Author: On Common Ground News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This month, Congressman Hank Johnson has launched a website – COURTREFORMNOW.COM – to highlight his extensive portfolio to reform and modernize the federal courts and The Supreme Court. “The justice system of our country has worked well over the centuries, but today public approval and confidence in our judiciary is down to historically low numbers,” Johnson said. “The time has come for Congress to take action to build public confidence in our judiciary. That is why I have a comprehensive plan to reform our courts and restore justice, accountability and trust.” Visitors to the website COURTREFORMNOW.COM can learn more about the…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Five of the 30 Georgia NFL draftees for 2022 hailed from three DeKalb County Schools football programs including Cedar Grove (3), Towers (1) and McNair (1). Towers graduate Devonte Wyatt (6-3, 315) was the first from DeKalb taken as the Green Bay Packers tapped the Georgia defensive tackle with the 28th pick of the first round on Thursday. Wyatt became the seventh former DCSD player to be a first-round pick. He is just the third Towers alum to be drafting joining Da’Norris Searcy (2011, Buffalo, 4th round) and Jimmy Poulus (1974,…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County is reporting 623 voters have turned in ballots as of May 2, the first day of the early voting period for the May 24 General Primary Election. The county has 60,329 active voters on its rolls. Early voting runs May 2-20 and is only available at one precinct: 1115 West Ave., Conyers. There is no voting at 1400 Parker Road. Voters must report to their assigned precincts on Election Day to cast their ballot in person.  A dropbox is available at the precinct where early voting is underway for those who wish to  use requested mail-in…

I love living in DeKalb, and I especially love my neighborhood.  I also happen to think Mr Thurmond is a great CEO but animal control is abysmal.   my neighbors and I have been been calling animal control for several years on one particular address and nothing has been done.  The latest event was the home owner was arrested yesterday leaving 9 dogs uncared for and they   were severely neglected before homeowner’s arrest.  They never go in the house and all 9 share one  dilapidated dog  house.  They drink water out of a plastic baby pool filled with dead insects and…

The City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) survey will be available online, May 1 – June 11   STONECREST, GA – Beginning May 1, the City of Stonecrest will invite residents, community organizations, business owners and stakeholders to participate in an online survey to assist officials in determining the best use of funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Act was signed into law on March 11, 2021. It is the sixth COVID-19 relief bill enacted and provides approximately $1.9 trillion in assistance. The City has been allocated $9.7 million in funding to address the negative impacts…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Education approved a one-year contract for interim Superintendent Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, a retired deputy superintendent for the district, during a special-called virtual meeting on Friday, April 29. Tinsley’s contract became effective April 26, 2022 and will be prorated. She will earn a base bi-weekly salary of $13,541.67 until April 25, 2024, unless terminated sooner, according to the employment contract. Tinsley formerly served as the Deputy Superintendent of Student Support & Intervention in the district. Tinsley begin her work with the district in 1994  as a school counselor and advanced in her career…

DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is co-sponsoring a rally and a canvassing event this weekend to reach teens and parents who may need support, resources and ongoing mentorship, and to encourage local residents and businesses to get involved in reducing crime and violence. The Stop The Madness Rally, in partnership with the Rockbridge Coalition, will take place Saturday, April 30, 9 to 11 a.m., at the intersection of Redan Road and S. Hairston Road, where two homicides occurred days apart last December at the local BP and Chevron gas stations. “In 2021, DeKalb County hit a homicide…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces a conviction by jury trial in the case against a DeKalb County man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting two young girls in his care.   Jurors returned guilty verdicts on April 18 against 33-year-old Justin Kenard King on charges of Rape, two counts of Aggravated Child Molestation, three counts of Child Molestation, and three counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree. At the time the abuse was discovered, the victims were 8 and 9 years old. The charges against King stem from an outcry by one of the victims to…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a special called meeting on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677. Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493. Agenda Convene a Special Called Meeting and Adopt Agenda Interview of finalist for Board Counsel Bonnie Levine III.Finalist for Ethics Officer position Elisa Murphy Adjourn a Special Called meeting

Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and Gwinnett Health Department officials are advising residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways after a cat tested positive for the rabies virus on April 27. Two adults were attacked by the cat in the East Crogan Street/Buford Drive area in Lawrenceville on April 26. The cat was contained by the City of Lawrenceville Police Department and taken to Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement’s facility. Foxes, raccoons and other wild animals carry diseases like rabies that can spread to people and pets through a bite or scratch. All…