Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 13 approved a Video Surveillance Ordinance that will require convenience stores and high-risk businesses to own and operate a video surveillance system. “With the ongoing violence and crime DeKalb County is experiencing, particularly at gas and service stations, the approval of this ordinance couldn’t be more dire,” said DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “The ordinance will be a valuable tool in deterring crime and serving justice to anyone who engages in criminal activity at a DeKalb gas or service station.” Convenience stores and other high-risk businesses must be in compliance…

Congressman Hank Johnson’s office is inviting interested high school seniors in the Fourth Congressional District to apply for the $40,000 Future of STEM Scholars Initiative Scholarship. The program is open to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend an Historically Black College or University(HBCU). Applications will close on Jan. 31, 2023. The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) is a scholarship program for students who plan to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs.) The American Chemistry Council has partnered alongside HBCU Week Foundation, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and Chemours to make the program possible. In addition to…

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and Atlanta Board of Education Student Advisory Council will lead a “Stand With Me” rally on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m., to make a public stance against gun violence amongst peers and provide a call to action to city leaders and the Atlanta community. The rally will be held on the City Hall steps , 68 Mitchell St., Atlanta. APS Superintendent Lisa Herring, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Board of Education members, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and other dignitaries will attend the rally. The rally will take place just before the last day…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Health will host the Rock the Ribbon Festival this Saturday, Dec. 17, 1 until 5 p.m., in the Covington Place Shopping Center, located on Covington Highway in Decatur. The Rock the Ribbon Festival is a community event to promote HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and support of people living with HIV/AIDS in observance of World AIDS Day in December. Junior of Magic 107.5/97.5 and the Steve Harvey Morning Show will host the fun-filled event, which is open to all ages an dwill include free food, music, circus acts, bounce houses, games, and more. Guests…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA.— On Saturday, Dec. 17, DeKalb County Government is partnering with local faith leaders to celebrate the 2022 holiday season by distributing 5,000 boxes of food. “The rising cost of groceries will make it more difficult for families to put food on their tables during this holiday season,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “DeKalb County Government and our faith leaders are grateful for the opportunity to help provide some holiday joy to hardworking families.” Along with a 10-pound bag of chicken hindquarters, residents will receive one 20-pound box of food that will include fruits, vegetables and a…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit is asking for public assistance in locating a murder suspect. A murder warrant has been issued for Rakwon Sadek Brooks, 25, in connection with the July 1, 2022 shooting death of Quakari Freeman on Holcombe Road in Decatur. If located, do not approach, as this suspect may be armed. Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Rakwon Sadek Brooks is asked to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit by calling CrimeStoppers at 404-577- TIPS. You may be eligible for a reward, if the information you provide leads to…

Voices of Faith Church has announced that it will usher in the New Year with a renewed mission to attract new members at its Stone Mountain and Conyers, GA campuses. Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., who founded Voices of Faith 28 years ago, said the church is rebranding itself with a new logo and new worship services. The changes will become effective on Jan. 1, 2023. “The year 2023 will be a year of resurgence for Voices of Faith Church,” said Bishop Hawkins. “We have remodeled our sanctuary and we have new service times that will allow us to attract those…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA. – In observance of Christmas Day on Monday, Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day on Monday, Jan. 2, sanitation service for residential customers will be based on a revised holiday schedule as follows: Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2 – Christmas Day and New Year’s Day observed. No collection service. Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 3 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection days are Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2, will be serviced on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 3. Wednesday, Dec. 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 4 – Residential customers whose regularly…