Author: On Common Ground News

Story Updated DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Larry Johnson and Lorraine Cochran Johnson officially entered the race for DeKalb County CEO, filing their qualifying papers on Thursday, March 7. The two Johnsons, who are unrelated, along with Steve Bradshaw, are vying to succeed Michael Thurmond, whose term expires at the end of 2024. All three Democrats in the CEO race have served together on the 7-member Board of Commissioners.  Their bids for  higher office will mean  three veterans are leaving the board. Larry Johnson and Lorraine Cochran Johnson had to vacate their seats this week to qualify to run for DeKalb CEO. Because…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Brian L. Jenkins officially entered the race on Thursday, March 7, for Chairman of the Rockdale Board of Commissions. Jenkins, who is owner of BJ’s Landscaping & Design and BJ’s Home Improvement, joins James Sendelbach, a licensed professional counselor, and JaNice Van Ness, a former Rockdale commissioner,  in challenging Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr., who is seeking re-election. Jenkins is a community activist who serves as president of the Rockdale branch of the NAACP. Incumbent Sherri L. Washington also qualified on Thursday for re-election for the County Commissioner, Post 1 seat.  Washington is facing two challengers: Tuwanya Smith, who did…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson reminds homeowners to check their homestead exemption status before the April 1 application deadline. To avoid delays, homeowners can check online at DeKalbTax.org or call 404-298-4000 for assistance Exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy the home in the county, including the City of Atlanta portion in DeKalb. Special exemptions are also available for eligible seniors ages 62 and older, disabled residents, and disabled veterans. “Homestead exemptions provide significant savings for property owners who own and live at their primary residence,”  said Johnson. “Homeowners…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open five warming centers for residents on Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10, starting at 8 p.m. to use at the following locations: Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Avenue, Avondale Estates Fire Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood Fire Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta North DeKalb Senior Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta Anyone staying in the warming centers must follow the county’s COVID-19 protocols that include wearing a mask, social distancing and undergoing a temperature check. Those…

ATLANTA– The metro Atlanta community is mourning the loss of Dan Moore Sr., founder of the APEX Museum (African American Panoramic Experience). Moore passed away on March 4 at the age of 88. A public viewing will be held on Friday, March 8, 5-7 p.m., at Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel. Moore’s funeral will be held on Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m., at Midway Missionary Baptist Church in College Park. Moore’s dedication to the city of Atlanta and his contributions to APEX were recently honored with the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2023. The DeKalb…

CONYERS, GA—Three  Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) seniors were honored for their creative writing skills after entering the “Conyers, Celebration of Community” essay contest, a partnership between the city of Conyers and RCPS. Andre Lopez, a senior at Rockdale Career Academy was the first-place winner, earning a prize of $500. Terron McRae, a senior at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, was the second-place winner of $350 and Desire’e Williams, a senior at Rockdale Career Academy, was the recipient of $150 for third place.   The students were honored at the Feb. 21 Conyers City Council meeting by essay…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County Board of Commissioner’s Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. qualified for re-election on Wednesday, March 6 and is facing two challengers: James Sendelbach, a licensed professional counselor, and JaNice Van Ness, a former Rockdale commissioner. Three contestants also have qualified to run for the State Representative District 91 seat, which includes Rockdale. Incumbent Angela Moore, who filed her qualifying papers on March 4, is facing Marcus Atkins, who listed his occupation as a veteran, and Dee Dawkins-Haigler, who represented District 91 from 2008 to 2017, and is a minister and consultant. Rockdale Clerk of Courts Janice Morris also qualified for re-election…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—On Wednesday, March 6, Sheriff Melody Maddox and Solicitor General Donna Coleman Stribling filed their qualifying papers for re-election. Maddox and Stribling were the first to enter their respective races this week. No Republican candidates have entered any of DeKalb’s local or county-wide races so far.  The qualifying period ends at noon on Friday, March 8. The General Primary and non-partisan elections will be held on May 21. Here’s a look at the candidates who have officially entered races in DeKalb County as of Wednesday, March 6, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office:  Sheriff(D)  MELODY M. MADDOX…

Story Updated DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Steve Bradshaw became the first to enter the DeKalb County CEO race, filing qualifying papers on today, March 5.  At least two others—Larry Johnson and Lorraine Cochran Johnson, who are unrelated and have served on the Board of Commissioners(BOC) with Bradshaw, are also expected to officially enter the DeKalb CEO race this week. The trifecta departures—Steve Bradshaw, Lorraine Cochran Johnson and Larry Johnson, the longest serving on the board—will mean two vacancies at once on the seven-member BOC. Bradshaw, however, will be able to serve out the remainder of his term, which expires at the end…