the bold flavors that Whataburger is known for, and we’re just as eager to serve them those flavors.” The restaurant at 431 Sigman Road NW is MTOH’s third in the state and the…

 Millage rate unchanged for eighth straight year DECATUR, GA– Today, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced the county’s Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) credit for 2024 will provide $162 million in property tax relief for property owners with homestead exemptions. Qualified homeowners receive an EHOST credit that reduces or offsets property tax liability. The amount of property tax relief received by a qualified homeowner is based on the assessed value of the homesteaded property and sales tax revenue generated by EHOST. On average, the EHOST credit will generate a tax reduction of approximately $1,500 for qualified homes valued at $425,000. “DeKalb…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— Starting July 2, the DeKalb County Police Department is hosting four town halls inJuly for its Mid-Year Check-In series.  The forums will allow community members to discuss important issues, ask questions, and learn about Police Department’s challenges and successes so far in 2024. Residents are encouraged to find their local town hall from the list below and join the conversation: South                                                                                     Tucker July 2, 2024, at 6p.m.                                              July 9, 2024, at 6p.m. Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library            Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library 2861 Wesley Chapel Road                                    5234 Lavista Road Decatur, GA 30034                                                  Tucker, GA 30084 North-Central                                                                      East July 23, 2024, at 6p.m.                                           July 30, 2024,…

STONECREST, GA—Lecester “Bill” Allen, developer and founder of the New Black Wall Street Market, has passed away. Mr. Allen transitioned on Saturday, June 22, after a long illness, sources close to the family said today(June 24). Mr. Allen was 80, having marked his birthday in February. A phenomenal trailblazer, business educator and philanthropist, Mr. Allen was the city of Stonecrest’s single-largest commercial landowner with 300 acres in the city. Together, the Allen Family Investments, LLC purchased the former Target department store to develop the New Black Wall Street Market as well as the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute and the mansion where…