Author: On Common Ground News

Atlanta, GA – Today, the Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) announced that it received federal approval to replace electronically stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for recipients who are victims of card skimming, card cloning, and other similar fraud. “Our team worked quickly to develop and implement a SNAP benefit replacement process to provide much needed relief to Georgians who have been defrauded by bad actors,” said DHS Commissioner Candice Broce. “As we begin to receive and review benefit replacement requests, we will continue to educate our clients on best practices to protect their…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–At approximately 3:25 p.m. today, Oct. 18, a plane was landing but over-shot the main runway at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. The pilot and a passenger were onboard the Beachcraft King Air 8-seater but no sustained injuries were reported. No people, vehicles or buildings were struck, DeKalb County officials said. The Federal Flight Standards District Office will be investigating the accident.

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Hillandale Park Court between Panola Road and Hillandale Drive will be closed to through-traffic Monday, Oct. 23, to Friday, Nov. 3 to facilitate the replacement of a sanitary sewer line in front of 2854 Panola Road, Lithonia. Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. Questions regarding this road closure should be addressed to Alessandro Salvo, chief executive officer, GS Construction at 678-283-5518.

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County’s East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center will host a Parks After Dark: Teen Takeover Dive-In on Friday, Oct. 20, 6:30 to 9 p.m., 4885 Elam Road, Stone Mountain. The free event is for youths ages 13 to 16 and will include a PG-13 and below-rated film, swimming, snacks and more. Patrons are required to register for this event and wear the appropriate swimwear. To access online registration, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Now” button on the department’s homepage or register in person at the recreation center.  For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA –Murder suspect Nicholas Demetrius Earl, who has been on the run since June, was captured on Tuesday, Oct. 17 .  Earl was taken into custody without incident in Douglasville, GA, after a four-day manhunt where he was spotted but escaped by running into a wooded area in Stone Mountain. The  DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit, U.S. Marshals and Georgia State Patrol worked together on the case. Earl is currently being held without bond at the DeKalb County Jail. Sheriff’s deputies had responded to the area of Juliette Road in Stone Mountain on Oct. 13 around 3…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County School District(DCSD) Coach Terrence Jett will be honored at the 2023 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) “Paying it Forward” Scholarship Gala in Houston, Texas on Saturday, Oct.  21. Jett is the longtime Chamblee Middle School track and football coach. The event is sponsored by the Grambling Friends of Football, Incorporated (GFF) and has contributed over $1,000,000 to HBCU initiatives and scholarships. Along with the gala helping raise money for GFF contributions, the event honors graduates of HBCU’s who have “paid it forward” with significant contributions to their alma maters. Pictured:…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces a conviction by guilty plea in the sexual assault cold case against Charlie Scott, 59. A positive DNA match linked Scott to the rape of the teen and several other victims. In a hearing on Oct. 12. Scott pleaded guilty as indicted to charges of Rape, Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault in connection with the assault of a 15-year-old girl walking near her home 29 years ago. The incident occurred on Aug.6, 1994 at the Colony Ridge Apartment complex on Glenwood Road in unincorporated Decatur. The victim, who was walking home after…