Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR,GA – Today, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond proposed to the Board of Commissioners a tax cut that is projected to save DeKalb homeowners $1 billion over a six-year period. In November, DeKalb County voters will have the opportunity to approve a $1 billion plan. The relief would come from a proposed  Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) credit for homeowners who qualify for a homestead exemption. If approved, this relief would begin in 2024. “The proposed EHOST tax relief is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve housing affordability, counter gentrification and increase the marketability of homes,” CEO Thurmond…

  ATLANTA –MARTA will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop with a free customer event at Five Points Station on Friday, Aug. 18, 3 to 6 p.m. Like hip hop, MARTA is an integral part of Atlanta’s history, and the system has served as  a muse and featured in many prominent hip hop tracks. Friday’s celebration will include a hip hop inspired photo booth, MARTA merchandise, and lots of great hip hop music (the radio edits, so bring the kids!) spun by DJ Sed the Saint Sed The Saint | International DJ and Startup Founder (djsed.com) and @sedthesaint on Instagram.…

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) recently announced the top three finalists for the district Teacher of the Year with surprise visits to finalists’ schools. The district finalists for RCPS Teacher of the Year are: Jasmine Bethea—Edwards Middle School Christi Davis-Langston—PhD, Flat Shoals Elementary Rosaida Hardaway, Rockdale Career Academy. Each finalist received a surprise visit at their school by RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts, Rockdale County Board of Education (BOE) Chairwoman Pam Brown, BOE members Sandra Jackson-Lett, Akita Parmer, cabinet members and staf, who commended the finalists. “As Superintendent of Rockdale County Public Schools, I am delighted to honor this year’s…

Rockdale County Chief State Court Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. recently served as a group leader for incoming students at the University of Georgia School of Law in Athens, GA. Each year, every law school in Georgia partners with the State Bar of Georgia Committee on Professionalism and the Chief Justice’s Commission to conduct a program that orients incoming students to ethics and professionalism. The program engages students in interactive discussions that are facilitated by group leaders who are judges and lawyers. There were 194 students who participated in this year’s program, which was held on Aug. 11. Judge Cuthpert’s group included Heritage High School…

ATLANTA–A Fulton County grand jury indicted former President Donald Trump on Monday, Aug. 14, charging him with more than a dozen felonies in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election secured by President Joe Biden. Trump is the first president in U.S.  history to face criminal charges. To read the indictment, click here: “https://www.scribd.com/embeds/665036274/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-2HHdmrWUd8zv5yRtgcLa” The indictment also charged 18 allies who refused to accept Trump’s loss in Georgia, media around the nation are reporting today(Aug. 15). The co-defendants include Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s former lawyer; Mark Meadows, former White House chief of staff; Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official; and…

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr is warning Georgians about increased reports of imposter scams in which con artists pose as law enforcement officials in an attempt to steal money from unsuspecting consumers. “Fraudsters like to play on people’s emotions and use scare tactics, such as threats of arrest, to convince consumers to turn over their money before they have a chance to think things through,” said Carr. “It’s important that Georgians stay informed of the latest scams and proceed with caution when receiving calls or messages requesting payment or sensitive information.” The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA- The Rockdale County Jail has earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) by demonstrating compliance with NCCHC’s nationally-recognized standards of care for correctional health services in jails. To earn NCCHC accreditation, Rockdale County Jail underwent a rigorous professional assessment in February. During the assessment, an external peer review team of correctional health care experts, experienced physicians, and experts in correctional health care surveyed the facility for compliance with jail- specific standards in several areas such as patient care and treatment, health promotion, safety and disease prevention, governance and administration, personnel and training, special…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police investigators are seeking the public’s help in locating Charles Clay, 22, of Duluth. Clay is wanted in connection with multiple financial thefts and fraud charges totaling over $100,000.00. A routine traffic stop lead to charges against Clay. On June 29, a uniform division officer initiated a traffic stop after observing the driver using his cell phone while operating his vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, the officer observed the driver in possession of multiple credit cards with various names other than his own. Multiple deposit receipts and images of checks were also…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Sheriff Eric J. Levett recently swore in six graduates of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Ambassadors Program, the first class since the program was announced in February 2023. The Ambassadors Program grants passionate citizens the opportunity to serve the Rockdale County community by helping the volunteers to create a positive environment between citizens and law enforcement. In addition, the program will educate volunteers on some of the functions a Deputy Sheriff is required to handle. There are three pillars of the Ambassadors Program: Pillar ONE- Citizens Academy: This pillar is designed for dedicated civilians who see the benefits of…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–Gwinnett Animal Welfare is hosting the sixth annual Clear the Shelters adoption drive throughout August. As part of the annual campaign to place shelter pets, Gwinnett Animal Welfare will offer free pet adoptions throughout August and host a Clear the Shelters celebration on Saturday, Aug. 19, noon until 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center, 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Guests will enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, music, local vendors, face painting and more. Pets are available for adoption now. Adoptable animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, with most pets available for same-day…