Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County’s Juvenile Court will host its IMPACT Day Program Open House on Thursday, Nov.16, 9:30 to 11 a.m., at the Youth Reporting Center, 2570 Old Covington Highway. The event is being held to showcase the positive influence of the “IMPACT Day Program,” a community-based alternative learning initiative designed to support at-risk youths in Rockdale County. The program targets youths ages 12 to 17 who demonstrate recurring behavioral issues necessitating intervention. The IMPACT Day Program is dedicated to equipping youths with essential life skills such as decision-making, leadership, stress management, and community engagement. These skills are instilled…

DECATUR, GA –– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office today made a donation to the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence (WRCDV) that could make a positive impact on the lives of domestic violence victims. DeKalb Sheriff Melody M. Maddox presented 134 cell phones to WRCDV Director of Legal Services Ayonna Johnson. “These cell phones were confiscated from incidents involving arrests, jail cell searches, and attempts to smuggle illegal materials into inmates at the DeKalb County Jail,” says Sheriff Maddox. “Our investigators have verified that none of the phones belong to anyone, nor are they needed in the prosecution of…

Due to inclement weather expected on Saturday, Nov. 11, the Gwinnett County Veterans Day Ceremony at the Fallen Heroes Memorial will move indoors to the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 11 a.m. The auditorium is located on the first floor of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III will emcee the event with Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson and District 4 Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp providing remarks. Superior Court Judge Angela Duncan, an Army veteran, will serve as the keynote speaker. Judge Duncan served in the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years as a…

CONYERS, GA–Grit and Grace, a nonprofit that supports those in recovery from addiction, is hosting its inaugural turkey and food giveaway for families in need on Nov. 21, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Organizers said Grit and Grace is hosting the community outreach this Thanksgiving season  to show appreciation for the outpouring of support from the community, which has supported those in recovery. Grit and Grace is partnering with One Heart Ministries, The GNO Movement, and P.U.S.H. Ministries to give away 150 free turkeys from 2 to 5 p.m. at the center, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The turkeys…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Otis D. Walker, of Lithonia, has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison after he killed his girlfriend, then shot and wounded a responding officer from the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD). DeKalb Superior Court Judge Yolanda Parker-Smith, who presided over the trial, on Tuesday, Nov. 7, sentenced Walker, 32, to life without parole plus 65 years to serve consecutively in connection with the murder of Aleka Simmons, 27, and the shooting of DKPD Officer Derek Nunn, who was 48 at the time. Jurors returned guilty verdicts against Walker on charges of Malice Murder, Felony…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is hosting its inaugural Department of Family and Community Empowerment Safety Fair, which features engaging demonstrations, meet-and-greets with community heroes, giveaways, music, food, and fun for the whole family. The Nov. 11 event will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rain or shine) at the DCSD Administrative and Instructional Complex, which is located at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard. DCSD’s Safety Fair is designed to underscore the district’s commitment to the well-being of the community by uniting families, dedicated first responders, safety experts, local community agencies, and various resources to support…

CONYERS, GA—Voters decided on Tuesday, Nov. 7, to return three incumbents to their seats on the Conyers City Council, unofficial results show.  Incumbent Connie Alsobrook, who ran unopposed, was re-elected to the City Council District 2, Post 2, with 166 votes.  Incumbent Gerald A. Hinesley, Sr. received 109 votes in the District 3 race. Hinesley’s  only challenger, Charlene “CeCe” Carr, received 35 votes, unofficial results show. Incumbent Valyncia Smith received 74 votes in the District 4 City Council race, while challenger Pamela Hicks received 39 votes.    Results show that 428 (5.84 percent) of 7,335 registered voters participated in the…

STONECREST, GA– New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is announcing an innovative new partnership with Community Healthcare of America to expand medical and preventative health services in South DeKalb. New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant, U.S. Sen. John Ossoff, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond and a host of community leaders and representatives will commemorate the grand opening of a new medical clinic on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11:30 a.m. at the Family Life Center on the New Birth campus, located at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Stonecrest. “In Georgia, the “Medicaid unwinding” process has already removed more than 170,000 adults and kids…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s office will have extended hours at the property tax office located 4380 Memorial Dr. in Decatur, now through Nov. 15, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Satellite offices are open until 4:30 p.m.; all offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. Walk-in customers paying their property tax bills at the Memorial Dr. office will temporarily use the UGA Extension office entrance at the front of the building. Disabled customers may still use the main entrance off Northern Ave. To avoid long lines and wait times, payments can be made online,…