Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA–Grit and Grace, a nonprofit that supports those in recovery from addiction, is hosting its inaugural turkey and food giveaway for families in need on Nov. 21, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Organizers said Grit and Grace is hosting the community outreach this Thanksgiving season  to show appreciation for the outpouring of support from the community, which has supported those in recovery. Grit and Grace is partnering with One Heart Ministries, The GNO Movement, and P.U.S.H. Ministries to give away 150 free turkeys from 2 to 5 p.m. at the center, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The turkeys…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Otis D. Walker, of Lithonia, has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison after he killed his girlfriend, then shot and wounded a responding officer from the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD). DeKalb Superior Court Judge Yolanda Parker-Smith, who presided over the trial, on Tuesday, Nov. 7, sentenced Walker, 32, to life without parole plus 65 years to serve consecutively in connection with the murder of Aleka Simmons, 27, and the shooting of DKPD Officer Derek Nunn, who was 48 at the time. Jurors returned guilty verdicts against Walker on charges of Malice Murder, Felony…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is hosting its inaugural Department of Family and Community Empowerment Safety Fair, which features engaging demonstrations, meet-and-greets with community heroes, giveaways, music, food, and fun for the whole family. The Nov. 11 event will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rain or shine) at the DCSD Administrative and Instructional Complex, which is located at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard. DCSD’s Safety Fair is designed to underscore the district’s commitment to the well-being of the community by uniting families, dedicated first responders, safety experts, local community agencies, and various resources to support…

CONYERS, GA—Voters decided on Tuesday, Nov. 7, to return three incumbents to their seats on the Conyers City Council, unofficial results show.  Incumbent Connie Alsobrook, who ran unopposed, was re-elected to the City Council District 2, Post 2, with 166 votes.  Incumbent Gerald A. Hinesley, Sr. received 109 votes in the District 3 race. Hinesley’s  only challenger, Charlene “CeCe” Carr, received 35 votes, unofficial results show. Incumbent Valyncia Smith received 74 votes in the District 4 City Council race, while challenger Pamela Hicks received 39 votes.    Results show that 428 (5.84 percent) of 7,335 registered voters participated in the…

STONECREST, GA– New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is announcing an innovative new partnership with Community Healthcare of America to expand medical and preventative health services in South DeKalb. New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant, U.S. Sen. John Ossoff, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and a host of community leaders and representatives will commemorate the grand opening of a new medical clinic on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11:30 a.m. at the Family Life Center on the New Birth campus, located at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Stonecrest. “In Georgia, the “Medicaid unwinding” process has already removed more than 170,000 adults and kids…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s office will have extended hours at the property tax office located 4380 Memorial Dr. in Decatur, now through Nov. 15, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Satellite offices are open until 4:30 p.m.; all offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. Walk-in customers paying their property tax bills at the Memorial Dr. office will temporarily use the UGA Extension office entrance at the front of the building. Disabled customers may still use the main entrance off Northern Ave. To avoid long lines and wait times, payments can be made online,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA —Two brothers have been sentenced to life in prison after their convictions for a series of violent robberies in Brookhaven from Dec. 13, 2019 through Jan. 24, 2020. On Oct. 24, a jury found Edrick Agee, 35, of Forest Park guilty of two counts of Armed Robbery, Criminal Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault. Jurors also found Avonte Treon Fortson, 41, of Riverdale guilty on two charges of Armed Robbery. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Shondeana Morris, who presided over the trial, sentenced both Agee and Fortson to life in prison. According to the investigation,…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Department is gearing up to host “World Planning Day,” an event designed to bring the community together to explore urban planning and sustainable living under the theme of ‘Tactical Urbanism in the Built Environment.’ The planning dayt will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 178 Sams St., Decatur, GA 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.   World Planning Day is an annual event that highlights the importance of sustainable urban planning, community involvement, and    environmental awareness.  A variety of sustainability workshops, Pop-up Mobile Permitting, Tactical Urbanism demonstrations, community resources and…

DECATUR, GA— Aziza El-Shair, 41, has been found guilty of killing a man who was her neighbor after an argument. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherri Boston announced that a jury on Friday, Nov. 3, found El-Shair guilty on charges of Voluntary Manslaughter, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. The incident occurred on May 29, 2019. Officers from the DeKalb County Police Department responded just after 3 p.m. to a report of a person shot on Weslock Circle in unincorporated Decatur.  When they arrived, officers found Derrick Pharr, 33, lying on…