Author: On Common Ground News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced that he secured the inclusion of more than $15 million for 13 community projects in Georgia’s Fourth District in the FY23 appropriations – Congress’s annual spending plan. The inclusion of this funding in the Appropriations Committee bills is the first step in the budgetary process. The funding will make a critical difference in throughout Georgia’s Fourth District, including projects for MARTA, workforce development, affordable housing, resources for foster youth, education, PATH walking and biking trails, victims of domestic violence and legal aid for constituents who cannot afford an attorney, Johnson said.…

STONECREST, GA– The City of Stonecrest voted to rollback its millage rate for the second consecutive year at a July 6 Special Called meeting. The City Council’s adopted millage rate of 1.257 mills represents a decrease from 1.336 mills in 2021. The City of Stonecrest maintains a solid fund balance, officials stated in a news release. Each year, the Board of Tax Assessors is required by state law to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property within the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate there has…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a Gateway to Fishing Program, July 9, 8 a.m. to noon, at Wade Walker Park, 5585 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain. The event will take place at the fishing pond. The free event is designed to encourage fishing in metro and suburban parks and other public waters that are easily accessible to home for Georgians. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources strives to partner and host youth fishing classes and improve accessibility for communities to enjoy. The event will also include…

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CONYERS, GA—Don’t head to the kitchen for dinner. Take a break. Sankofa House, Inc. is inviting families to bring their children to enjoy a sit-down dinner July 5- 29, Monday through Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. Sankofa House is located at 1240 Sigman Road N.W., Conyers (in the plaza next to Voices of Faith Ministries in Conyers. Children must be present for parents to eat free. For more information, call Miselinda Agbaka at 678-524-1971.

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs’ Friends of Flat Shoals Park will host its annual “Book it to the Park” book drive on Saturday, July 9 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Flat Shoals Park, 4522 Flat Shoals Pkwy. Decatur. The Friends of Flat Shoals Park began hosting the “Book it to the Park” event shortly after the installation of the new book box in 2017. Officials say the book box has been a success and is heavily utilized by youths in the community. In an effort to support literacy and reach the goal of receiving 300 books,…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department will host Movies in the Park during the month of July. Every Wednesday, in various locations across the county, a movie will be shown at dusk, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and food for each showing. All movies featured will be PG-13 and below rated films and appropriate for all ages to enjoy. Movie Schedule July 6, Bouldercrest Park July 13, Lithonia Pool July 20, Wade Walker Park Tennis Court July 27, Mason Mill Park For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public…

CONYERS, GA–After 52 years of law enforcement service, nearly 12 as City of Conyers Police Chief, Gene Wilson has retired Scott Freeman, who has served as deputy chief of police for four years, has been named his successor to lead the Conyers Police Department. “Chief Wilson’s service as chief to the citizens of Conyers came at a critical time in our city’s history as far as growth and in successfully policing and managing crime,” said City Manager Tony Lucas. “We cannot thank him enough for his service to our city, as well as his stellar career in law enforcement serving…

DECATUR, GA—A former employee of the Java Monkey Coffee House in Decatur has been convicted of setting the fire that destroyed the coffee house in 2018. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on June 30 against Rickey Thomas, 32, on charges of Arson in the First Degree, Arson in the Second Degree, Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree, and Burglary in the Second Degree, in connection with the fire. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston’s office said that Thomas was sentenced to a term of 30 years to serve 10. A restitution hearing will be scheduled at a later date,…