Author: On Common Ground News

The Chamblee Police Department responded to an incident on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 a.m. that was described as an apparent suicide at a business on Clairmont Road. “There is no danger to the public related to this incident and the DeKalb Medical Examiner is on the scene,” said Kerry Thomas, Chamblee Chief of Police. Currently, the Chamblee Police Department is investigating.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) will host the “East Metro Housing Resource Fair” on Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Voices of Faith Church in Conyers. During the event, individuals will receive information regarding mortgage, rental and utility payment assistance programs. Individuals will also have an opportunity to learn about the state’s home buyer and down payment assistance programs. Rental and utility assistance applications will be processed onsite. Financial literacy and budget sessions will also be conducted. Rep. Carter will be joined by the following officials from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs: Tracey Turman,…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – A Stone Mountain, Georgia man is in jail after he allegedly pointed a firearm at a woman and fired shots into the air on Stone Mill Way on Sept. 21. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office arrested Paul N. Donald, 43, at his residence Sept. 26 on charges of Aggravated Assault Weapon, a felony, and Reckless Conduct, a misdemeanor.  According to the arrest warrants, Donald pointed the weapon multiple times at Alyssa M. Monterroso and insinuated that he would kill her, then discharged the weapon several times as he drove into the roadway, officials said. No probable…

ATLANTA—Gov. Brian P. Kemp ordered the activation of the State Operations Center today, Sept. 26, to prepare for Tropical Storm Ian later in the week.   The state is making preparations in coordination with Director Chris Stallings of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), the National Weather Service, and other storm response partners, Kemp’s office said. According to the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Tropical Storm Ian is expected to begin rapidly strengthening today and will continue to do so through Tuesday, at which point it will become a Category 4 hurricane.…

DECATUR, GA – The Religious Affairs Committee of the NAACP DeKalb County Branch will host its inaugural Faith Festival on Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event will bring together churches and faith-based organizations across the county to share their resources and information with the community. The Faith Festival will be held at White Oak Hills Baptist Church, 5171 Redan Road in Stone Mountain, pastored by Dr. Jeffrey Easley.  The event is free to participate but registration is required.  This is an event for the entire family and for all faiths. To register as a participant, visit…

STONECREST, GA—The Stonecrest Citizens Coalition is demanding an explanation for the departure of Janice Allen Jackson, who abruptly resigned as city manager on last Tuesday (Sept.20). Mayor Jazzmin Cobble confirmed Jackson’s departure during a brief interview with On Common Ground News on last Thursday, Sept. 22, two days following Jackson’s resignation. Cobble, however, declined to state what led to Jackson’s sudden departure. Jackson confirmed that she resigned but also declined to discuss the matter further. Cobble said in a statement that interim acting Deputy City Manager Gerald Sanders and City Finance Director Gia Scruggs would oversee city administration, operations and…

STONECREST, GA—DeKalb County has closed the lines for those getting COVID-19 vaccinations today at The Mall at Stonecrest. Anyone currently in line will be served. DeKalb County is giving a $100 prepaid debit card to everyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot on Saturday, Sept. 24. In addition, see-through bookbags filled with school supplies are being distributed. DeKalb County Board of Health and DeKalb County Fire Rescue have been administering voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots to anyone 12 years of age and older. The DeKalb County School District and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce also partnered to…

STONCREST, GA – With the fall school break just a few days away, now’s the time to start planning some quality activities for the family. The City of Stonecrest’s Leisures Services Department and Be Someone Inc. Founder Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson are kicking off the break by partnering to bring his life-sized chess board to the Browns Mill Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 7, 1 – 3 p.m.  Families are encouraged to attend the exciting and fun two-hour event, where participants will learn that there are consequences—or rewards—for every move they make. “Not only will participants get an introduction to chess,…

ATLANTA—Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Commissioner Spencer R. Moore has been named First Vice Chair of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) International Board of Directors. AAMVA is a nonprofit organization comprised of state and provincial officials in the United States and Canada who administer and enforce motor vehicle laws. The AAMVA International Board guides the Association and is committed to enhancing safety and security through motor vehicle administration and law enforcement. Moore was elected by his peers to the International Board and has served in several roles.  He is positioned to serve next as AAMVA International…