Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt appears headed to a runoff with c in his bid for re-election, unofficial results show. Since no candidate in the five-way race earned 50% plus one votes in the May 2 general primary elections, Nesbitt and VanNess as the two top finishers running for Chairman are expected to be in the runoff on June 18.     Pictured L-R: Oz Nesbitt (I), JaNice VanNess The Rockdale County Board of Elections and Voter Registration,1115 West Ave. S.W., Conyers, will certify the election results on Friday, May 24,…

ATLANTA –MARTA Airport Station reopened today, May 20, after a six-week closure to renovate the concourse and platform levels. The following work was completed during a temporary station closure from April 8 through May 19. ·       Installation of new terrazzo flooring in concourse ·       Installation of new platform pavers ·       Repair, sealing, and painting of track and concourse walls ·       Preparation for installation of the new canopy  “This was an incredibly successful project and I want to thank our customers for bearing with us while we completed this necessary work,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “Temporarily closing the station significantly reduced…

ATLANTA—As a 14-year-old kid growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson found himself teetering on the edge of a dangerous path. He was surrounded by the lure of gang life and the temptation of making quick, bad, decisions. Until he met a white teacher who helped him change the trajectory of his life. James Edge, an English teacher with a passion for chess, saw potential in Hudson. One day, he approached Hudson and invited him to play a game of chess. Skeptical at first, Hudson reluctantly agreed. But as the pieces moved across the board, Hudson discovered not just…

The 50+ Ministry at Voices of Faith Church, under the leadership of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., honored four high school graduates during worship services at its Stone Mountain and Conyers campuses on Sunday, May 19, 2024. The 50+ Ministry awarded each of the four students who were selected a $750 scholarship. Student members of Voices of Faith who applied for the scholarships were asked to write a 500-word essay on the subject: “What impact has Voices of Faith Church and its teaching had on your life and how has it prepared you for your future?” Elder Jessica Johnson, on behalf…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Steve Bradshaw, a DeKalb County commissioner who is running to oversee the county as DeKalb CEO, was out on Sunday, May 19, celebrating participants in the R.I.S.E. UP mentoring program serving boys and young men in District 4.  Bradshaw said that 100 youths have graduated from the program, which uses Science, Technology, Engineering and Math(STEM) to foster leadership for participants . He said that he had funded the program for the last several years as the District 4 commissioner and promised that he would provide more funding to expand the program, if he is elected CEO. He touted his…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The LionsGate East  community held a drive-through celebration for its high school graduates on May 19, 2024. The predicted rain held off and the community danced to music by a DJ, grilled and had a good time. Here’s a recap of the festivities (Videography/photos by Glenn L. Morgan www.ocgnews.com): https://youtu.be/VwPgcmNox-4

STONECREST, GA—There was excitement and cheers as the groundbreaking ceremony took place today (May 18) for a mixed-use development that will be built on the campus of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.  The pastor of the mega church, Dr. Jamal Bryant, said the project, known as The Benison ATL, will offer 2-3 bedroom mini homes ranging from 650 square feet to just over 1,200 square feet. Prices will start at round $150K and are expected to sell quickly in response to a demand for more affordable housing in the region, officials said. The Benison ATL , which will include 336…

DECATUR, GA– Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) expressed outrage in response to the killing of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson, a DeKalb County native. The 23-year-old active-duty airman was fatally shot by a Florida deputy in the doorway of his apartment on May 3. Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family of Fortson, said at a May 16 press conference that a front desk worker at the apartment complex where Fortson lived led the deputy to the wrong apartment in search of a couple who were involved in a domestic dispute. Crump said the deputy’s bodycam video and 911 calls…

STONECREST, GA–New Birth’s Senior Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant will join a host of elected officials and dignitaries for a groundbreaking ceremony commemorating the first mini-home community on Saturday, May 18, at noon, 6370 Woodrow Road. The Benison ATL is a mixed-use development that will occupy 35 acres of New Birth’s property and feature 120 mini homes in its initial phase of construction – reshaping the landscape of affordable housing in the area. “Our commitment to this life-changing endeavor is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves an affordable place to call home and a pathway to homeownership that has become…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A Kirkwood man accused of sexually assaulting a neighbor in her own home was sentenced to life plus 20 years, today, May 17, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced. A jury found Eric Haygood, 61, guilty on charges of Rape, two counts of Aggravated Sodomy and Aggravated Assault Strangulation stemming from an incident on Feb. 1, 2022. According to the investigation, officers from the Atlanta Police Department responded to a Kirkwood home in reference to a sexual assault. The victim, in her 50s, told officers that she saw Haygood on the street while walking her dog earlier…