Author: On Common Ground News

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…

ATLANTA—The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Thursday, May 16, unveiled its newly-revamped CDC.gov website, marking a significant step forward in the agency’s commitment to better communicate with the public. Internal and external reviews of agency operations were conducted after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result was the CDC Moving Forward effort, which launched numerous initiatives to strengthen the speed and clarity of agency communications. The newly streamlined website is the culmination of extensive user testing and feedback, ensuring that vital health information is more accessible and easier to find for all audiences. CDC’s experts help protect lives and livelihoods…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and the Gwinnett County Health Department advise residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways. On Thursday, May 9, a cat near the block of King Stream Way in Snellville tested positive for rabies. Vet staff were exposed to the feline through saliva. No bites or injuries were reported. Diseases like rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes and raccoons. All pet owners should ensure that their pets are current on rabies vaccination. According to the National…

By Valerie J. Morgan STONECREST, GA–National Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump presented new evidence today ( May 16), telling news media that the Florida deputy was at the wrong apartment when he confronted and fatally shot U.S. Air Force airman Roger Fortson in the doorway of his Fort Walton Beach, FL apartment. Fortson, who was on active duty, is from DeKalb County, GA. The press conference was held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the city of Stonecrest, where Fortson’s funeral will be held on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. The airman’s mother, Meka Fortson, is a…

DECATUR, GA–A peace rally and call for justice will be held for Xavia Tyree McClary on Saturday, May 18, 2 to 5 p.m., at the CarStar Auto Body Repair Experts, 2946 S. Rainbow Drive, Decatur. McClary, 30, was shot and killed on March 24 after he reportedly tried to defend a female friend who was being harassed by a man while they were at the Push Club, 2946 S. Rainbow Drive, Decatur on March 24. The woman told police that the suspect became angry after she rejected his advances and McClary tied to defend her. According to the DeKalb County…

LITHONIA, GA—The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce honored two Arabia Mountain High School school students as its 2024 book scholarship recipients during the Chamber’s Third Wednesday luncheon on May 15. Brooklynn Armstrong and Jordan Johnson, who are both graduating seniors at Arabia Mountain High, each received a $500 scholarship to be used for books at the colleges they will attend in the fall. They were chosen for the scholarships after writing winning essays. The students had a chance to share  their plans for the future during the meeting. The students were congratulated at the meeting by State Rep. Billy Mitchell, who served…