Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Janice Morris will present the “Ask ALawyer Q & A Panel” on Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main St. N.W., Conyers. This event will provide the community with legal information from a panel of attorneys. The panel will cover topics related to Family Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury, and Wills and Estates. Morris has assembled a team of experienced attorneys to answer attendees’ legal questions. Guest speakers include: Caycie Dix-Miller (Family Law) Reginald L. Winfrey (Criminal Law) Ronel Salters (Personal Injury) Saraj Siedentopf (Wills and…

DECATUR, GA- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston on Monday, April 1, announced a conviction by jury trial in the murder case against a Clarkston man accused of shooting and killing his friend. Jurors returned guilty verdicts against Phun Kam, 36, on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. On May 9, 2021, officers with the DeKalb County Police Department responded to a call about a person shot at an apartment complex on Northern Avenue in Clarkston. They discovered Hrin Thawng, 29, lying just outside Kam’s front door…

ATLANTA — Last week, the Georgia Senate granted final passage to Senate Bill 10, sponsored by Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur). The bill introduces measures to establish an offense for knowingly attending and facilitating illegal drag races and to heighten penalties for reckless driving. Commenting on the passage of SB 10, Sen. Jones remarked, “I am extremely pleased to witness the successful advancement of this pivotal legislation through both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly. With over three decades of experience in the automotive industry, this measure holds immense significance for me. It represents a crucial step towards combatting illegal drag racing…

TUCKER, GA—The DeKalb County Police Department is hosting the 2024 Youth Academy on April 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Police Headquarters, 1960 W. Exchange Pl., Tucker. The free program is an opportunity for DeKalb County youths ages 13 to 17 to learn how the police department works. During the one-day, in-person program, students will be given an overview of the department’s various units, including K9, SWAT, Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene, and more. Participants will learn what to do when they encounter the police. Participants who attend the program will receive lunch and a goodie bag. Parents or guardians can…

CONYERS, GA— Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC), located at the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP), is one of six recipients awarded the 2024 Wildlife-Viewing Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR). In alignment with the state’s efforts to maximize outdoor educational opportunities for those with disabilities, BHCNC plans to add a freestanding, ADA-compliant canoe/kayak launch to better access the wetlands area. The launch will be installed on the Purple Trail, adjacent to the boardwalk and closest to the trailhead entrance. The grant, funded by the Georgia Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund, helps develop and enhance public wildlife-viewing options…

DECATUR, GA.— The DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections meeting for the purpose of conducting its normal monthly business will be held on Thursday, April 11, at 4:30 p.m.  This meeting will be conducted in person at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. Public comments may be made in person or submitted by sending an email of one printed page or less at a minimum font of 12 to electionspubliccmnt@dekalbcountyga.gov, which must be received between 35 and 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the meeting. The body of the email must include the citizen’s first and last name. Abusive, profane, or…

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens announced the appointment of Kristin Edwards to serve as the new Manager of Nightlife and Culture under the Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife. Mayor Dickens created the role early on in his Administration to serve as a liaison between the City and nightlife industry leaders, and to provide resources and educational opportunities to the nightlife industry like “Training Day” workshops. “Over the past few years, we have been able to foster better relationships between the City and Atlanta’s nightlife community, and we have seen some real results,” said Dickens. “Training Day workshops, direct outreach and other…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Jaylen Anderson, 23, wanted in connection with a $200,000 real estate scheme that occurred over a year ago, has been arrested, Gwinnett Police announced today, March 29. Authorities said that Anderson was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail on Thursday, March 28. Anderson is accused of scamming two people in separate transactions of more than $100,000 each. The investigation was launched in January 2023 after two victims contacted Gwinnett County Police and reported being scammed for over $100,000 each. In both incidents, the victims were led to believe they were purchasing property in Ellenwood, Georgia, from a…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County will distribute 5,000 food boxes including fruits, vegetables and  chicken on Saturday, March 30. Each recipient  also will receive a box of Girl Scout cookies. “DeKalb County is continuing the fight against food insecurity and investing in and empowering young girls,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. The funding from the county’s purchase of the Girl Scout cookies will provide additional financial support for programs designed to promote academic success, leadership, financial literacy, and more. Local Girl Scouts will join DeKalb County, local faith leaders and community groups to distribute the cookies  and boxes of…