Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is reminding residents that motor vehicle and property tax services are available at three office locations in DeKalb County. “With advance voting taking place at the Memorial Drive office park, customers doing business at the tag office can expect increased foot traffic and parking volume now through November 1,” said DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson. “We are reminding taxpayers that the same in-person services are also available at the satellite tax offices located on Clairmont Road and in South DeKalb Mall.” Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at the…

ATLANTA – State Representatives Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers), Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), State Sen, Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia) and Congressman Hank Johnson recently held a follow-up meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10,  via Zoom to address ongoing concerns from the BioLab chemical fire. This meeting followed a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 8,  at the State Capitol. The follow-up meeting included Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Rockdale County leadership staff, representatives from BioLab, representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and members of the Rockdale…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers), chair of the Rockdale County House Delegation, today issued a statement regarding the recent passing of Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Kenny Johnson.  Johnson died on Tuesday, Oct. 8, after testifying before a panel of state lawmakers about the dangers posed by the BioLab chemical explosion, which occurred on Sept. 29. State Rep. Viola Davis, a registered nurse who said she has worked for 25 years in the Intensive Care Unit, rushed to Johnson’s aid to administer CPR after he spoke, walked out of the room and collapsed in a hallway. Rep. Davis…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County officials are seeking the public’s help in locating Davonte Fore, 26, a fugitive wanted in connection with the murder of a Stone Mountain transgender woman. On Friday, Oct. 4, jurors found Fore and JaQuan Brooks, 25, guilty of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony stemming from the shooting death of Skyler Gilmore (legal name Chase Gilmore), 25, on June 4, 2021. Brooks was taken immediately into custody. Fore, who had been released on bond…

ATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is continuing to help survivors affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.  Disaster survivors who have called the FEMA helpline and experienced long wait times or connection issues now have more options to get the information they need or to speak with a FEMA representative. To help streamline the process to apply for assistance, people in certain areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia are encouraged to apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA App, in person at a Disaster Recovery Center, or face to face with FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) team member working in affected communities.  FEMA…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Norcross man accused of shooting and killing a transgender woman. Jurors found Pedro Silva-Renteria, 21, guilty on Oct. 4 on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, stemming from the shooting death of Sophie Vasquez (legal name Juan Vasquez), 36, on May 4, 2021. During the trial, Defendant Silva-Renteria’s defense team tried to argue that he shot Vasquez out of fear once he learned she was a transgender woman.  However,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) announced that the DeKalb County School Board has earned the 2024 Quality School Board recognition for its dedication to fundamental standards of governance and leadership, laying the groundwork for ongoing district improvement and progress. This prestigious honor highlights the Board’s dedication to upholding crucial governance practices and creating a supportive environment where strong leadership contributes to student success, GSBA stated. “This award reflects the power of collaboration, hard work, and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Board Chair Diijon DaCosta, Sr. “Leadership starts at the top, and as a united Board, we…

CONYERS, GA- Congressman Hank Johnson was honored for outstanding service in Newton and Rockdale counties on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers, where the Rev. Eric Wendel Lee, Sr. is pastor.   Former State Rep. Pam Dickerson, who represented House 113, which includes Newton and Rockdale, recognized Congressman Johnson for his unwavering commitment to constituents.  Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, is serving his ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Johnson has distinguished himself as a substantive, effective lawmaker and a leading national progressive voice. As a champion for digital inclusion and an open Internet,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County government will continue its fight against blight with the demotion of two residential properties this week.   DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and Allen Mitchel, Director of Community Development, will be on hand for demolitions scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m., 3228 Zion St., Scottdale, and on Friday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m., 680 Lauren Parkway, Stone Mountain. Since 2017, DeKalb’s blight eradication efforts have included the demolition and abatement of 725 properties.  Highlights of those efforts include: Identifying all properties subject to abatement or demolition –a first for the county–through a Comprehensive Property Condition Survey of Unincorporated…