Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Despite public outcry at three separate public hearings, the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners approved an 18.69 percent millage rate increase on Aug. 12. Commissioner Doreen Williams defended the increase from 16.69 percent, saying the additional 2 mill was needed to build a new courthouse. Said Williams: “The millage rate last year has been 16.69. As we have looked at the needs of the court, judicial complex and courthouse and administration building, we really cannot postpone that anymore. It’s been postponed for so many years…” Williams said dedicating the 2 mill would allow the county “to go to…

By Mark Brock DECATUR, GA—Southwest DeKalb High School junior golfer Ethan Quitman’s year-long dream came true when he was selected to hit the Hope First Tee Ceremonial Tee Shot to kick off the 2022 Tour Championship on August 25 at East Lake Golf Club. “I didn’t know about the tee shot until we went to the tournament last year,” said Quitman. “I knew then I wanted to get the opportunity.” He also picked up a $5,000 Hope First Tee scholarship to help with his college tuition. He had to apply for the opportunity, write an essay, and play a…

DECATUR, GA— Today, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond announced a 6.5-percent starting salary increase for all sworn police officers, making them the highest paid among large local governments in the state. “Protecting the lives and well-being of our residents and businesses is our top priority,” CEO Thurmond said. “Our Keep DeKalb Safe plan focuses on retention, recruitment, hiring and violence interruption.” Effective Oct. 1, 2022, the starting annual salaries for new hires will be as follows: $50,500 for police recruits, up from $47,000. $3,000 hiring incentive. $52,000 for POST-certified police officers, up from $50,931. To help increase the applicant pool for…

DECATUR, GA –– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said that two inmates have died this week in unrelated incidents while in custody of the DeKalb County Jail. College Park resident Michael Assevero, 65, was found hanging in his jail cell and unresponsive on Sunday, Aug. 14, and was pronounced deceased following unsuccessful emergency medical treatment by on-site inmate health services and DeKalb EMS. Preliminary reports indicate suicide as the apparent cause of death. Assevero had been in custody of DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office since Aug. 11, 2022 after being arrested on a warrant for Failure to Appear in court on…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—Gwinnett County soon will have a new Housing and Community Development Division operating within its Department of Planning and Development. This division was created as a response to one of the recommendations in a housing study requested by the Board of Commissioners. Matt Elder has been named as the division’s director. He has nearly a decade of experience in housing and community development and served the last four years as the director of HomeFirst Gwinnett. Elder will join the County on Aug. 22. “Matt played a pivotal role into the creation of the County’s first homeless shelter for women and…

GWINNETT COUNTY— Gwinnett County’s Purchasing Division invites business vendors to learn how to do business with the County’s 14 departments and partner agencies. The County’s 14th annual Supplier Networking Event will be held Thursday, Aug. 18, 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. Prospective vendors are invited to drop in and meet with buyers and contracting officers from County departments, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, and other partner agencies, metro counties, and cities. Gwinnett County is one of the county’s largest employers. For more…

DECATUR–The Rev. Quincy Lavelle Carswell,II has been named lead Chaplain for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office under the administration of Sheriff Melody Maddox.  Carlswell will succeed Dr. Curtis Crocker, Jr., who is retiring after serving in the position since 2007. With over 30 years in ministry, Crocker pastors Metropolitan Church in Columbus, GA. His bio states that he  was licensed and ordained at New Mercies Christian Church in Lilburn, GA under Pastor Jesse Curney, III. He was a founding member of New Mercies and a deacon. Crocker is active in the Atlanta area and Columbus, including his participation as a member of…

DECATUR, GA –   The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is inviting citizens from DeKalb County to join the agency as volunteer staff workers in various operations including the DeKalb County Jail. Sheriff Melody M. Maddox is launching the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program this month by offering positions that will supplement and support civilian and sworn staff responsibilities. “This opportunity to engage with individuals from the communities we serve has the potential of becoming an ongoing alliance for improved public safety throughout the county,” says Sheriff Maddox. “Our experience with volunteers is that people want to contribute their time and talents…