Author: On Common Ground News

GINNETT COUNTY, GA– Since 2001, Gwinnett County Transit has been an essential service for residents in Gwinnett’s thriving community.   On Thursday, the County unveiled a new name and a new brand for its transit system. Embodying the County’s vibrant brand, Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said Ride Gwinnett represents how the County will connect people to where they need to go. “Ride Gwinnett was established with the goal of making our public transit system an attractive and everyday choice for residents and visitors,” said Hendrickson. “This is an exciting day and the excitement will continue in the coming months…

The Honorable Janice Morris began her role as Rockdale County’s elected Clerk of Superior and State Courts on January 1, 2021. Not only was she a newly-elected clerk, but she was also facing a global pandemic triggered by COVID 19. The pandemic put her in a position whereby she had to immediately adjust normal processes and procedures to keep the courthouse open and comply with judicial laws and regulations. The first step upon entering the courthouse was for her to embrace the judges, district attorneys, public defenders, and the Rockdale County bar association members. She held a meeting with all…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson celebrated a monumental milestone on Monday, Jan. 9, marking 20 years of public service and the inauguration for his sixth term in office.   A crowd of supporters witnessed the inauguration, which was held at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center on Rainbow Drive. DeKalb County State Court Judge Johnny Panos performed the installation.   Johnson was first elected in 2002—at the time, becoming one of the youngest members to serve on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.    In 2021, Johnson was appointed to represent DeKalb County on a national level.…

STONECREST, GA—Volunteers from Flat Rock Archive Inc., East Suburban Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill and staff members of Arabia Mountain are joining forces for special service projects at the Lyon Farm, Historic Flat Rock Cemetery and the Flat Rock Archive Museum. The projects are being held in celebration of the Martin Luther King National Holiday on Monday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The organizations, their staff and families, board members, plus volunteers will perform cleanup, gardening, restorative work and other tasks at the three historic sites. “I am so excited about the partnership with the East Suburban…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—During its Regular Board Meeting Work Session today, DeKalb County Board of Education (DCBOE) members elected Diijon DaCosta, Sr. (District 6) as its new Board Chair. Deirdre P. Pierce (District 3) was unanimously selected as Vice Chair for 2023. “I am humbled by this honor to lead the DeKalb County Board of Education as its chairman. As a proud graduate, former teacher and district employee, father, and Board member, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that a high-quality public education has on our students and communities,” said DaCosta. “Working collaboratively with my fellow Board members, we will…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Jon Burns (R-Newington) was elected today (Jan. 9) as the 75th Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. Speaker Burns was elected by acclamation without opposition. “I am honored to have the trust and confidence of my colleagues in the House to serve as their Speaker,” said Speaker Burns. “My vision for the House is straightforward – the House will continue to lead. It will continue to be independent while working with our colleagues in the Senate and the Governor. It will continue to champion policies which keep Georgia a great place to live, to work, and…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett County Police Homicide Unit has identified and charged Wesley Vickers, 23, of Lilburn, with Aggravated Assault, Felony Murder and Malice Murder in connection with the death of Courtney Owens, 34, of Snellville. Vickers was arrested and taken into custody with the assistance of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit. Vickers is being held at the Gwinnett Detention Center. Owens was fatally shot on Dec. 9 around 2:30 p.m. at the Royal Court Motors car dealership on Centerville Highway hwere she worked, according to authorities.  When officers arrived on the scene, they found a female who was…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Through partnership with DeKalb County, Trees Atlanta’s Front Yard tree program, known as ReLeaf DeKalb, is available to residential owners in unincorporated DeKalb County. Eligible residents may have trees professionally planted in their front yard by Trees Atlanta. Requests can be submitted here. DeKalb County recently began its second year of ReLeaf DeKalb. ReLeaf DeKalb II encompasses two components: Residential Front Yards and Public Properties. Planting trees increases DeKalb’s tree canopy and enhances ecosystem benefits.   Officials are encouraging public property tree plantings also as a way for volunteers seeking to acquire community service hours. The following…