Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA, – Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Robin Folsom, the former director of external affairs for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), has pleaded guilty to one count of Identity Fraud and three counts of False Statements. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Office of the State Inspector General (OIG) following a request from the GVRA regarding Folsom’s use of Family Medical Leave. “Those who work for the taxpayers of Georgia are expected to uphold high ethical standards and to fulfill their roles in an honest and transparent manner,” said Carr. “State employees who break this…

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has appointed MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher to the recently expanded Atlanta Public Safety Commission. The 21-person commission will develop a comprehensive public safety plan to deter crime and lawlessness and enhance safety throughout the City of Atlanta.   The commission also will be comprised of five working groups designed to focus on crime deterrence and the enforcement and application of existing laws within specific geographic areas of Atlanta aligned with the boundaries of the six Atlanta Police Zones. In addition to Chief Kreher serving on the commission, MARTA will appoint…

DECATUR, GA –DeKalb County Government is being recognized as a recipient of the 2022 Good Trouble Honor for its “Get Vaxxed” COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The Innovation in Government honor, awarded by the Center for Civic Innovation, recognizes “a local government agency, elected official, or civil servant who has broken through the status quo to lead a policy, program, project, or partnership to make our government more effective, equitable, responsive, and/or participatory.” The award was established in honor of the late, legendary iCongressman John Lewis, who dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights and getting into ”good trouble.” “DeKalb County is…

STONECREST, GA—Freedom Plasma is hosting a ribbon cutting and open house to give people in the Stonecrest area the chance to tour the state-of-the-art facility and learn more about the need for plasma donations. The ribbon cutting ceremony and tour will be held on Monday, April 4, 10 a.m., 3140 Turner Hill Road, Stonecrest. Donated plasma is used to create many life-saving medicines and plasma-based treatments, and there is a tremendous demand for plasma worldwide. The need for plasma increases between 6% and 8% every year. The United States provides 2/3 of the world’s plasma. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is inviting the community to attend his free event on Sunday, April 3, 3 to 6 p.m., at his Be Someone Training Facility, 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. In celebration of International Good Deeds Day, Hudson has planned several leadership activities, which will include allowing kids to play on his giant chess board. During the event, there will be music, free food, free T-shirts and giveaways, while supplies last. “I’m encouraging parents to bring their kids out for the event. I will be showing them how to make the right moves toward success through…

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA  — Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, “Master Motivator Teacher and Mentor,”, will hold his annual Spring Break Leadership Chess Camp April 4-8 in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The five-day leadership camp will be from 9 a.m. to noon. with early drop-off and late pickup available. Hudson will use his signature chess skills and abilities as he offers information, insight and advice on the importance of making every move in life count. Hudson has trained more than 88,000 students and his goal is to reach 1 million youngsters as he continues to train new teachers/motivators to spread the positive life…

DECATUR—DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson will host a Voter Registration Rally and Vaccination Clinic today at 5:30 p.m. The event is being held in celebration of Women’s History Month and will take place at the DeKalb County Voter Registration & Elections Office parking lot, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. March is recognized as Women’s History Month to honor and celebrate women’s achievements.  The event will be hosted by radio personality Sasha the Diva. Participating organizations include the Divine 9 Greek Organizations, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, National Council of Negro Women, 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, DeKalb…