Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration (R-Auburn) and State Senator Clint Dixon (R-Gwinnett) applauded today’s bipartisan vote by the House on Senate Bill 333, legislation to create the City of Mulberry in northeastern Gwinnett County. If signed by Governor Kemp, SB 333 would place the question of cityhood on the spring primary ballot for residents in the proposed city. “I am thankful to both my Democrat and Republican colleagues who voted in favor of this legislation in today’s vote, which would create the City of Mulberry without implementing any city property taxes,” said Majority Leader Efstration. “As a resident of…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a Mini Day Camp Feb. 16,  7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of camp is $10 and includesr a day of activities for children ages 5-15. Participants must provide their own breakfast, lunch and snack. To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button on the department’s homepage. Residents can also register in person at any of the locations listed below: East Central DeKalb Community and Senior Center, 4885 Elam Road, Stone Mountain, GA Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA Gresham Recreation…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA.  Agenda Call to Order Adoption of Agenda III.     Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 18, 2024 Discussion of Rule Change for Ethic Rule 4.5 (see Attachment) Discussion of Rule Change for Ethics Rule 7.5 (see Attachment) Ethics Officer’s Review Preliminary Case 2023-11: Musa Ghanayem et al. v. Commissioner Robert Patrick Public Comments Comments from the Board of Ethics VII.    Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– A senior living facility in unincorporated Lawrenceville became a crime scene this morning (Feb. 6) after Gwinnett County Police responded to a domestic-related incident and found a deceased elderly woman inside one of the rooms. Police charged Richard Hayden, 81, of Lawrenceville with murdering his 71-year-old wife, Grace Hayden. Richard Hayden, who shared a room with his wife at the facility, was charged with Malice Murder, Aggravated Assault and Felony Murder. He is being evaluated at a nearby hospital for reasons unrelated to the incident and will be transported to the Gwinnett County Jail once released, authorities…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and DeKalb Commissioner Michelle Long Spears will partner with Atlanta-based artist Jermaine Clark to host two community engagement meetings to discuss mural installations at Mason Mill Park. The community is invited to attend the meetings and provide input regarding the installations to complete the trails for the park.  Virtual Meeting Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 to 7 p.m.: Register at http://tinyurl.com/masonmillmural In- Person Meeting Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340- B McConnell Drive, Decatur

DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson recently met with VyStar Credit Union representatives to welcome them to District 3. “I am grateful that VyStar Credit Union has continued to expand its footprint in Georgia in District 3 of DeKalb County,” Commissioner Johnson said. “This type of capital investment will continue to drive economic development and job opportunities for our residents with a convenient banking location and competitive financial services.” On Jan. 25, 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved the zoning plans for VyStar Credit Union with a 6-0 vote. The $6.5 million, brick-and-mortar capital investment is 2,800 square feet. VyStar is…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – Georgia Piedmont Technical College is pleased to announce that adult education student Derick Wimbley of DeKalb County has been selected as one of eight state finalists for the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) program. Wimbley was one of the first students at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Adult Education division who completed the newly-implemented Career Plus program. Wimbley enrolled in Spring of 2023 and earned his high school diploma and two college certificates by December of that year, exemplifying a commitment to education and personal growth. Wimbley dropped out of high school at 17 years old, got married and…

ATLANTA— Better Business Bureau (BBB) welcomes Taelore Hicks to serve as its new Media and Public Relations lead. With a diverse background in journalism and marketing, Hicks brings a wealth of knowledge to this role.   Previously, Hicks was the morning education reporter for 13WMAZ News, where she spent nearly two years telling the stories of Central Georgia. During her time at 13WMAZ, Hicks discovered her passion for storytelling and communications all while establishing herself as a trusted source for the community. Adding to her journalism career, Hicks expanded into the world of marketing by stepping into a role with an…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces a conviction by jury trial in the case against an Atlanta man involved in a violent home invasion that led to the shooting and killing of an elderly man. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on Thursday, Feb. 1, against Deonte Denard Sills, 30. Sills was found guilty on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Home Invasion in the First Degree, Armed Robbery, four counts of Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, two counts of Battery and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony stemming from an…