Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR,GA—The City of Decatur has appointed Renae Jackson as its first Equity and Engagement Director.   Jackson has worked for the City since 2007, most recently as the Communications Manager/Public Information Officer. She has an undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Arts from Agnes Scott College.  Jackson serves as the co-chair of the City’s Employee Equity and Inclusion team and is overseeing the development of an Equity Action Plan in partnership with the Common Good Agency. She has introduced city employees to racial equity training through the Racial Equity Institute and organized the anti-racist speaker…

GWINNETT COUNTY—The Gwinnett Police Homicide Unit has charged Requel Rayshawn Johnson, 20, and Antonio Montez Payne , 17, with Aggravated Assault and Felony Murder in connection with the shooting death of Nelson Cisneros , 22. The suspects and the victim are all from Norcross, GA, authorities said. Johnson and Payne were arrested and taken into custody with the assistance of the Gwinnett Police Gang Unit and Gwinnett Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit. They are being held at the Gwinnett Detention Center without bond. According to authorities, the shooting occurred on Dec. 15 around 7 p.m. on Stanton Court in Norcross. Police…

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will hold a job fair for bus operators and journeyman bus technicians on Thursday, Jan. 5, 3 to 7 p.m. at MARTA headquarters, located across from the Lindbergh Center rail station on Piedmont Road in Atlanta. MARTA is offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus and will train all Permit and Class C (regular) license holders for their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). WHAT:  Bus Operator, Journeyman Bus Technician Job Fair Pay starting at $17.74/hr. for operators and $23.91/hr. for technicians MARTA will train all Permit and Class C (regular) license holders for their CDL $3,000…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Superior Court judges have appointed Judge Fatima A. El-Amin as the next chief judge of the DeKalb County Juvenile Court, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Judge El-Amin is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Judge El-Amin attended W.D. Mohammed High School in DeKalb County and completed her collegiate studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Judge El-Amin received her J.D. degree from Emory University School of Law. Judge El-Amin has served as a full Juvenile Court judge since 2014. She presides over dependency, delinquent, and traffic cases. She also presides over the DeKalb County Juvenile Drug Treatment…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– In its first major vote of the year, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners(BOC) on Jan. 3 approved its 2023 budget of $2.27 billion. The board’s resolution consists of a $1.78 billion operating budget and a $488 million capital improvements budget, which includes funds from the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program. Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said the budget addresses challenges facing the county, including hiring and retaining a qualified workforce, inflation, and supply chain disruptions. “Our vision is to ensure Gwinnett is the preferred community where everyone thrives, and this budget takes strides…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County homeowners will have the option to apply online for special homestead exemptions beginning Jan. 3, 2023. Seniors ages 62 and older, disabled residents and veterans may still file in person or submit their documents by dropbox. DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson announces the transition from in-person, paper-based application submissions to online application process for special homestead exemptions. Special exemptions are additional tax savings for eligible senior citizens ages 62 and older, disabled veterans and disabled residents. Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for all senior exemptions. “Providing the highest level of customer service continues to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 9, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/84958022051.  The meeting can be joined by phone at 602-333-0032 or 1-888-270-9936 and using the conference code 482992. The meeting agenda follows: APPROVAL OF December 12, 2022, MINUTES INFORMATION/OLD BUSINESS DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Mario Evans Airport Master Plan Update –  www.pdkmasterplan.com NOISE REPORT – Korey Barnes December 2022 and 2022 Annual Noise and Operations Report OTHER III.  NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC COMMENTS

CONYERS, GA—A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Monday, Jan. 9. The facility was closed after several pipes burst due to subfreezing temperatures. Repairs are underway to clean up water damage inside the building, officials stated in a letter to parents.   “While we recognize this closure presents an inconvenience and hardship for many families, the safety of our Club members and staff remains our top priority. Once restoration is complete and it is safe to reopen our Blue doors, we will notify families and staff immediately,” the letter stated. For questions or concerns,…