Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The Rev. Cynthia Hale announced that she is endorsing Commissioner Larry Johnson in the race to become DeKalb County’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “I am proud to call Larry Johnson a friend, a leader, and now, our next DeKalb CEO. Larry is a man of impeccable character with bold plans for DeKalb County that only somebody with his skills can put into practice. His inspirational leadership is exactly what we need right now,” said Hale. The Democratic primary election will be held on May 21, 2024. Hale is founding and senior pastor at Ray of Hope Christian Church,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Sarasota, Florida man accused of shooting and seriously injuring his former girlfriend in Brookhaven.  Jurors returned guilty verdicts on  Sept.28 against Mustafic Mahadi, 36, on charges of Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon stemming from an incident on Feb.y 19, 2021.    According to the investigation, Mahadi and the victim had broken up that day.  After hearing the news,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –DeKalb County School District Superintendent Devon Horton will host two town hall meetings this month at 6:30 p.m.  Hudson will be joined by School Board member Whitney Mcginniss at the first meeting today, Oct. 3, at Druid Hills Middle School. The second town hall will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Cross Keys High School. Horton and McGinniss will each give brief opening remarks, followed by a question-and-answer session with attendees facilitated by a moderator. The Superintendent’s Cabinet members also awill ttend and provid, information on academics, operations, instructional technology, human resources, district finances,community partnerships, and…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Rochester, New York woman accused of running over her boyfriend with a car.      Jurors returned guilty verdicts on Sept. 27 against Vanessa Dates-Bell, 36, on charges of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault, Hit and Run Resulting in Serious Injury or Death and Tampering with Evidence stemming from an incident on Oct. 21, 2020.     According to the investigation, Dates-Bell and Tavorris Threadcraft, 25, had been arguing.  Threadcraft was walking near Fairington Road and Willowick Drive in Stonecrest around 1…

STONECREST, GA –Congressman Hank Johnson, along with a host of federal and local experts, will host a roundtable discussion on the housing crisis impacting renters and homeowners nationwide, notably in Georgia’s Fourth District. Speakers will discuss solutions for homelessness, escalating rents, home buying challenges, unwarranted foreclosures, and more. Registration is underway now. WHO: Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), State Sen. Tonya Anderson, State Rep. Billy Mitchell, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, and Clarkston Councilwoman YT Bell. There will also be representatives from Housing & Urban Development (HUD), Atlanta Legal Aid, and more. WHAT: Congressman Johnson hosting a roundtable discussion on the housing crisis WHEN: Tuesday,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The  Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a lane advisory for motorists regarding the I-285/I-20 East Interchange Project in DeKalb County. There will be lane  closures Sept. 29 through Oct. 6, as work crews reconstruct the busy interchange to improve traffic flow safety and safety at this busy interchange. The project will reconstruct the interstate system-to-system ramps at the I-285/I-20 East Interchange and add a combination of collector-distributor, or connecting lanes, and auxiliary lanes along I-20 east of the interchange and I-285 north of the interchange. When/Where:Friday, Sept. 29, through Friday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D–Lithonia) will host a virtual town hall on Thursday, Oct. 26, 6 – 8 p.m. via Zoom.  During the town hall, Rep. Kendrick will provide an overview of the 2023 legislative session and discuss upcoming legislation and events from 6 – 7 p.m. From 7 – 8 p.m., she will provide a review of House Bill 741, legislation to expand the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners. The Zoom link has been updated, click here.  WHO:             Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D–Lithonia) WHAT:          Virtual Town Hall Meeting WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 6 – 8 p.m. WHERE:       Zoom registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYuc6oqTMuHdGtl3jnpGCHg1d4Zj2oGgLm

STONECREST, GA—Seniors from throughout metro Atlanta are getting fit at Samson Health and Fitness Center—at no charge to them. The 79,000-square-foot Samson Health & Fitness Center is the health and wellness extension of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, where Dr. Jamal Bryant is senior pastor. “We are blessed to have the largest, seated senior workout class in Atlanta on Tuesdays and Thursdays, instructed by the amazing DaShaun Johnson, The Guru of Abs,” said Melanie R. Render, Samson’s director of athletics. “Over 250 seniors attend each class, and we are continuing to grow. We have also recently added free ballroom and…

LILBURN, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing 74-year-old woman. South Precinct officers are actively looking for Bok Chang. She was last seen leaving the area of Ross Road in unincorporated Lilburn on foot at around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 24. Chang was last seen wearing a short-sleeved blue blouse and gray pants. She is described as a Korean female, about  5’3 inches tall,120 pounds, with brown eyes and gray hair. She requires around-the-clock medical care. If anyone sees Ms. Chang, call 911.