Author: On Common Ground News

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…

ATLANTA – Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) today appointed a Committee on Assignments to determine committee assignments and leadership positions for the 2023-2024 legislative session. “I appreciate my colleagues who have agreed to join this committee and work with me to determine how to best utilize the tremendous talents of all of our House members,” said Speaker Burns. “This committee will work hard over the next few weeks interviewing members who apply for leadership positions, and we look forward to announcing a full committee roster as soon as our work is completed.” Speaker Burns has appointed the following members to the…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County will present its 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration program, “Cultivating a Beloved Community,” on Friday, Jan. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The King Day charge will be delivered by Daniel Blackman, regional administrator for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “This tribute marks the 39th consecutive year DeKalb will host the King celebration, making it the longest-running county-sponsored program in Georgia honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. Special musical guests will be JFly of How Big Is Your Dream?!…

ROCKDALE COUNTY—The Conyers-Rockdale Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium located at 903 Main Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 to hear items that are on their agenda. The agenda is attached hereto and the public is invited to attend. For more information, please contact the Rockdale County Department of Planning and Development at 770-278-7100 or by visiting the website at https://rockdalecountyga.gov/county-departments/planning-development/ Planning Commission Public Hearings Time: 6:00 pm When: 2nd Thursday of each month Where: Auditorium – 903 Main Street Board of Commissioners  Zoning Public Hearings Time: 6:00 pm When: 4th. Thursday of each month…

ATLANTA – House Speaker Pro-Tempore Jan Jones (R-Milton) today was elected by her colleagues in the Georgia House of Representatives to continue her service as the House Speaker Pro-Tempore for the 2023-2024 legislative term. “I want to thank my colleagues in the Georgia House of Representatives for continuing to put their confidence and trust in me for another legislative term,” said Speaker Pro-Tempore Jones. “The state of Georgia succeeds when its elected officials place good policy above politics. With Speaker Jon Burns at the helm, the Republican leadership team will continue to navigate the House towards sound, conservative policies that…

Atlanta, GA: The King Center will host the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service on Jan. 16, 10 a.m., at Ebenezer’s Horizon Sanctuary, 101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta. The service will broadcast live on FOX 5 Atlanta and livestream on Facebook, YouTube, fox4atlanta.com, and thekingcenter.org.  The 54th Annual Commemorative Service is the hallmark of the King Holiday Observance.  The Rev. Natosha Reid Rice and Pastor Sam Collier will preside over the event. The King Center CEO, the Rev. Bernice A. King, will give the Call to Commemoration.    This year’s keynote speaker is Bryan Stevenson, lawyer, social justice activist, law professor at New York University School of Law, and the…

ATLANTA–The Beloved Community Awards (formerly The Salute to Greatness Awards Gala) is back in-person and is one of the marquee events of The King Center’s week-long holiday experience. This year’s event, hosted by Malcolm Jamal Warner and Keisha Knight Pulliam, will feature musical performances by MAJOR, Deborah Cox, Goldford, and Angel Taylor. The ceremony will be held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m., and will stream on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and on thekingcenter.org, on Monday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. The Beloved Community Awards recognizes national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership, pursue…