Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Pay raises for teachers and law enforcement officers, increased child tax emptions, lower state income tax and basic standards for rental homes are among Georgia’s new laws to take effect today, July 1. On Common Ground News has included a link in this story to all of the new laws that you can search by county, municipality or subject. Speaker of the House Jon Burns highlighted pieces of legislation passed in the 2024 session that he says will have a significant positive impact on Georgia. “The House had an incredibly successful legislative session this year prioritizing policies that make our state…

STONECREST, GA—Tributes continue to pour in for New Black Wall Street Market Founder Lecester “Bill” Allen. Today, June 29, marks one week since Mr. Allen’s passing. Mr. Allen, 80, died after a long illness. The family of Mr. Allen has not released any information concerning funeral arrangements. Meanwhile, dozens of people have stopped by the New Black Wall Street Market to pay their respects, writing messages in a memorial book where a portrait of Mr. Allen is now erected at the entrance of the market. Additionally, top dignitaries who knew Mr. Allen have issued statements reflecting on his contributions…

100 Black Men of DeKalb, Privi, City of Stonecrest, DeKalb CEO-Elect Lorraine Cochran-Johnson unite  as sponsors  STONECREST, GA —The 100 Back Men of DeKalb County will kick off its “Summer of Peace” at the newly-opened Privi at the Mall at Stonecrest.  The organization was joined by community leaders at a press conference on Friday to announce the program for youths ages 10 to 19 that will span five weeks, starting July 5 and continuing every Friday through Aug. 2, 2024. Held at the newly opened Priví at Stonecrest Mall, program will feature workshops, classes, and violence prevention training followed by a…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett Police Department has received several inquiries about a social media video that shows people riding in the back of a moving truck.  The person who posted the video indicated that people in the back of the truck were tied up and possibly being trafficked. The Police Department issued the following statement: “Our officers stopped that vehicle on June 21, on I-85 Northbound near Sugarloaf Pkwy.  The back of the van had two families (eight people total including two juveniles).  They were not tied up or in distress.  They appeared healthy and agreed to speak with the…

CONYERS, GA—The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Alicia Pope, a 16-year-old Conyers teen. Alicia was 15 years old when she went missing on Feb. 24, 2024. It has been more than four months since Alicia disappeared, and authorities believe she may live in the local area or travel to Hampton, Georgia. Alicia is 5’6,” weighs 150 pounds and has brown eyes and brown hair. In an effort to bring more attention to Alicia’s case, her poster will be displayed on gas pumps throughout Georgia as part of a partnership between NCMEC…

STONECREST, GA—The family of New Black Wall Street Market founder Lecester “Bill” Allen has issued a statement concerning his death. C.H. Braddy, godson of Mr. Allen, on behalf of the family, has made a plea concerning conflict with the city over the land that Mr. Allen amassed as Stonecrest’s largest commercial landowner. Mr. Allen passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024 after a long illness. He was 80. Braddy told On Common Ground News that the family was under stress as it is making funeral arrangements while dealing with the conflict, which could be headed for a legal battleground. Braddy spoke…

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…