Author: On Common Ground News

By Mackenzie N. Morgan Special to ocgnews.com ROCKDALE COUNTY–Dozens of family members traveled to visit Mary Ingram for her 101st birthday on Saturday, Aug. 6. Just a few years ago for Ingram’s 99th birthday, family members were joined by the Rockdale County Fire Department and Conyers Police Department. In addition to gifts of cards, candy and money, Ingram received a special telegram from family members on her birthday over the weekend.  A person dressed in a giant red heart serenaded Ingram as she sat in the shade of an oak tree in her yard flanked by dozens of family…

DECATUR, GA– On Friday, DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson extended her acknowledgments of the 109th birthday celebration of DeKalb County’s oldest citizen, Ms. Relda Beatrice Bennett Mackins, who was born on Aug. 7, 1913. Ms. Mackins was honored by her pastor, Rev. Vandy Simmons and her church, Antioch AME Church, 765 South Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, during the Sunday, Aug. 7, morning worship service. When asked her secret to long life, Mackins politely responds, “You have to ask JC (Jesus Christ).” Mackins daily routine entails a minimum of two 20-minute aerobic exercises on her indoor exercise bike. She said…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson has announced that her office has been selected to host Ruth Abunaw Arrengang, a Fellow from Cameroon in the Professional Development Experience (PDE) component of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Arrengang will participate as a Fellow from July 21 to Aug. 17, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. “We are delighted to host Ruth and support her journey of service to the people of her country,” said Commissioner Davis Johnson. “We hope that this visit will help to prepare her to be of greater service to…

ROCKDALE COUNTY,GA. –County leadership is evaluating ways to shrink the operating budget for fiscal year 2023, following the  Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) first two millage rate hearings on  Aug. 2. The county’s move came after dozens of residents, many of them elderly and on fixed incomes, pleaded with the board, saying that a proposed millage increase would pose a hardship as they faced rising food and gas costs, as well as challenges in paying for medications. They said they feared that a millage increase on top of soaring property values  could squeeze them out of their homes. One senior citizen…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Human Services Department Office of Youth Services is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 DeKalb County Youth Commission.  The Youth Commission is a leadership program for DeKalb County students in grades 10-12. Program participants learn the roles of county government, take part in civic and community activities, and serve as a voice for DeKalb youths regarding current issues. The DeKalb Youth Commission program is held annually from September to April. Selection for the program includes a competitive process that requires students to submit a completed application along with an essay and a referral from a community…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– Gwinnett County again is being recognized nationally for its innovative services — several times over. The County won a record-breaking 11 National Association of Counties Achievement Awards for various programs implemented last year. This is the highest award count the County has received since the award program’s 1970 inception. “This is an amazing example of not just the hard work County employees put in daily, but the heart and passion that goes into their work,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “I’m so proud that we’ve been able to maintain the stellar services our residents are accustomed to…

DECATUR, GA— Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will host an informational town hall to help DeKalb County residents gain a better understanding of the millage rate, as well as how their annual property tax liability is assessed. The DeKalb County Property Tax & Millage Rate Town Hall will be held on Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. and will take place virtually on Zoom. County programs including the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) collects sales taxes throughout the year and use the revenue to offset property tax increases for eligible homeowners. Despite the cushion EHOST provides, many residents are…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 43-year-old Ellenwood, Georgia man on charges of shooting another man during an altercation at his residence on July 24, 2022. According to arrest warrants, Tomeaco Staples was shot in the chest and arm as he allegedly attempted to diffuse an argument between Fabain Leon Gaither and other unnamed persons. Warrants say that Gaither, an acquaintance, pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and fired several times, injuring Staples. No motive was given for the shooting. Gaither is charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, both felonies. He…