Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA— Janice Foot, a former special education teacher at C.J. Hicks Elementary School in Conyers, was arrested this week for assaulting two 5-year-old students who were in her class. The Conyers Police Department said Foot, 58, of Lithonia, was arrested on a warrant and booked into the Rockdale County Jail on Dec. 12. Foot was charged with  two counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, Police Lt. Quantavis Garcia stated in a Dec. 15 news release. Conyers Police detectives reviewed audio and video recordings that showed Foot forcing the head of one of the children against his…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its regular meeting on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677. Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493.  Agenda Call to Order Adoption of Agenda III. Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of November 16, 2023 Approval of the Minutes for the Board of Ethics Retreat of December 1, 2023 2024 Board of Ethics Public Meeting Schedule and Logistics 2021-5: Atlanta Air Tours, LLC v. Mario Evans Preliminary Case 2023-10: B.…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) have sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly as it relates to pregnant women and babies. The letter emphasizes the lack of medical resources available for pregnant women to give birth and newborn babies to receive proper neonatal care. The letter, which has 17 cosigners, urges President Biden to take the following actions: Urge a ceasefire and immediate halt of offensive military attacks, including bombardments and other military operations. Press the Israeli government to allow sufficient fuel to sustain civilian…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Government is partnering with local faith leaders and community groups to distribute 5,000 boxes of chicken hindquarters, fruits and vegetables on tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 16. “The high cost of groceries will make it difficult for hard-working families to put food on their tables during this festive holiday season,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. Additionally, residents will receive snacks for children that include peppermint candy canes. On Saturday, Dec. 16., beginning at 9 a.m., food distributions will be held at the following locations: Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta GA 30345 New Birth Missionary…

ATLANTA, GA—What  better way to start off 2024 than getting outside in Georgia’s great outdoors after all the holiday treats. Get a jump on those resolutions by lacing up and heading out to one of Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites to celebrate “First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day. “First Day Hikes” is a national initiative from America’s State Parks that encourages people to get out and explore nature. It began more than three decades ago, and all 50 states have participated. Hikers are invited to enjoy the beauty and inspiration found in nature that awaits right in Georgia’s backyard Rangers…

CONYERS, GA—Conyers police are urging small businesses to remove cash from their registers after burglars hit at least 12 businesses in the city. Police say they believe three men are involved in the rash of smash-and-grab burglaries. Police Lt. Quantavis  Garcia said the burglaries in Conyers began on Dec. 8 and some occurred as recently as Dec. 12. A security camera video  shows the men broke the glass door at a convenience store on Klondike Road early in the morning on Dec. 8. “One of the suspects had a handgun. They stole the cash register and tobacco products—blunt wrappers—and other items,” Garcia said.  All…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved launching the Business Opportunity Program (EBO) during its meeting on Dec.12. In support of the EBO program, the county will conduct outreach activities such as participation in trade fairs, hosting specialized business workshops, and organizing pre-bid conferences. BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. said the initiative underscores the county’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and fairness in procurement processes within the county. “I want to emphasize to our citizens and the community that we not only stand as an equal opportunity employer but also as an Equal Business Opportunity advocate. It…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) commended Director Kathi Vida’s announcement that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is establishing a Southeastern Regional Office in Atlanta under direction of the Unleashing American Innovators Act of 2022. As the longtime senior Democrat on the Courts, Intellectual Property and Internet Subcommittee, Congressman Johnson has been pushing for Atlanta to be the site of the USPTO’s new regional office. “For years, I have reminded the world that Atlanta is not just a hub for culture and creativity, but also for technology and innovation,” said Rep. Johnson. “I’m so grateful that…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County and the DeKalb County School District, will host the 5th Annual Lock-in for Life event to foster male youth development for students ages 13-18. The free event will be held on Friday, Dec.15, 6 p.m. to midnight, at Redan High School, 5247 Redan Rd., Stone Mountain. The Lock-in for Life features sessions for middle and high school males facilitated by nonprofit leaders, legal experts, doctors, judges, attorneys, motivational speakers, and civic leaders for a night of fellowship, fun, and enrichment. Participants will enjoy…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—The Rockdale County Clerk of Superior and State Courts Janice Morris is now offering a free service that helps protect from potential property and mortgage fraud. Property fraud can occur if someone forges your identity, transfers your property into their name, and officially records the document. This fraudulent activity can make it appear as if that person owns your home or property, and you may not have any idea that this happened. Property Check will automatically alert you when official documents are recorded on your property. Citizens can sign up by clicking this link WWW.ROCKDALECLERK.COM Once a person signs up on the…