Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston today (March 22) announced a major development in the case of an unidentified homicide victim whose remains were found in the Tucker area nearly 30 years ago. The victim has been positively identified as Rebecca “Becky” Burke, 52.  The newly-formed DeKalb County Cold Case Task Force seeks information about Burke’s death. The cold case dates back to Sept. 16, 1993, when the remains of a woman were found in a wooded area behind the Fairfield Inn located at 2155 Ranchwood Drive (now the Quality Inn Northlake), and a vacant medical office at the…

DECATUR,GA—As part of its ongoing Bicentennial festivities, DeKalb County Government will celebrate DeKalb Day at the state capitol on Thursday, March 23, at noon. The celebration will include the presentation of resolution by the State House and State Senate. Additionally, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, the Board of Commissioners and the Bicentennial Commission will host a reception in the rotunda of the capitol honoring for current and former members of the DeKalb County House and Senate delegations. “We are proud of the outstanding public servants who are serving and have served DeKalb County in the Georgia General Assembly,” CEO Thurmond…

Major L. D. Robertson, DeKalb County Police Department’s South Precinct Commander, is inviting residents to meet with him, Officers of South Precinct, and other DeKalb County agencies at the following events: Major’s Night Out, Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m., Barker Bryant Memorial Park, 2300 McAfee Rd.  Go toward the back side of the lake in the park,  near Marion Cir.  This meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to meet with Major L.D. Robertson, Officers of South Precinct, and other DeKalb agencies to discuss any concerns and/or ask questions. Community Zoom Meeting, March 28, 6 p.m.  https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/82534838271 To join by phone: …

STONECREST, GA – On Sunday, March 26, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) presented 17 women in Georgia’s Fourth District with “Trailblazer” awards in recognition of their pioneering careers and service to the greater community. All the honorees in recognition of Women’s History Month were some of the firsts in their fields of endeavor. HONOREES: Ms. Cindy Ball: Chief of Strategy and Innovation for Rockdale County Public Schools, which consists of 22 schools and nearly 16,000 students. Ms. Cassandra Bryant: A DeKalb County community leader and advocate who has been on the front lines for seniors and workers since the 1970s. A…

DECATUR, GA– To accommodate walk-in customers applying for property tax exemptions, the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, will have extended hours f March 27 – 30, and April 3 until 6 p.m. New this year, seniors, disabled veterans, disabled residents can now file online for special tax savings. Homestead exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy the home in the county as of Jan. 1, including the City of Atlanta portion in DeKalb. Seniors must be 62 years of age by Jan. 1 to apply for senior…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Stephenson Middle School, 922 Stephenson Road, will host a “Rising Sixth Grade Mini Conference” on March 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Organizers are hosting the free conference to welcome rising sixth graders and their parents to middle school ahead of the 2023-2024 school year. The conference is a collaboration between Stephenson Middle School and feeder elementary schools in the area. Stephenson Middle School Head Counselor Subrena Glenn facilitated the effort and spent weeks planning the event.  Glenn met with counselors from Rock Chapel Elementary(Torie Callaway),  Wynbrooke Elementary (Lavorious Mullins), Princeton Elementary (Phyllis Hale, and Marcia Bryant-Cornelison and…

STONECREST, GA– The City of Stonecrest has opened registration for its summer day camp programs for children in first through fifth grades. Camp Inspire will offer participants three separate, three-week sessions, which include fun-filled days of activities such as swimming lessons, arts and crafts, field trips and much more. The full camp will run from June 5—Aug. 4 at Browns Mill Recreation Center. “The City of Stonecrest is excited to provide another summer of adventure, discovery, and fun for our youngest residents and visitors,” said Mayor Jazzmin Cobble. “Camp Inspire is an incredible opportunity for campers to learn through active…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that left three people dead early Monday, March 20. Authorities said th a 51-year-old man, 50-year-old woman and 17-year-old girl were shot to death in their home in the Honey Creek subdivision in Conyers.  The shooting occurred around 12:10 a.m. at the home, which is located in the 3700 block of Sugar Creek Lane. Jailon Gray, 21, who lived at the residence, was taken into custody and booked into the Rockdale County Jail. Gray was charged with felony murder and aggravated assault.    Details surrounding the identity of the persons involved…